Need help repairing or replacing your heating system? Applications for the Chicago Department of Housing (DOH) Emergency Heating Repair Program (EHRP) open this month!
The EHRP provides grants for low-moderate income, owner-occupied residential buildings of one to four (1-4) units to repair or replace heating systems.
Grant funds are provided on a first-come, first served basis to income-qualified Chicago residential property owners. Eligible residential homes can receive assistance with replacing or repairing furnace or boiler once every 10 years within the life of the property. Grant amounts depend on the level of damage, which will be determined by the DOH Rehab Construction division upon inspection.
To determine if you’re eligible to apply, see below!
Program Eligibility
Income Requirements
To be eligible to participate in the program, the income (including rental income, earning for minors, and any other source of income) of the total household’s member should equal 80% or less of the area median income (AMI) .
In multi-family buildings where the repair/replacement unit provides service to the entire building, a Tenant Income Certification form must be completed. For property that is jointly owned, the total income of all owners will be included with other household member(s) income, and may not exceed 80% of AMI.
See the chart below to determine the maximum gross income for each household:
| Household Size | Max Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $62,800 |
| 2 | $71,800 |
| 3 | $80,750 |
| 4 | $89,700 |
| 5 | $96,900 |
| 6 | $104,100 |
| 7 | $111,250 |
| 8 | $118,450 |
Property Requirements
- The eligible owner-occupied property must be located in Chicago.
- Property must be in habitable condition.
- Property must be a one to four (1-4) unit building.
- Property cannot be at risk of foreclosure.
- All utilities must be current and in working order.
- Applicant(s) must be on deed title for at least one (1) year starting from the application date.
- A property that received assistance in the past under the program is eligible to receive service again after ten (10) years.
Please note that commercial and mixed-use properties (apartment plus business or commercial units) do not qualify for the program.
How to Apply
Applications open on November 1st, 2024, and close on April 1st, 2025. You can begin your application process online at chicago.gov/ehrp, by calling 311, or through the CHI311 app.
If you prefer to apply by mail, you can download a paper application at chicago.gov/ehrp, or request that one to be mailed by calling 311. The completed and signed paper application, along with all required documents related to your household (a document checklist will be provided to you), must be returned to the DOH as soon as possible. Any application packet missing the required documents will be considered incomplete and will not be processed until all required documents are received.
Funding is limited and available on a first-come-first-service basis, so apply now!