The program offers resources to help older adults struggling with property tax bills

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH - Need help paying property taxes? Cuyahoga County wants to help! Applications are now open for the Cuyahoga County Taxpayer Assistance Program.

The program, operated in partnership with CHN Housing Partners, is a lifeline for eligible seniors who are delinquent on their property taxes and need support to stay in their homes.

The Taxpayer Assistance Program offers up to $10,000 in one-time direct assistance to qualified County taxpayers aged 70 or older with active delinquency. In addition to direct aid, the program also includes housing counseling services to equip recipients with the necessary tools to catch up on their taxes and make informed housing decisions in the future.

The Treasurer’s Office is utilizing the County’s Delinquent Tax & Assessment Collection Fund to support the pilot program. This program has an initial budget of $2.5 million annually for two years. $2 million each year will be allocated for direct assistance for taxpayers, while $500,000 annually will be designated for housing counseling services.

“This new program demonstrates Cuyahoga County’s commitment to do what we can to help our most financially vulnerable seniors get back on track and stay there,” said County Treasurer Brad Cromes. “We are grateful for the expertise CHN Housing Services brings to the table and look forward to partnering with them to deliver for our residents.”

How to Qualify:

To qualify for the direct assistance, resident must:

• Maintain a primary residence in Cuyahoga County with an active certified tax delinquency
• Be the primary or joint owner
• Be aged 70 years or greater
• Have a household income of less than $70,000 per year
• Establish a delinquent tax payment contract for any remaining delinquency
• Participate in the Easy Pay installment payment program for future taxes
• Participate in housing counseling services with CHN Housing Partners, including a counseling session, completion of a budget, and demonstration of on-going ability to pay

How Funding can be Used:

Qualifying applicants can utilize Taxpayer Assistance Program funding to:

• Pay certified delinquent property taxes
• Pay late property taxes
• Pay current property taxes
• Pay foreclosure fees and court costs related to a pre-existing foreclosure
• To satisfy pre-existing tax lien certificates

Get Started:

Residents can apply online at chnhousingpartners.tfaforms.net/5051084

Applicants must provide proof of residence, income, and household membership qualification.

For further assistance, please contact the Treasurer’s Office at 216-443-7400 Option 1 or treascomment@cuyahogacounty.gov.

CHN Housing Partners will process applications on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional screening criteria may apply and will be detailed in application materials. Assistance is available one time per household. Applicants who have received prior assistance from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency’s Utility Assistance Plus program (administered locally by CHN Housing Partners) are not eligible for further assistance under this program.