President Preckwinkle Extends Application Deadline for $20 Million COVID-19 Recovery Rental Assistance Program for Residents of Suburban Cook County

Today, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development and the Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) announced the application deadline extension for the Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Rental Assistance program. 

Effective today, applications will be accepted through Monday, August 24, at 4:00 pm. The decision to extend the program comes after recent weather scenarios that left portions of the County's residents without power, internet and other vital services. 

"In addition to the ongoing Cook County emergency support, it is important to ensure a fair opportunity for residents to take full advantage of the critical Cook County relief services – such as our Rental Assistance program," said President Toni Preckwinkle.

The launch of a $20 million rental assistance program is part of the County's ongoing efforts to provide financial relief to renters impacted during the pandemic. Applicants will have an opportunity to apply to receive up to three months of rental assistance. Payments will be made directly to landlords on behalf of tenants.

The funding will be available to renter households with incomes under 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) who have unpaid rent balances charged during the pandemic. Additionally, 25% is targeted at what is called Disparately Impacted Areas. Using the County's equitable distribution model, we are committing 25% to the hardest-hit communities throughout suburban Cook County to ensure direct assistance is available to help residents.

Residents can review their eligibility and apply for rental assistance at www.cookcountyil.gov/recovery. Applications are available through the online portal in numerous languages, including Spanish, Polish, Russian, Korean, Chinese, Arabic, and Hindi.

A lottery system will award the available rental assistance funding. Payments will go out on a rolling basis as quickly as possible to provide timely relief.

The Rental Assistance program is a part of Cook County's COVID-19 Recovery Initiative, which includes zero-interest loans for small businesses and contractors, emergency housing for shelter residents, and those re-entering from the justice system, and tax relief for businesses. For more information, visit www.cookcountyil.gov/recovery.

Download the overview and Frequently Asked Questions in English, Spanish, or Polish.

To receive updates on COVID-19 via text message, text ALERTCOOK to 888-777.