Assistance Programs & Information

There are various government assistance programs, financial companies, non-profit organizations, and utilities willing to step in to help those who may be unemployed or otherwise can’t afford to pay bills due to the coronavirus.  

EMERGENCY BROADBAND BENEFIT PROGRAM 

The federal $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit Program provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills such as cable, phone, or wireless service for qualifying low-income households. If your household is eligible, you can receive:

  • Up to a $50/month discount on your broadband service and associated equipment rentals
  • A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)

Only one monthly service discount and one device discount are allowed per household.

To apply and for more information, visit: www.getemergencybroadband.org

CAREERSOURCE BROWARD

Looking for a new job or want to take the next step in your career? Regardless of your education or experience, the CareerSource Broward team of workforce professionals can help guide you through every step of the process. Job seekers and Broward County employers should visit careersourcebroward.com/coronavirus for more information.

REEMPLOYMENT (UNEMPLOYMENT) INSURANCE: 

Reemployment insurance is available for those who lost their job, were sent home without pay, workers staying home to take care of their families, or those who had to be hospitalized or quarantined. You can apply for reemployment assistance at floridajobs.org.

MORTGAGE RELIEF: 

Many mortgage lenders are willing to postpone mortgage payments during this crisis without negative credit penalties. Please contact your mortgage lender for specific details. Qualifications may be different from lender to lender.

SBA ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN: 

Small businesses and non-profit organizations currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue due to COVID-19 can apply for a low-interest loan. For more information, click here. 

UTILITIES: 

Local utilities are providing a variety of relief programs to help residents experiencing hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. Please refer to the following sites for information. 

CREDIT AND BANK CARDS: 

Many banks are providing forbearance programs to assist customers during the pandemic. Please check with your bank for detailed information. 

FOOD PROGRAMS: 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a food assistance program offered through the state. To apply, visit myflorida.com/accessflorida. 

FarmShare collects fruits and vegetables from Florida farmers for distribution. For more information, visit https://www.farmshare.org/agencies. 

Summer BreakSpot distributes free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks to kids and teens. For a location near you, visit https://summerbreakspot.freshfromflorida.com. 

Feeding South Florida is collecting money to help families and individuals in Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties. To request help or donate, visit feedingsouthflorida.org. 

BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS: 

Broward County Public Schools are currently in the eLearning Phase 2, which gives families the option for students to receive eLearning instruction either from home or by being physically present in the school. For information, visit https://www.browardschools.com/backtoschool.

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) will continue to support students and their families through the coronavirus crisis by offering its grab-and-go meal service, expanded from nine to 47 locations: 23 elementary schools, nine middle schools, and 15 high schools throughout Broward County. The meals will be provided Monday through Friday, from March 30 until April 15: • Breakfast: 8 – 10 a.m. • Lunch: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

These meals will be available at the following schools: 

Elementary Schools: Mary M. Bethune, Challenger, Coconut Palm, Charles Drew, Flamingo, Stephen Foster, James Hunt, Lake Forest, Lloyd Estates, Thurgood Marshall, Meadowbrook, Norcrest, Oakridge, Orange Brook, Parkside, Annabel C. Perry PK-8, Pines Lakes, Pinewood, Quiet Waters, Royal Palm, Sawgrass, Village, Walker 

Middle Schools: Coral Springs, Driftwood, Glades, Lyons Creek, Rickards, Sawgrass Springs, Seminole, Sunrise, Westpine

Meals are available at Margate Middle School on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The student or student ID must be present.   

High Schools: Boyd Anderson, Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Dillard, Blanche Ely, Charles W. Flanagan, Hallandale, McArthur, Miramar, Nova, Plantation, South Broward, Stranahan, J.P. Taravella 

For information: https://www.browardschools.com/coronavirus 

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS (FDVA):

The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) is identifying veterans of World War II and the Korean War who are unable to travel to receive the Covid vaccine. To register, contact 850-487-1533 extension 9 for details, or register here: https://floridavets.org/homeboundveterans/

Veterans who are concerned they may have Coronavirus symptoms (COVID-19) are ‎encouraged to contact the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center at 1-877-741-3400 ‎‎ (toll-free). ‎Clinical staff provides 24/7 virtual care and support, including nurse advice ‎and triage. ‎The service is available at no cost to veterans enrolled for care in the VA ‎Sunshine ‎Healthcare Network (VISN 8). ‎

DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS: 

All Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) participation in scheduled outreach events, presentations, and in-person SHINE/Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) counseling have been suspended until further notice. SHINE volunteers and staff will continue to provide counseling services, but the services will be conducted over-the-phone with future considerations for the use of webinars and Facebook LIVE. Visit http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/index.php or call 1-800-963-5337. 

DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE:

The Department of Revenue’s Child Support Program is working to reduce when customers are required to visit a local child support office and is providing new connect/customer service options. To contact the Child Support Program, click here. 

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAY SAFETY AND MOTOR VEHICLES (FLHSMV): 

Due to Covid-19, FLHSMV is offering modified in-office services. For a list of available services regarding driver licenses, ID cards, motor vehicle, or vessel registrations, please click here.