Above Header

Emergency Financial Assistance

EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding has allowed Martin County to set aside funds for emergency rental assistance for qualified Martin County residents through the Martin County Rental Assistance Program. Emergency rental and utilities assistance is also being facilitated through the OUR (Opportunities for Utilities and Rental Assistance) Florida Program. 

Martin County Rental Assistance Program:

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding has allowed Martin County to set aside funds for emergency rental assistance for qualified Martin County residents. Funds may be used for up to four (4) months of past rent and/or two (2) months of future rent for households that meet certain income qualifications and are experiencing a financial hardship during or because of the COVID-19 pandemic. View Eligibility Requirements

How to Apply:

Email FinancialAssist@martin.fl.us or call Martin County Human Services Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (772) 288-5785 to set up your pre-screen. Assistance is contingent on funding availability, as funding is limited. 

Additional Financial Assistance Programs

Low-income Martin County residents may be eligible for emergency financial assistance for payment of electric bills, water bills, and/or rent. If you have a delinquent bill and meet the federal poverty level guidelines, you may qualify. View specific program details below. 

The Lend a Hand Program: is a water bill assistance program that can assist households that reside in Martin County and are Martin County Utilities customers with past due water bills. 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

  • Must be a Martin County resident
  • Must be a Martin County Utilities customer
  • Must be below 200% of poverty level
  • Have a crisis that is preventing them from paying the bill
  • $200 maximum assistant amount 
  • Can only apply for assistance once every 2 years

HOW TO APPLY:

If you meet the eligibility criteria and would like to apply for water bill assistance, please complete the Water Assistance Application. Please be sure to include copies or photos of all of the supporting documents listed on the first page. Once the application is completed, please email it to FinancialAssist@martin.fl.us. Applications will be reviewed and the applicant will be contacted regarding eligibility and next steps.

If you are unable to complete the application online, you may call the Martin County Human Services office at (772) 288-5785 to schedule an appointment and we will arrange for you to complete the application at our office located at 435 SE Flagler Avenue in Stuart.

The Care to Share Program: is an FPL electric bill assistance program that can assist households that reside in Martin County and have received a past due or final notice FPL bill. 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

  • Must be a Martin County resident
  • Must be below income threshold in Table 1.1 (located on page 2 of the application).
  • Have a past due or final notice bill
  • Have a crisis that prevented them from paying the bill
  • Have a plan for how they will pay the next bill
  • $500 maximum assistant amount 
  • Can only apply for assistance once every 12 months

HOW TO APPLY:

If you meet the eligibility criteria and would like to apply for electric bill assistance, please complete the Electric Assistance Application. Please be sure to include copies or photos of all of the supporting documents listed on the first page. Once the application is completed, please email it to FinancialAssist@martin.fl.us. Applications will be reviewed and the applicant will be contacted regarding eligibility and next steps.

If you are unable to complete the application online, you may call the Martin County Human Services office at (772) 288-5785 to schedule an appointment and we will arrange for you to complete the application at our office located at 435 SE Flagler Avenue in Stuart.

Contact Us

For any additional questions about emergency financial assistance, please select the "Submit a Request for Help or Information" button below to submit an inquiry online, or contact Martin County Human Services Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (772) 288-5456.

Submit a Request for Help or Information
Human Services Resource Guide