Opportunity available for emergency rental and utility assistance through online portal

Posted 6/16/21

The Palm Beach County Community Services Department’s (CSD) online portal for emergency rent and utility assistance is currently open and taking applications.

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Opportunity available for emergency rental and utility assistance through online portal

Posted

WEST PALM BEACH — The Palm Beach County Community Services Department’s (CSD) online portal for emergency rent and utility assistance is currently open and taking applications. Since March of 2021, nearly $11.1M has already helped with COVID Emergency Rental Assistance for those approved. More assistance is available for those with fully completed and approved applications.

Renter households with at least one individual who has experienced a loss of income either directly or indirectly due to COVID-19 may qualify for assistance. Households must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income to be eligible. Individuals who qualify for unemployment, can demonstrate a risk of homelessness or housing instability and/or have incurred significant costs due to COVID-19 may also be eligible.

Electric assistance is also available to households who have not been financially impacted by COVID-19.

CSD has contracted with The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc. (Legal Aid PBC) and Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FLRL) under the US Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance Program. This allows Palm Beach County residents experiencing crisis due to COVID-19 to provide free legal assistance representation in landlord/tenant matters and assistance with past due payments. Clients struggling with an eviction crisis due to the COVID crisis may contact these two agencies and/or apply directly through the online portal.

All applicants impacted financially by COVID-19 must present the following documentation in order to apply for rental and/or relocation assistance:
• evidence of COVID-19 direct or indirect impact
• evidence of risk of homelessness or housing instability

• evidence of income eligibility
• valid government issued ID
• Social Security Number for all household members. Applicant will have to provide copy of social security card. Household members may need to provide copy if deemed necessary by the Case Manager.

Rental assistance may be paid up to three months in advance and income must be recertified for each three (3) month period.

For rental assistance, landlords must be registered as vendors with Palm Beach County. Utility assistance is for electric, water, gas, sewer, trash removal and energy costs for eligible rental households only.

Applicants must submit the correct information along with all required documentation to expedite approval. Applications will be prioritized for clients who are below 50% AMI, facing evictions and currently unemployed.

In-person assistance and mobile outreach are available for individuals who:

• Lack computers or internet connection; or,
• Lack the skills needed to use a computer; or
• Have language barriers or developmental disabilities; or
• Are facing other barriers that prevent them from accessing the online application portal for rental assistance.

To view a detailed list of eligibility requirements and/or about the mobile outreach schedule call 561-355-4792 or visit www.RentalAssistancePBC.org

online portal, emergency, rent, utility, assistance, applications

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