Emergency Financial Assistance

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 150% of the poverty level
• 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.

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.

Emergency rental services are being offered to income-eligible households who experienced a loss in employment income and have no other available resources. Priority will be given to households with a complete loss of income.

PLEASE NOTE: Human Services does not locate rental units or homes. It is the applicant’s responsibility to locate their rental unit or home. If you need assistance with services not offered by Human Services, we encourage you to review our Resource Guide, which lists community agencies that may offer the service(s) that you are looking for.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

• Suffered a hardship resulting in a loss of employment or income
• Must live in Martin County
• Be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level

Proof of income required.

FAQS:

What are the eligibility requirements?

Applicants must have sustained a loss in employment income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants must currently reside in Martin County and the household income may not exceed 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Applicants living with their spouse or partner are considered a household. The household must also demonstrate a need for service(s). 

Proof of hardship is required.

What does the program pay for?

Income eligible households may receive financial assistance for emergency services such as rental assistance. Priority will be given to households with a complete loss of income.

How is income eligibility determined?

Income eligibility is based on the household’s most current economic situation. Gross income must be used per grant guidelines. Applicants living with their spouse or partner are considered a household. Verifying documentation required. The household must also demonstrate a need for service(s). The household cannot have any other available resources.

What is considered income?

The following is considered income per grant guidelines:

• Money wages and salaries before any deductions;
• Self-employment wages after deductions for business expenses;
• Social Security payments;
• Unemployment;
• Worker’s compensation;
• Veteran benefits;
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF);
• Alimony;
• Child support;
•  All other allowable sources of income as determined by the grant guidelines.

What documents are required?

The following documents must be provided at the time of appointment:

• Picture ID for all adults in the household 18 or older
• Social Security Cards for all in household
• Birth Certificates for all children in the household under 18
• Proof of loss in household income such as unemployment benefits, 2 months/60 days of paystubs, and/or letter from employer showing loss of employment and/or reduction in hours.
• Copy of housing lease/rental agreement, mortgage statement, and/or notarized statement from property owner if renting a room
• Utility bill showing current address
• Food stamp award letter
• Landlord W-9 Form

Additional documents may be requested, including but not limited to:

• Bank statements
• Custody documentation
• Household bills, etc.

HOW TO APPLY:

Martin County residents who who are seeking rental assistance and who meet the eligibility requirements must call the Martin County Human Services office for a pre-screen at (772) 288-5785, or email FinancialAssist@martin.fl.us.