Lead can hide in old paint, dust, or around windows, especially in homes built before 1978. Children most commonly get lead poisoning from eating paint chips or breathing lead dust.
No level of lead exposure is safe. Lead poisoning can cause lasting problems with growth, learning, behavior, and conditions like anemia, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Young children, pregnant woman and people in older housing are most at risk of lead poisoning. 1 in 5 homes in suburban Cook County contain significant lead paint risks.
Start here! Help is available.
Find out if you qualify for the free Lead Hazard Reduction Program!
Why a Lead-Safe Home Matters
Lead isn’t just an old-house problem – it’s a serious health risk that can quietly harm the people you love most.
In Children
Lead exposure can cause lasting problems with growth, leaning, and behavior.
In Pregnant Women
Lead can pass to the baby and affect development before birth.
And because lead has no safe level of exposure, even small amounts can cause harm over time. You can stop it before it starts. Take action today to protect your family’s health and keep your home safe.
Program Benefits
Through the Lead Remediation Grant Program, families can:
Get a free home inspection.
Lead can hide in old paint, dust, or around windows, especially in homes built before 1978. Children most commonly get lead poisoning from eating paint chips or breathing lead dust.
Understand the risks.
No level of lead exposure is safe. Lead poisoning can cause lasting problems with growth, learning, behavior, and conditions like anemia, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Make your home safer.
Lead can hide in old paint, dust, or around windows, especially in homes built before 1978. Children most commonly get lead poisoning from eating paint chips or breathing lead dust.
Final inspection.
No level of lead exposure is safe. Lead poisoning can cause lasting problems with growth, learning, behavior, and conditions like anemia, high blood pressure and heart disease.
All services are completely free for families and landlords who qualify.
FAQ
Do I have to own my home?
No, both homeowners and renters in suburban Cook County can apply.
How much does this cost?
All services are free for homeowners and tenants. With funding from Cook County and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, CCDPH fixes lead paint hazards in homes in suburban Cook County communities for families that qualify at no cost to the homeowner or tenant.
Are there income limits for this program?
If your household earns less than the amount in the chart for your family size, you can apply. These income limits are based on typical income levels in our area (120% AMI). This chart is updated each year and reflects the gross earning (before taxes are taken out)
|
Household Size |
Area Median Income Limits 2025 |
|||||||
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
|
|
120% AMI |
$100,800 |
$115,200 |
$129,600 |
$143,880 |
$155,280 |
$166,560 |
$177,840 |
$189,120 |
What happens after I apply for the Lead Hazard Reduction Program?
After you submit your application, Cook County Department of Public Health will assign you to one of our trusted nonprofit partner organizations. These organizations are contracted by CCDPH to help families through the application process. A representative from one of these nonprofits will contact you to gather more information and guide you through next steps. This is a normal part of the program and you should expect to hear from someone outside of CCDPH.
Why is another organization contacting me instead of Cook County Department of Public Health?
CCDPH works with several qualified nonprofit partners who help manage applications and complete lead hazard removal work. Once you apply, your information is securely shared with one of these partners so they can support you directly.
They will:
- Confirm your eligibility for grant assistance
- Help you complete all required documents
- Coordinate inspections
- Manage contractors and repairs
- These partners work on behalf of CCDPH, so hearing from them means your application is moving forward.
What if I don’t know if my home has lead paint?
If your house was built before 1978 there is a strong possibility it has lead paint. If you are not sure of the age of your home, visit the Cook County Assessor’s website . Enter your address on the “Property Search” page to find the age of your home.
What kind of repairs are made?
Repairs may include painting, window replacement, exterior/storm door replacement, gutters repair or replacement, siding, flooring, drywall, and soil remediation.
How long does the repair process take?
The entire process typically takes about one week (5 days). However, some projects may take longer depending on the specific work your home needs to achieve a lead-safe result.
Do you help with temporary housing during repairs?
If lead work requires relocation during the project, the county will provide a relocation stipend for occupants. Most occupants relocate to a hotel or local Airbnb during construction.
What if I don't live in suburban Cook County?
Homes must be in suburban Cook County to be eligible. Chicago residents may learn more about available lead resources here.
Homes built before 1978 are eligible for the program, how do I check the age of my home?
Lead-based paint was banned from household use in 1978, so only homes built before then are at risk for lead paint hazards. If you are not sure of the age of your home, visit the Cook County Assessor’s website . Enter your address on the “Property Search” page to find the age of your home.
Lead Resources & More
For Suburban Cook County
For Chicago
For Everyone
Updated December 23, 2025, 3:59 PM