Flood Damage Assistance Suburban Cook County

Program Overview

In April and May 2013 severe storms caused significant flooding and sewer backup to homes in suburban Cook County. As a result of these storms, the Bureau of Economic Development at the Cook County Department of Planning and Development recently secured funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide one-time Residential Resiliency Program grants of up to $25,000 to help homeowners directly impacted by flooding and sewer backup in Spring 2013 repair damage to their homes and minimize the risk future flooding. Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago is administering these grants in suburban Cook County communities south of 39th Street/Pershing Road. North West Housing Partnership is managing the program in northern Cook County.

General Eligibility Requirements

Grants are available to owner-occupied, single-family (1-4 unit) homes in suburban Cook County. City of Chicago residents are not eligible for the grant. Additional requirements include:

  • Owned the home prior to April 2013
  • Meet household income requirements. See Income Eligibility below.
  • Can prove home was flooded between April and May 2013 through insurance claims, photographs, etc.

Eligible Repairs

Grant funds can be used to install flood prevention-related improvements and help repair any remaining damage caused by the 2013 flooding and sewer backup. Grant funds cannot be used to reimburse the cost of already completed repairs. Eligible repairs include:

  • Installation of backwater valves, overhead sewer, ejector pumps, interior drain tile, and improved landscape grading to help prevent future flooding
  • Installation or replacement of sump pump and French drains
  • Foundation wall repair
  • Removal of mold, asbestos, or lead-based paint
  • Replacement of gutters and downspouts
  • Replacement of furnace, boiler, or hot water heater
  • Additional repairs may be eligible on a case-by-case basis

Income Eligibility

Grants are available to low to moderate-income households earning up to 80% Area Median Income for Cook County as determined by HUD. See table below to determine preliminary eligibility. Household size and income will be verified via tax returns and pay stubs during the application process. If you are not sure about your income eligibility, please call NHS at 708-627-3071.

Cook County Area Median Income Chart:

Extr. Low-Income (30%)Very Low-Income (50%)Low-Income (80%)

1 Person

2 Person

3 Person

4 Person

5 Person

6 Person

7 Person

8 Person

Extr. Low-Income (30%)

$16,150

$18,450

$20,750

$24,300

$28,440

$32,580

$36,730

$40,890

Very Low-Income (50%)

$26,950

$30,800

$34,650

$38,450

$41,550

$44,650

$47,700

$50,800

Low-Income (80%)

$43,050

$49,200

$55,350

$61,500

$66,450

$71,350

$76,300

$81,200