Renters who have taken a financial hit because of the novel coronavirus have a new source of help.
Palm Beach County’s Community Services Department on June 5 launched the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Coronavirus Relief Fund Rent and Utilities Assistance Program.
The fund offers one-time rental and/or utility help for eligible Palm Beach County residents who live in apartments, houses, townhouses or mobile homes.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a Palm Beach County resident.
- Provide documentation to prove loss of income, reduction of hours or unemployment because of COVID-19.
- Provide documentation to show you have applied for or are receiving state or federal unemployment benefits.
- Meet gross Area Median Income (AMI) limit not exceeding 140 percent AMI for your household.
- Have a lease or other utilities in your name or a household member’s name.
- Not have received any other financial assistance for rent and/or utilities during the period for which payment is requested.Have less than $5,000 in liquid assets in checking, savings and cash card balances.
Benefits could be up to $7,000 ($5,800/up to 3 months rent and $1200/electric, water and gas combined).
Applicants may receive assistance once, but can apply for multiple services. All assistance must be applied for at the same time. Other restrictions may apply.
Assistance will be provided only for past-due rent or utilities. The due dates must be after March 1, 2020, and before Dec. 30, 2020.
Applications must be submitted through the CSD’s online portal. To apply, visit www.pbcgov.com/OSCARSS.
To learn more, visit www.pbcgov.com/communityservices. For additional frequently asked questions, visit www.pbcgov.com/csdcaresactfaq.