Grants, abatements and low interest loans for Hamilton County homeowners

Assistance programs for Hamilton County homeowners: relief for mortgages, utilities, taxes, and repairs

Mortgage, utilities, and property tax relief

Grants, abatements, and tax credits for repairs

Furniture and household items for those in need

The federal government, the State of Ohio, Hamilton County, and the City of Cincinnati provide financial and public assistance. They offer relief payments, grants, abatements, and tax credits to ease the burden of homeownership. These housing programs are designed to help homeowners maintain safe, energy-efficient homes and reduce foreclosures and unsafe living conditions.

This article is as current as the publication date. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information before acting.

Mortgage, Utility, and Property Tax Relief and Assistance for Hamilton County Homeowners

Mortgage Relief and Assistance

Hamilton County Mortgage, Property Tax, and Utility Relief Program

513-946-7200
Assists Hamilton County homeowners with up to six months of past due mortgage, property tax, and utility bill payments.
Eligibility: Must be the homeowner’s primary residence and have a household income under 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

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Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati Emergency Mortgage Assistance

513-241-9400
Low- and moderate-income homeowners who face foreclosure due to job loss, illness, death of primary wage earner, or other circumstances beyond their control can get help to bring their loan current if they have re-established an income stream to continue future mortgage payments. One-time assistance of up to $2,500 is available.
Eligibility: Low- and moderate-income homeowners who face foreclosure due to job loss, illness, death of primary wage earner, or other circumstances beyond their control.

Residential Property Tax Assistance

Homestead Property Tax Relief

800-282-1780
Allows low-income senior citizens and permanently disabled Ohioans to reduce their property bills and give tax credits, shielding some of the market value of their homes from taxation. It is a credit that allows qualifying homeowners to exempt up to $25,000 of the market value of their homes.
Eligibility: Ohio resident homeowners who are not currently receiving homestead or do not qualify for 2013, qualify under the means test and are at least 65 years old or turn 65 in the year for which they apply, or are permanently disabled as of January 1 of the year, 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.

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 10-15 years. Property tax abatement is available for any increased valuation resulting from property improvements for new construction and renovation. See the applications for value limits.
Eligibility: Property in the City of Cincinnati and a $250 application fee to qualify

Treasurer’s Optional Payment (TOP) Program

513-946-4788
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. Cannot be used to pay taxes already owed.

Contesting Your Property Value

513-946-4035
Any property owner in Hamilton County may 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. Property owners must remember that challenges must be filed between January 1 and March 31. Necessary forms, instructions, and guidelines for filing a challenge can be obtained by calling the Board of Revision office.
Eligibility: Any owner of property in Hamilton County

Utility Assistance for Homeowners

Duke Energy Bill Credit Program

513-569-1850
Low-income older adults can receive a $500 credit toward their Duke Energy bill.
Eligibility: 60 years or older; household income at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level; receive natural gas service from Duke Energy Ohio and have an account registered in their name.

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Spectrum Affordable Connectivity Program

877-384-2575
Offers households up to a $30 monthly credit to help pay for internet service, a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50) as well as a low-cost service plan that may be fully covered through the ACP.
Eligibility: Income is 200 percent or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines; you or your dependent participate in government assistance programs, including SNAP, Medicaid, and WIC; you already receive a Lifeline benefit

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Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

513-721-1025
Non-crisis one-time benefit directly to home heating or fuel bills.
Eligibility: Maximum allowable income and 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Level

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Related Article: Cincinnati job assistance and workforce development programs

Winter Crisis Program

513-685-4478
A one-time benefit during winter months of up to $175 to help reconnect utility services after being shut off. Funding is also available for households with bulk fuel usage.
Eligibility: Must be a resident of Hamilton County and below 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

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Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP)

513-569-1840
Community Action Agency is helping eligible Ohioans manage their energy bill year-round. There is a minimum monthly payment of $10.
Eligibility: Hamilton County residents with a household income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines

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Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati Customer Assistance Program

513-244-5101
Eligible low-income senior citizens can receive a 25 percent 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 $34,600.

Phone Assistance

Lifeline Free Phone Service Program

866-488-8719
Offers a free phone, 10GB 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 a household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level.

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Home Repairs, Code Compliance, and Renovations for Hamilton County Homeowners

City of Cincinnati Compliance Assistance Repairs for the Elderly (CARE) Program

513-569-1840 ext.1466
Grants to low-income, elderly, or disabled homeowner-occupants to correct City of Cincinnati code violations issued under the Neighborhood Enhancement Program’s (NEP) “house to house” exterior property condition inspection.
Eligibility: The homeowner must be 60 years or older or disabled and meet income guidelines (50 percent of Area Median Income: AMI); the home must be within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Enhancement Program.

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City of Cincinnati Housing Repair Services Program (HRS)

513-352-6146
Home repairs and accessibility modifications to low-income Cincinnati homeowners, particularly the elderly and disabled, including broken water lines, heat, gas fumes, etc. Emergency repairs: up to $2,500; Immediate repairs: up to $5,000; Critical repairs: up to $10,000.
Eligibility: Income must be at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI); individual homeowner occupies the property, at most three dwelling units per building.

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Matching Grants for Residential Building Owners

[email protected]
The City of Cincinnati offers grants for owners of multi-family buildings (2 or more units). The intent is to incentivize and double the impact of electric energy efficiency upgrades. Matching grants are available for up to $5,000 per building per cycle.
Eligibility: Fifty percent or more of building tenants must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and be responsible for their electricity payments. Building Owners must be able to pay upfront and receive the 1:1 match post-project completion.

Greater Cincinnati Water Works Lead Service Line Replacement

513-651-5323
Use the interactive Lead Map to determine if your property has a lead service line. Request a leadline replacement if the Lead Map indicates a lead service line.

Related Article: Are you a renter looking for assistance? Check out rent and utility assistance. 

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.
Eligibility: Single-family or multi-family; Owner-occupied or rental

People Working Cooperatively Home Repair

513-351-7921
PWC provides low-cost critical home repairs, including roof, plumbing systems, furnaces, etc. These repairs are accomplished by trained and skilled tradespeople. PWC also caters to 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 bathrooms, kitchen remodeling, plumbing, room additions, etc.
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 Jaclyn).

Home Equity Loans

You might be able to use the equity in your home to pay for home improvements or renovations. Home equity loans are secured, meaning your home is collateral. Secured loans typically have lower interest rates and better terms, but you risk losing your home if you default.
Eligibility: Residents of Hamilton County who meet the bank’s credit requirements
See the current Home Equity Loan Rates.

Amenities/Furniture

New Life Furniture Assistance

11335 Reed Hartman Highway, #134, 45241 (Sharon Woods)
513-313-0530
This restoration 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

Related Article: Food assistance pantries and soup kitchens in Cincinnati

Additional Resources

Refinancing

Finding the best refinance rates might provide more financial flexibility and help you 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.

Written by: Madison King

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 513-270-3880.

Help for Hamilton County Homeowners Image provided by Adobe Stock