How to apply for Low-Income Homeowner Relief (LIHR) — Durham
Durham County Department of Social Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services — with Durham County Tax Administration
Who it's for
Durham County helps low-income homeowners pay their current property tax bill. To qualify you must own a home in Durham County and have lived in it as your main home for at least the last 5 years, your household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income, you must not already get other state tax assistance, and you must provide the required documents. How much you get is set by a three-tier scale based on your income, and the money is paid straight to the Durham County Tax Office rather than to you. Apply online through the county's Social Services website, or call 919-560-8000 to book an appointment with an LIHR specialist who will help you fill in the application.
Two conditions this check cannot test for you. You must have owned and lived in the home as your main residence for at least the immediate preceding 5 years, and you must NOT already receive other state tax assistance — so if you already have the North Carolina elderly or disabled homestead exclusion, the circuit breaker deferment or the disabled veteran exclusion, this programme is not available on top of it. The award is a three-tier scale set by your income as a share of Area Median Income, and the county publishes no dollar figures, so no amount is shown here. Payment goes to the Tax Office, not to you. Not legal or financial advice. The county makes the final decision.
People who qualify for one senior program often qualify for others. See everything you may qualify for — free, no SSN, about five minutes.
Find my benefitsWhat you'll need
- Proof you have owned and lived in the home for at least the last 5 years
- Proof of household income for everyone in the home
- Photo identification
- Your current Durham County property tax bill
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 919-560-8000
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Low-Income Homeowner Relief (LIHR) — Durham. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof you have owned and lived in the home for at least the last 5 years, proof of household income for everyone in the home, photo identification — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"
Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.
Renewals
annual (apply each year)
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.