Cook County Homeowners Exemption question

[Phil Janasac]

My wife and I moved into our home in February of last year (2018). Existing owners at the time did not have a homeowners exemption on the property so we did not receive one on our first two tax installments (paying for 2017). The 2018 Homeowner exemption forms recently came out and I've read that first time applicants must have been occupants of the property as of January 1st of the tax year (2018). So does this mean we can't officially apply for HO exemption until January 2020? It seems unfair that we, as owner-occupants, should be paying the full non-exempted tax rate for 10 months of 2018 just because we didn't move in on January 1st. 

Is there a way to get those 10 months prorated for HO-exemption rate? Will the assessor office even check if I just try to submit it for this year? I have tried calling their office but the line is constantly busy. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!