About 1,800 homeowners throughout Illinois are expected to get an average of $25,000 per home to reduce the amount left on their mortgage. To qualify, homeowners need to owe at least 10 percent more than the value of their home, up to $50,000. They must have been current on making mortgage payments for at least the past 12 months and must live in the home. For the Chicago metropolitan area, a couple would qualify with a combined income of up to $79,000. A three-person family could have a combined income of up to $91,000.