Will County Gazette

The Cook County Board of Commissioners has established a $15 million Homeowner Relief Fund aimed at assisting residents impacted by rising property tax bills. The initiative comes as part of Cook County's efforts to address the challenges associated with property taxes, alongside ongoing discussions with the Property Tax Reform Group (PTAX), which is working on equitable tax policies.

The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development will manage the fund, providing one-time $1,000 payments to eligible households. The application process is anticipated to begin in the summer, with distributions following soon after.

"It's crucial that we support homeowners struggling with rising property tax bills," stated County Board President Toni Preckwinkle in a press release. She emphasized the fund's role in offering immediate relief, noting it complements broader strategies under development for systemic tax reform.

Eligibility for the assistance requires households to earn no more than 100 percent of the area's median income based on household size. A family of four, for example, must have an income of $119,900 or lower to qualify. Additionally, applicants need to demonstrate a minimum 50 percent property tax increase in any year since 2021.

AidKit, Inc. will administer the program, handling applications, support, and the disbursement of payments. Should applications exceed available funds, a lottery system might be implemented to determine recipients.

Commissioner Bridget Gainer hosted a public hearing in September, collecting feedback from homeowners facing difficulties due to escalating property taxes. "We've talked with thousands of homeowners who are struggling to keep up," she remarked. Gainer stressed that property tax growth is outpacing income, driving families from their communities. She views the fund as an immediate support measure while advocating for substantive legislative change at the state level.

The decision to create the fund was made by the Cook County board in October 2024, integrated into the 2025 budget approved the following November.