Relief ASSISTANCE Available for Cook County Flood Victims
The Illinois REALTORS® Relief Foundation, in partnership with the Illinois REALTORS® and the Chicago Association of REALTORS®, is offering up to $500 in housing relief for homeowners and renters in Cook County impacted by the July and August 2025 floods. These back-to-back storms caused widespread destruction, damaging homes, displacing families and leaving thousands of residents with significant property loss.
Funds are limited and awarded on a first come, first serve basis. The deadline to apply is January 15th, 2026. This initiative helps homeowners and renters recover from housing-related damages and begin rebuilding stronger. Together with local REALTORS®, community leaders and Alders, the Chicago Association of REALTORS® is connecting affected residents with critical resources and support.
Together, we can ensure affected residents get the support they need to recover and rebuild.
Don’t forget: review the eligibility requirements & required documentation below.
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Application Requirements & Types of Financial Relief Available
Types of Assistance:
Eligible applicants may receive help with one of the following:
- Mortgage payments for a damaged primary residence
- Temporary rent due to displacement
- Unreimbursed home losses such as insurance deductibles or uncovered damage
Assistance is for housing relief only. Vehicle expenses (purchase, rental, repair or mileage) are not eligible.
Criteria For Applicants:
To be considered, you must provide the following:
- Proof of Residency (ie. driver’s license or other governmental documentation evidencing residency)
- Copy of Mortgage Statement or Mortgage Payment Coupon or Rent Statement or Lease Agreement or replacement estimate, insurance estimate (i.e. Documentation for the grant request)
- Photos Showing Damage
One of the following is required to show proof of damage to your primary residence:
- Insurance summary page
- Copies of Written Claims, Settlement Proceeds or Claim Status Reports
- Copies of Repair Estimates from contractors
Eligibility:
Applicants must:
- Be a full-time Cook County resident
- Be a U.S. citizen or legally admitted for residence in the U.S.
Applications are reviewed anonymously to ensure fairness.
Confidentiality:
Information is kept confidential and shared only to verify eligibility or process assistance. If needed, details may be shared with your lender or landlord.
Disbursement:
- Grants are distributed first-come, first-served, based on funds availability.
- The Illinois REALTORS® Relief Foundation may accept, reject or cancel applications as needed.
Apply early to ensure consideration before January 15th, 2026.