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 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. 


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 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.