Eligible homeowners in Englewood, South Shore, and the Lower West Side could receive up to $5,000 toward unpaid property taxes through a new city pilot. Applications are open through November 20, 2026, or until funding runs out.
Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the Property Tax Debt Relief Pilot Program on October 22. The $500,000 initiative aims to help qualifying homeowners at risk of a tax sale because of unpaid property taxes for the 2023 or 2024 tax year.
Who qualifies?
According to the mayor’s office, applicants must meet all of these requirements:
- Own the property and live in it as their primary residence.
- Have a household income at or below 100% of the Area Median Income.
- Owe eligible unpaid property taxes for Tax Year 2023 or 2024.
- Provide the required personal information.
The pilot targets properties the city has already identified by property index number, or PIN. Initial outreach focuses on homes within the Jackson Park Housing Pilot community that are at risk of a tax sale in December 2026 or March 2027. Living in one of the three listed neighborhoods—or receiving a letter from the city—does not guarantee assistance.
How to apply
Homeowners can find the application on the city’s program page. The city is administering the pilot with United Way of Metro Chicago and 211 Metro Chicago. If you need help navigating the application process, call 2-1-1 to speak with a live representative.
The city is also mailing letters to homeowners who may qualify. The application deadline is November 20, but the window could close earlier if funding runs out.
