FAQs • Deerfield Beach • CivicEngage

What is COVID-19 Rental & Utilities Assistance Program?: The COVID-19 Rental & Utilities Assistance Program provides rental assistance to eligible Deerfield Beach residents who have experienced loss of income, reduction in hours, or unemployment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Assistance will only be provided for past due rents & utilities beginning on April 1, 2020 and onward. Eligible applicants must be able to continue to make payments and meet basic needs once assistance is provided.

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Rental & Utility Assistance Program

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1. What is COVID-19 Rental & Utilities Assistance Program?: The COVID-19 Rental & Utilities Assistance Program provides rental assistance to eligible Deerfield Beach residents who have experienced loss of income, reduction in hours, or unemployment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Assistance will only be provided for past due rents & utilities beginning on April 1, 2020 and onward. Eligible applicants must be able to continue to make payments and meet basic needs once assistance is provided.

2. Who is providing the funding for this program?: The City is utilizing Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV).

3. Does the property need to be a Deerfield Beach?: Yes, assistance will be only given to properties located in the City of Deerfield Beach.

4. What documents are needed to proof loss of income related to COVID-19?: Unemployment documentation and letter from employer explaining loss or reduction in income due to COVID-19.

5. Will individuals who received Coronavirus (COVID-19) Rental and Utility Assistance be required to pay the money back?: No, this assistance is not a loan; it is a grant and will not have to be paid back. However, if the City discovers that a recipient has falsified documents or has defrauded the program, the money will have to be repaid.

6. I live in a rooming/halfway house can I apply?: No, rooming/halfway houses do not qualify under program.

7. What is considered proof of income?

Proof of income includes pay stubs or earning statements for every household member over 18 years old, if employed.

Check/pay stubs for the past 30 days (1) month or earning statements. If you are paid in cash or by personal check, you must provide a letter from your employer stating your year to date pay (that is, you must show how much money you have earned since January 1, 2020). Your employer’s letter must be on company letterhead with the employer’s phone, email, and fax number for verification.
Letter from current and/or past employer documenting income.
Self-Employment record books for the last three (3) months.
Award letters from pensions, military allotments, education loans, grants, and scholarships.
All Income for the household (wages, unemployment benefits, SSI, child support, alimony, investment income, and retirement income (including pensions) etc.

8. How long does it take to receive a reimbursement?: If all documents are satisfactory, it may take up to 15 days.

9. If I qualify, how much funding can I receive?: The City will assist with a maximum of up to $10,000.00 including utilities allowance of up to $1,000.00.

10. Will the payment be made directly to the resident?: No, for rental assistance, all payments will be made directly to the landlord. For utility assistance, all payments will be made directly to the utility provider.

11. How many months of assistance can I receive?: You can receive up to 6-months of assistance not to exceed $10,000.00.

12. If I have received assistance from another agency, non-profit, government or private provider with Rental and Utilities Assistance can I still apply?: Yes, if you received funding for Rental and/or Utilities Assistance you can apply but not for the same months you have been assisted with.

13. My name is not on lease can I apply for program?: No, applicant name must be on lease.

14. Are there income guidelines for this program?

Yes, applicants must meet gross annual incomes not exceeding 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) limits established by HUD for the jurisdiction of Broward County, FL as follows:

Maximum Family Size	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Maximum Income	$50,800	$58,050	$65,300	$72,550	$78,400	$84,200	$90,000	$95,800

15. If I qualify, how much funding can I receive?: The City will assist with a maximum of up to $10,000.00.

16. Are there preferences for households with children or the elderly?: No, applications are on a first-come first served basis.

17. What kinds of housing units can be rented?: Units such as apartments, houses, townhouses, and mobile homes are allowable.

18. Can I apply for Utilities assistance only?

Yes, the initial required documents from the application must be met and will need to include the following:

Utility bill must match the name of the tenant and the address on the lease or mortgage statement.
Utility bill must be past due or not paid as April 1, 2020 and onward
Utility bill payment will be made for past due amount.