Ohio Homeowners Could receive Up to $3,000 Annually in New Housing Relief Package
Columbus, OH – Ohio homeowners struggling with rising housing costs may soon be eligible for financial assistance through a newly proposed program. The initiative, currently under consideration by state lawmakers, aims to provide grants to help cover essential housing-related expenses, including property taxes, insurance premiums, homeowners association fees, utilities (gas, electricity, water, trash removal, and internet).
The program, which would be administered by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, has been allocated up to $10 million in funding. To qualify, applicants must be Ohio residents and homeowners with an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less. additionally, applicants must be at least 65 years old, live with a disability, or be responsible for the care of someone with a disability.
Legislators intentionally designed the bill to bypass the Ohio Housing Finance Agency’s standard income restrictions, broadening access to the aid. While eligible homeowners can apply for multiple grants throughout the year, the total amount received will be capped at $3,000 annually.
The agency will be tasked with establishing clear application procedures and verification methods for disability status and caregiving responsibilities should the bill pass.
The introduction of this relief package comes amidst ongoing debate surrounding broader property tax reform in Ohio. Recent proposals to completely abolish property taxes have faced resistance, largely due to concerns about the feasibility of replacing lost revenue for local governments, public schools, and emergency services. This new grant program offers a more targeted approach to easing the financial burden on vulnerable homeowners.
