DURHAM, NC - The Durham County Department of Social Services in partnership with the Durham County Tax Office, will launch the Low-Income Homeowners Relief Program (LIHR), Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 1 p.m.
The program will serve exclusively Durham low-income homeowners who have owned their home for 10 years or more, and who are not currently receiving any state tax subsidies for their property. To be eligible these Durham County homeowners must have incomes ≤ 30% of the average median income. When an applicant is determined to be eligible for assistance the award will be applied to current tax bills only. The maximum award granted will be 750 dollars, and those funds will be paid directly to the Durham County Tax Office. Homeowners will receive a letter of their award prior to the releasing of funds.
The documentation required for applying to the LIHR program are as follows:
- Proof of residency—the current property tax bill must include applicants name on their primary residence
- Proof of household income –- Paycheck stubs; Social Security/SSI Award Letter; Unemployment Benefit Letter; 2020 Tax Return, and Photo Identification
“We’re pleased that the Board of Commissioners have supported this LIHR program pilot as a tool to help stabilize housing for our vulnerable populations. We look forward to administering the program and collecting data, with the goal of learning about their needs and how best to advocate for vulnerable residents,” states Ben Rose, Director of Durham County Social Services.
An informational video explaining the program, along with all information of the LIHR program eligibility requirements, including a chart to clarify the area median income (AMI) are provided on the website, DCONC.gov/DSS.
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