Assistance programs for Hamilton County homeowners: Find relief for mortgages, utilities, taxes, and repairs
The federal government, the State of Ohio, Hamilton County, the City of Cincinnati, and various local organizations provide financial and public assistance to ease the burden of homeownership. Homeowner assistance programs are designed to help homeowners maintain safe and energy-efficient homes, thereby reducing the likelihood of foreclosures and unsafe living conditions.
This article is current as of the publication date. Readers are encouraged to verify the information before taking action.
Featured Program
Revive + Thrive Home Repair Loan Program
Allows homeowners to make essential home repairs with affordable loans at a low 2% interest rate, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.
Eligibility: Single-family Hamilton County homeowners who have lived there for at least 6 months, with incomes at or below 80% of the AMI.
Mortgage, Utility, and Property Tax Relief and Assistance for Hamilton County Homeowners
Residential Property Tax Assistance
Homestead Property Tax Relief
1-800-282-1780
Allows low-income, older, and permanently disabled Ohio homeowners to reduce their property taxes with a credit of up to $25,000 of the market value of their homes.
Eligibility: Ohio resident homeowners who are not currently receiving homestead, qualify under the means test, are at least 65 years old or turn 65 in the year for which they apply, are permanently disabled as of January 1 of the year, or is the surviving spouse of a person who was receiving the previous homestead exemption at the time of death, and where the surviving spouse was at least 59 years old on the date of death.
| Income Threshold for TY 2024 Real Property and TY 2025 Manufactured or Mobile Home | Income Threshold for TY 2025 Real Property and TY 2026 Manufactured or Mobile Home |
| $38,600 | $40,000 |
City of Cincinnati Residential Tax Abatement for New and Renovated Homes
513-352-6146
Allows owners to pay taxes on the pre-improvement value of their property for up to 15 years. Property tax abatement is available for any increased valuation resulting from property improvements for new construction and renovation. Value limits apply.
Eligibility: Must have property in the City of Cincinnati and pay a $250 application fee to qualify. The City of Cincinnati also has dedicated funds to assist low-income applicants with the $250 application fee. To be eligible for the Application Fee Assistance, an applicant’s gross household income cannot exceed 80% of the AMI.
Treasurer’s Optional Payment (TOP) Program
513-946-4800
Allows residential and commercial property owners to prepay their real estate taxes in installments. The voluntary program allows property owners to prepay each future tax bill in five installments. It is similar to an escrow account with a financial institution. There is no service charge associated with the program.
Eligibility: Taxes must be current or in a delinquent contract. The funds cannot be used to pay taxes already owed.
Contesting Your Property Value
513-946-4035
Allows homeowners to contest a property value by filing a complaint with the Hamilton County Board of Revision. Board decisions are based on property values, not tax dollars. Challenges must be filed between January 1 and March 31 of the year following the assessment. The Board of Revision office can provide necessary forms, instructions, and guidelines for filing a challenge.
Eligibility: Any owner of property in Hamilton County
Related Article: Cincinnati job assistance and workforce development programs
Utility Assistance for Homeowners
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
800-282-0880
Gives Ohioians a non-crisis one-time benefit directly to home heating or fuel bills.
Eligibility: Ohioans with a household size of eight or less, and income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines
| Number of People in Household | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 175% FPG | 12-Month Income Limit | $27,387.50 | $37,012.50 | $46,637.50 | $56,262.50 | $65,887.50 |
| 175% FPG | 30-Day Income Limit | $2,251.03 | $3,042.12 | $3,833.22 | $4,624.32 | $5,415.41 |
Chart Source | Income levels for July 2025-May 2026
Summer/Winter Crisis Program
513-685-4478
Provides a one-time benefit of up to $175 to help reconnect utility services after being shut off. Funding is also available for households that use bulk fuel.
Eligibility: Must be at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, reside in Hamilton County, and provide required documents.
| Number of People in Household | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 175% FPG | 12-Month Income Limit | $27,387.50 | $37,012.50 | $46,637.50 | $56,262.50 | $65,887.50 |
| 175% FPG | 30-Day Income Limit | $2,251.03 | $3,042.12 | $3,833.22 | $4,624.32 | $5,415.41 |
Chart Source | Income levels for November 2025-March 2026
Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP)
800-282-0880
Helps eligible Ohioans manage their energy bills throughout the year. Payments are based on a percentage of household income and are consistent throughout the year. The minimum monthly payment is $10.
Eligibility: Hamilton County residents with a household income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines
| Number of People in Household | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 175% FPG | 12-Month Income Limit | $27,387.50 | $37,012.50 | $46,637.50 | $56,262.50 | $65,887.50 |
| 175% FPG | 30-Day Income Limit | $2,251.03 | $3,042.12 | $3,833.22 | $4,624.32 | $5,415.41 |
Chart Source | 2025
Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati Customer Assistance Program
513-244-1300
Allows low-income senior citizens to receive a 25% discount on their monthly sewer bill (including the minimum base and commodity charges).
Eligibility: 65 years or older; own and live in the residence for which they are paying the MSD sewer bill; have a Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) of no more than $41,000 for tax year 2025.
Phone Assistance
Lifeline Free Phone Service Program
866-488-8719
Provides a free phone, 10 GB data, unlimited talk and text, and free international calling with no contract or hidden fees.
Eligibility: Receives other government assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, etc., or has a household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level.
| Number of People in Household | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 135% FPG | $21,128 | $28,553 | $35,978 | $43,403 | $50,828 |
Chart Source | 2025
Home Repairs, Code Compliance, and Renovations for Hamilton County Homeowners
City of Cincinnati Lead Paint Hazard Control Grant Program
513-352-6146
Helps control lead paint, dust, and soil hazards in residential properties built before 1978 within city limits.
Eligibility: Single-family or multi-family; Owner-occupied or rental
Free Smoke Alarms
1-844-207-4509
Helps test existing smoke alarms, create personalized home fire escape plans, and install free smoke alarms for those who need them.
People Working Cooperatively Home Repair
513-351-7921
PwC provides low-cost critical home repairs, including roofs, plumbing systems, furnaces, and more. These repairs are accomplished by trained and skilled tradespeople. PwC also offers modifications for accessibility and energy-related conservation services.
Eligibility: Low-income residents of Hamilton County
Home Improvement Program (HIP) Low-Interest Loan
513-946-4487
Allows homeowners to borrow money to repair or remodel their homes at interest rates 3 percent below market rate and a five-year term. Loans are capped at $50,000 and may be used for bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, plumbing, room additions, and other eligible expenses.
Eligibility: Residents of Hamilton County who meet the bank’s credit requirements
To Apply: Contact North Side Bank at 513-542-7800 (ask for Jeremy, Tiffany, or Ciara).
Home Equity Loans
Homeowners may be able to use the equity in their home to finance home improvements or renovations. Home equity loans are secured, meaning the house is collateral. Secured loans generally offer lower interest rates and better terms; however, borrowers risk losing their homes if they default.
Eligibility: Residents of Hamilton County who meet the bank’s credit requirements
See the current Home Equity Loan Rates.
Related Article: Are you a renter looking for assistance? Check out rent and utility assistance.
Amenities/Furniture
New Life Furniture Assistance
11335 Reed Hartman Highway, #134, 45241 (Sharon Woods)
513-313-0530
Provides discounted and free furniture and household goods. Low-income families can request up to 15 pieces of furniture and any necessary housewares.
Eligibility: Receive a referral from a Hamilton County social service agency
Related Article: Food assistance pantries and soup kitchens in Cincinnati
Additional Resources for Hamilton County Homeowners
Refinancing
Finding the best refinance rates might provide more financial flexibility and help homeowners avoid paying hundreds of dollars in interest. A refinance can help homeowners repay their mortgage faster, avoid PMI, and access home equity and other benefits. Check out the current rates and start saving today!
Did we miss any programs and resources for Hamilton County homeowners? Contact us at The Voice of Black Cincinnati to let us know.
The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize, and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job postings, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group, and text VOBC to 513-966-3328.
Help for Hamilton County Homeowners Image provided by Adobe Stock
