Cook County homeowners hit by high property taxes may qualify for tax relief
The one-time, $1,000 payments are available to residents who have experienced a 50 percent increase in their property taxes since 2021.
In April, the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved a measure to offer one-time relief to eligible homeowners facing financial strain from rising property taxes. Qualifying residents will receive $1,000 stipends through the Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund. Last fall, the board earmarked $15 million for a tax relief fund.
Applications open this summer. Depending upon the number of eligible applicants, awards may be distributed by lottery.
According to a news release, qualifying households must earn no more than 100 percent of the Area Median Income for their household size. They must also have experienced a property tax increase of at least 50 percent in any year since 2021.
According to Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, this move follows record property tax bill spikes across the south suburbs—19.9 percent. Thirteen of the 15 municipalities that saw 30 percent or more hikes are majority Black.
The County contracted AidKit, Inc. to administer the program, allocating $1.4 million of the $15 million relief fund to cover administrative costs.
Official business
The board passed a measure to include Middle Eastern and North African options in County demographic questions. The state passed similar legislation in 2023, going into effect in early 2024. Advocates for the measure said it would bring more representation to issues facing the Arab-American, or MENA, community. Cook County is home to more Palestinian people than any other county in the U.S. and is home to many more MENA communities.
We’re filling the void after the collapse of local newspapers decades ago. But we can’t do it without reader support.
Help us continue to publish stories like these
Author
Related Articles
Cook County Assessor Candidate Questionnaire: Fritz Kaegi
Elected in 2018, incumbent Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi is seeking a third term in the March 17 primary.
Cook County Assessor Candidate Questionnaire: Pat Hynes
A volunteer firefighter and Lyons Township Assessor, Pat Hynes is a Democratic candidate in the March 17 primary for Cook County Assessor.
Ald. Shirley Drewenski sworn in as Harvey’s acting mayor while nepotism allegations sour clerk appointment
Plus, City Council votes to terminate the delayed and long-criticized community hubs and police substation project, which has created eyesores citywide.
