Florida Community Aid Resources

This information was excerpted from a publication of the Florida Public Service Commission at http://www.floridapsc.com/publications/consumer/brochure/WhereToFindHelp.pdf and was last updated on March 4, 2008.

Applying for Aid

When applying for any of the government programs in this booklet, it is usually helpful to take with you the kinds of information listed below. Some programs may require different or additional information. If you apply for assistance and cannot obtain some of these kinds of information, a caseworker will let you know what additional information will be required and might be able to help you to get it. You may appeal government decisions with respect to your application or receipt of assistance, or their lack of action, and may be represented by an attorney or other legal representative at the hearing held by the agency for your appeal. Identification -Proof of Residence Photo ID ..5 . Lease . Driver’s license . Proof of homestead exemption . Identification card . Current bills showing address . Green card . Rent payment book or mortgage payment book 15 5 Proof of Income . Pay stubs for the past 30 days . Unemployment compensation or workers’ compensation for the past 30 days . Benefit letters for government checks (TCA, SSI, Social Security, VA benefits, etc.) . Pension benefit checks . Any other regular income 5 Social Security Card For Energy Assistance Programs 5 Bring your utility bill. 5

Income Qualification

Many program income limits are related to the federal poverty guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These guidelines change annually. For the year 2005, the federal poverty guidelines are: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 For each additional person, add Size of Family Unit $ 13,230 17,820 22,410 27,000 31,590 36,180 40,770 45,360 3,400 48 Contiguous States and D.C. These guidelines change annually and are published by the HHS on its Web page located at http://www.aspe.hhs.gov/poverty. You should check this page for the latest poverty guideline for your family size. 16

Area Agencies on Aging

Eleven Area Agencies on Aging throughout Florida provide services to elders, such as adult day care; home care and chore assistance; Meals On Wheels; energy bill assistance under the LIHEAP program; counseling; transportation, respite care, health support services, emergency alert response, environmental modifications and information and referral. Who is eligible? The different programs administered by the Area Agencies on Aging in Florida have slightly different eligibility criteria. These programs are funded by state and federal sources. Program recipients must be at least 60 years of age and priority is given to low-income and frail elders. What do the services cost? Area Agencies on Aging in Florida generally provide services to recipients without charge. Recipients are offered an opportunity to contribute to the cost of services. Some of the services provided by the Agencies that enable an elderly person to remain at home, or that assist with Alzheimer’s disease, require a small monthly co-payment, based on income. The co-payment entitles recipients to approved services during the month. How do I apply? Florida has a toll-free Elder Helpline, 1-800-963-5337, that automatically routes the caller to the nearest Area Agency on Aging. Through the Elder Helpline, you may find out how to apply for services and receive referral information to other programs, as needed. The Elder Helpline is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Area Agencies on Aging maintain waiting lists for all of their programs. The Area Agency on Aging will do initial intake and assessment for services rendered. Cases are handled on priority basis. 17

Charitable Organizations

Some charitable organizations help pay utility bills and other costs associated with averting power disconnections. Who is eligible? Usually, charitable funds that help pay utility bills and related costs are made available on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the requirements of the particular program. What benefits are provided? Charitable funds, depending on availability, can provide payment assistance for utility bills to avoid disconnections. In addition, other items such as blankets, replacement medicines and similar expenses may be provided, subject to the availability of funds. How do I apply? Charitable funds are distributed within local communities. Information about them may be available from your power company; from service agencies, such as your local community action agency or legal services office; or from referral agencies such as your local counseling and referral service, United Way, homeless assistance agency or Area Agency on Aging. 18

Community Care for Disabled Adults

Community Care for Disabled Adults delivers community-based services that enable disabled adults to remain in their own homes. Who is eligible? Community Care for Disabled Adults provides in-home services to adults 18 through 59 years of age who have one or more permanent physical or mental limitations that restrict their ability to perform the normal activities of daily living, and that impede their capacity to live independently or with relatives or friends without the provision of community based services. Priority for services is extended to those persons who; (a) Are victims of, or have been identified as “at-risk” of abuse, neglect and exploitation; (b) Lack family and friends to provide an adequate support system; (c) Have incomes below the Institutional Care Program (ICP) limit; and, (d) Are not receiving comparable services from other agencies. What services are provided? Community Care for Disabled Adults services include adult day care, adult day health care, chore, emergency alert response, escort services, group activity therapy, home delivered meals, homemaker, interpreter services, in-home nursing services, personal care, respite care, transportation, medical equipment, and home health aide services. Either departmentally provided or privately contracted case management is provided to all participants. Individuals with incomes exceeding the ICP level will be responsible for paying a fee for service or provide volunteer service in lieu of the calculated fees. How do I apply? You may apply for Community Care for Disabled Adults services through your local Adult Services office of the Department of Children and Families, which administers the program. 19

County Health Clinics

County health clinics provide free or reduced-cost medical care, including physicals, physician care, medical tests and immunizations. Who is eligible? County health clinics provide health care services to all persons within their service areas. However, most persons who use clinics do not have a private physician. What do the services cost? County health clinics do not charge for services for persons with household incomes below the federal poverty level, or who otherwise are unable to pay. Persons with household incomes between 100 percent and 200 percent of the poverty level pay based on a sliding scale. Clinics do not charge for childhood immunization and do not charge WIC or Medicaid recipients. Clinics do not deny services for tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, family planning and pregnancy tests for failure to pay a fee. Prescription drugs may be available at some clinics. How do I apply? You may apply for health care services from a county health clinic by scheduling an appointment at the clinic. Information about county health clinics and other similar health care services within the county may be obtained from your county public health unit. 20

Developmental Services

Developmental Services funds services that enable adults who have developmental disabilities to remain in their homes. Who can receive Developmental Services? A person must live in Florida and have a developmental disability before age 18 which is caused by mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, spina bifida, Prader-Willis Syndrome, or be a child under age 5 who is at risk of developing a developmental disability. What benefits are provided? Developmental services provides planning of services necessary to enable persons with developmental disabilities to remain in their own homes. Medicaid recipients are given financial assistance for these services, subject to the availability of funds. How do I apply? You may apply for Developmental Services assistance through your local office of the Florida Department of Children and Families. 21

Food Stamps

Food stamps have traditionally provided monthly financial assistance for the purchase of food. Who is eligible? Food stamps are available to households with a monthly income that falls, after a series of deductions and allowances, below the federal poverty level and to households in which all members receive Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). There is also a resources test for eligibility. Certain resources, including a home and lot, and all or part of the value of an automobile, are not counted under the resources test. Food stamps are available in Florida to certain classes of legal aliens through a program funded by the state of Florida. What benefits are provided? Food stamps provided by the program may be redeemed for food in grocery stores. Beginning in February 1998, Florida switched to a system of providing food stamp debit cards instead of monthly allotments of stamps. Recipients who receive debit cards will receive a monthly credit that can be accessed by using debit card readers at grocery store check out lines. The amount of monthly food stamps provided varies according to household size and income. As of October 2004, the maximum monthly allotments were: Household size Maximum monthly allotment 1 $ 149 2 $ 274 3 $ 393 4 $ 499 5 $ 592 6 $ 711 7 $ 786 8 $ 898 For each additional household member, add $112. How do I apply? You may apply for food stamps through your local office of the Florida Department of Children and Families, which administers the program. Applications for food stamps cover TCA and Medicare eligibility as well, but a household may apply for food stamps alone without using up part of its lifetime eligibility for TCA or Medicare. 22

Government-Assisted Mortgages

Government-insured and government-subsidized mortgages are available to help home purchasers qualify for mortgages, to reduce the cost of the home-purchase mortgages, and to provide safeguards against losing the purchased home due to decreases in household income. Who is eligible? Government-assisted mortgages are available to purchasers of housing who intend to live in the housing. Some mortgage assistance programs are specifically targeted to low-income or first-time home buyers and provide subsidies or loans to reduce down payment requirements or monthly mortgage payments. If you are currently in the United States military, or if you have ever served in U.S. armed forces, you may be eligible to get a loan guaranteed by the Veterans Administration (VA). What benefits are provided? The most frequently used mortgage assistance programs are the FHA-insured and VA-insured mortgage programs. The FHA program limits down payment requirements to 3 percent or 5 percent of the appraised value of the house. Participating lenders are required by FHA, and encouraged by VA, to provide borrowers who default on their mortgages an opportunity to enter into agreements to lower payments for a period of time in order to catch up with their mortgage payments. Other mortgage assistance programs specifically target low to moderate income first-time homebuyers. For example, Florida Housing Finance Corporation offers the First-Time Homebuyers Program, through which qualifying first-time homebuyers may take advantage of low interest rate mortgages available through numerous participating lenders across the state. Then, depending on income and family size, homebuyers may also qualify for zero percent, non-amortizing second mortgage loans to help with down payments and closing costs. C O N T I N U E D 23 How do I apply? Government-assisted mortgages are available through private lenders. Application for these mortgages can be made through participating lenders. Information about the lenders that offer these mortgages in your area and about any local home buyers’ counseling programs may be available from your local government community development department, or your local housing finance agency. Ask about the First-Time Homebuyers Program offered through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation in Tallahassee at (850) 488-4197, or toll-free at 1-888-447-2977. In addition, participating lenders and the Housing Finance Corporation let home buyers know about these programs through public notices and brochures. 24

Government-Subsidized Rental Housing Developments

Government-subsidized rental housing developments offer many of their units for a rent price that is affordable to low-income households. Who is eligible? Government-subsidized rental housing units are available to households with incomes below the program’s income limits. Some government-subsidized rental housing developments are reserved for the elderly and for disabled persons. What does the housing cost? Rent for government-subsidized rental housing units are set at 30 percent of the qualifying income limit for the units. For example, if the monthly income limit for a family of four is $1,500, the monthly rent will be 30 percent of that amount, or $450. Many government-subsidized units accept Section 8 certificates or vouchers, which further reduce monthly rent payable by tenants. How do I apply? Apply for rent-subsidized units from government-subsidized rental housing developments through the developments themselves. Information about the government-subsidized rental housing developments in your area may be available from your local government’s community development department, and your local housing finance agency. Ask about both state- and federally-subsidized housing developments. 25

Florida Community Food and Nutrition Hunger Hotline

The Hunger Hotline is managed by the Florida Association for Community Action, Inc. (FACA)*, and funded by a grant from the Florida Department of Community Affairs. Who is eligible? The Hunger Hotline provides free service to any Florida resident. What benefits are provided? The Hunger Hotline directs callers to emergency food resources such as soup kitchens, churches, and food pantries in their community. Recipients are provided details on food stamp centers, government commodities, and a variety of meal programs for specific groups such as senior citizens, mothers, and farm workers. How do I apply? You may contact the Hunger Hotline at 1-800-329-FOOD (3663), or the FACA office at (850) 224-4774. The Hunger Hotline is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You may also contact FACA at www.faca.org. *Managed by the Florida Association for Community Action, Inc. Funding provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Florida Department of Community Affairs. FACA is a non-profit federation of Community Action Agencies, Head Start, and Weatherization programs since 1980. 26

Home Care for Disabled Adults

Home Care for Disabled Adults provides assistance for home care services for disabled adults in family-type living arrangements in private homes. Who is eligible? Home Care for Disabled Adults provides assistance and services to adults, ages 18-59, who have permanent physical or mental limitations that restrict their ability to perform the normal activities of daily living, and that impede their capacity to live independently or with relatives or friends without the provision of community-based services. The program provides funds to assist with home care services for persons who would be income-eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or for the Medicaid ICP program. What services are provided? Home Care for Disabled Adults provides home care needed to supplement care provided in recipients’ homes through a basic subsidy to assist with expenses, based upon financial need; a subsidy for uninsured medical services, and special supplements for specialized health care services or supplies. How do I apply? Apply for Home Care for Disabled Adults through your local office of the Florida Department of Children and Families, which administers the program. 27

Link-Up Florida & Lifeline Assistance Program

Link-Up Florida and the Lifeline Assistance Program offer assistance to qualified residential telephone consumers and are designed to ensure that basic telephone connection (hook-up) and service remain affordable for all residents of Florida. Link-Up Florida provides a 50 percent reduction in the telephone service hook-up charge, up to a maximum of $30.00. The Lifeline Assistance Program provides at least a $13.50 credit on qualified residential customers’ local monthly phone bills. Eligible consumers can participate in both programs. You may be eligible for savings if you receive benefits under one of these programs: . Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) . Food Stamps . Medicaid . Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) . Supplemental Security Income (SSI) . Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8) . National School Lunch Program (NSLP) - Free Lunch . Bureau of Indian Affairs programs: - Tribal TANF - Head Start Subsidy -NSLP You may also be eligible for benefits if your household income is no more than 135 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines. Check with your local telephone company for details. What benefits are provided? The amount of the monthly Lifeline subsidy is at least $13.50, which is deducted from your phone bill. Phone companies cannot disconnect Lifeline customers for non-payment of long distance or other toll charges. However, your long distance service can be blocked. Customers who subscribe to toll blocking will not have to pay a deposit. How do I apply? You may apply for Link-Up and Lifeline through your local telephone company. You may also apply for Lifeline on-line using the Florida Public Service Commission’s (PSC) Secure On-line Application at www.floridapsc.com or by requesting a printed application from the PSC. The number is located in the front section of your phone bill. If you are having difficulty obtaining these services, you may contact the Office of Public Counsel’s toll-free number at 1-800-540-7039, or the PSC at 1-800-342-3552, for assistance and a free brochure and application that further outlines these programs. 28

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Local governments and community organizations in Florida provide home energy assistance, known as LIHEAP, to help pay energy bills. Who is eligible? LIHEAP assists households that have incomes below 150% of the federal poverty level and need assistance in order to pay their power bills. Households may receive a maximum of one LIHEAP crisis benefit payment during the heating season (October to March), and a second crisis payment during the cooling season (April to September). In addition, households may receive one non-emergency payment per year. Usually, more than 80,000 households per year receive LIHEAP assistance in Florida. Priority in services is given to households with children and elderly or disabled members. What benefits are provided? LIHEAP provides assistance to low-income consumers who need help paying their utility bills. The amount of payment assistance depends upon the number of people in the household and the household income. How do I apply? You may apply for LIHEAP through the agency that administers the LIHEAP program in your area. There are about three dozen of these agencies in Florida, consisting of community action agencies, local governments and various nonprofit organizations. Several places that you may call to identify the agency that services your area are your local power company; your local government information number; local referral agencies such as Area Agencies on Aging, community action agencies, United Way and counseling and referral services (such as 2-1-1); and the Florida Public Service Commission’s toll-free consumer information number, 1-800-342-3552. Additional information may be found on-line at www.floridacommunitydevelopment.org; http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us; or www.floridaelderresouce.com. 29

Medicaid

Medicaid provides health care coverage for low-income people. It pays bills submitted by enrolled providers of medical services. Providers who agree to accept Medicaid may not separately bill patients for additional charges for covered services and may not discriminate against Medicaid recipients in the services they provide. Who is eligible? Two basic groups of people are eligible for Medicaid: low income children and families and low-income people who are aged, blind and disabled. Within these two groups are several categories of eligibility. In addition to qualifying under one of these two basic groups, an eligible Medicaid recipient must meet income and asset limits that vary by category. Basically, if you need help paying your ongoing medical bills and are unable to obtain private health insurance to pay these bills, you should consider applying for Medicaid. Low-income people on Medicare may also be eligible for help through Medicaid. What benefits are provided? Medicaid directly pays participating providers for medical services. Medicaid recipients receive a Medicaid card that they show to providers. In Florida covered services include: . Physicians . Inpatient and outpatient hospital care . Assistive care . Birth center . Child health check-up . Chiropractic . Community mental health . Dental for children . Durable medical equipment and supplies . Home Health C O N T I N U E D 30 . Laboratory . Intermediate care for the developmentally disabled . Medical foster care . Nursing facility . Podiatry . Prescribed drugs . Therapy . Certain transplants . Transportation How do I apply? Apply for Medicaid through your local office of the Florida Department of Children and Families. Medicaid applications can be used to determine Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) eligibility as well, but a household may apply for Medicaid alone without using up part of its lifetime eligibility for TCA. In addition, other assistance programs for which some or all recipients receive Medicaid, such as SSI, TCA, county health clinics or participating nursing homes, forward their applications for assistance to the Department for consideration for Medicaid coverage. 31

Medicare

Medicare is a federal medical insurance program that helps to pay the medical bills of persons at least 65 years of age and of disabled persons. Who is eligible? Medicare is available to all citizens and certain legal aliens who are at least 65 years of age, who have permanent kidney failure, or who receive Social Security payments based upon age or disability. Medicare insurance is available based upon disability in cases in which the disability has lasted for 24 months. What benefits are provided? Part A Medicare insurance covers hospital services, skilled nursing facilities, home health services and hospice care. Medicare pays Part A providers directly, with recipients being responsible for a deductible and a 20 percent co-insurance requirement. Part A coverage may be purchased by persons who are at least 65 years of age who do not qualify for Social Security through the payment of a premium. Part B Medicare insurance, which requires the payment of a premium in all cases, covers physician services, outpatient hospital care, lab tests and certain other medical services, equipment and supplies. There is a deductible and a 20 percent co-insurance requirement. Some Medicare managed care plans include coverage of other medical expenses, such as dental care, eyeglasses, hearing aids and prescription drugs, within their Part B coverage. Providers of Part B services may elect to “accept assignment,” in which case they will accept payment directly from Medicare, and not charge more than what Medicare pays for, plus the co-insurance requirement. Medicare participants often purchase privately offered “medigap” insurance to help cover remaining medical expenses. Medicare requires open enrollment periods for this insurance. C O N T I N U E D 32 Medicare recipients with household income below the federal poverty level who meet a financial resources test may use Medicaid to pay for Medicare premiums, deductibles and co-insurance requirements, under the Qualified Medical Beneficiary program. If your household income is less than 120 percent of the poverty level and you meet the resources test, you still may use Medicaid to pay for your Part B premium, under the Special Low-Income Beneficiary program. You may apply for this assistance through the local Medicaid office of the Florida Department of Children and Families. How do I apply? You may apply for Medicare through your local Social Security office. There is a toll-free Social Security application number, 1-800-772-1213, and a toll-free TDD application number, 1-800-325-0778, for the deaf or hearing-impaired, that may be used to contact your local office. 33

Rent Subsidies

(Public Housing and Section 8) Public Housing and Section 8 vouchers provide rent subsidies to low-income households so that rent does not exceed 30 percent of monthly household income. Who is eligible? Participation in the Section 8 housing program is available to households with income, adjusted for family size, below 50 percent of the median family income for the area in which the housing is located. This income level varies by county in Florida. Public housing is available to households with incomes below 80 percent of the median family income for the area in which the housing is located. Some public housing developments are reserved for elderly and disabled persons. What benefits are provided? Public housing consists of rental apartment developments managed by local public housing authorities. In the Section 8 program, local authorities provide eligible households with vouchers to reduce their monthly rent in rental agreements with participating landlords. In both programs, rent is subsidized so that monthly rent is 30 percent of monthly household income. Public Housing also pays for parts of tenants’ utility bills. Both Section 8 and Public Housing adjusts rents as income changes. How do I apply? You may apply for public housing and the Section 8 housing program through your local public housing authority when waiting lists are open. Often, there are waiting lists for participation in these programs. Selection from waiting lists for public housing is based upon priorities established by local housing authorities, such as helping elderly and disabled persons, helping victims of domestic violence, etc. Additional information is also available on the Internet at www.hud.gov. 34

Social Security

Social Security benefits are payable for retirement or disability to individuals who have a qualifying work history, and to their spouses and dependents, and survivors of such persons. Who is eligible? Social Security benefits are available to persons who are at least 62 years of age, blind, or disabled, who have worked for a required number of years for which Social Security taxes were paid; and to the spouses, dependents and survivors of such persons. Full Social Security retirement benefits are payable at age 65 for people born before 1938. For those born 1938 or later, their full retirement age will be more than age 65. (A retirement age chart can be found at www.ssa.gov/retirechartred.htm.) A lesser benefit amount is payable at age 62. Eligibility for Social Security disability benefits is based on having a qualifying permanent medical impairment that is of sufficient severity to prevent the individual from being gainfully employed. What benefits are provided? Social Security provides monthly assistance payments. Benefit levels are based on a percentage of your average monthly income, adjusted for inflation, for which Social Security taxes were paid for most of your working life. Earned income and certain other income may reduce the amount of the monthly benefit. Recipients may receive lump sum payments for the period of time between the attainment of retirement age or the onset of blindness or disability, and the date of the award. Social Security benefits payees also receive Medicare insurance coverage, except that disability payees do not receive Medicare until the 24th month of eligibility. How do I apply? You may apply for Social Security benefits through your local Social Security office. There is a toll-free Social Security application number, 1-800-772-1213, and a toll-free TDD application number, 1-800-325-0778, for the deaf or hearing- impaired. You do not have to apply in person. If you are applying for disability benefits, you will have to provide the representative at the Social Security office with relevant medical records as directed in the application. 35

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI benefits are payable to low-income elderly persons and to disabled persons, including children. SSI recipients also receive Medicaid. Who is eligible? Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are available to persons who are at least 65 years of age, blind, or disabled, whose net monthly income after deductions and exclusions is less than the benefit payment standard. As of January 2005, this amount was $579 for an individual, $869 for a couple, if both members are applying. There is also a resources test. Certain resources, such as a home and lot, and one automobile, are not counted under the resources test. Eligibility for SSI disability benefits is based on having a qualifying permanent medical impairment that is of sufficient severity to prevent the individual from being gainfully employed. Some groups of legal aliens also may receive SSI benefits. What benefits are provided? SSI provides monthly assistance payments. The amount of the monthly payment is the difference between gross monthly income and the income eligibility level, which, as of January 2005, was $579 for an individual and $869 for a couple if both members are approved. SSI recipients also receive Medicaid, including coverage retroactive to three months before SSI application. How do I apply? You may apply for SSI through your local Social Security office. There is a toll- free Social Security application number, 1-800-772-1213, and a toll-free TDD application number, 1-800-325-0778, for the deaf or hearing-impaired. You do not have to apply in person. If you are applying for disability benefits, you will have to provide relevant medical records as directed in the application. Additional information is also available on the Internet at www.socialsecurity.gov. 36

Unemployment Compensation

Unemployment compensation is paid to unemployed persons who are actively looking for work. Who is eligible? Eligibility for unemployment compensation is based upon three factors: having worked in qualifying employment prior to the loss of employment; loss of employment not through the fault of the applicant; and actively looking for work. What benefits are provided? Unemployment compensation provides weekly benefits that are based on a portion of the unemployed person’s former wages. The weekly benefit amount is between $32 and $275 for a maximum of 26 full weeks. Unemployment compensation is funded by required contributions by employers. How do I apply? You may apply for unemployment compensation on the Internet at www.floridajobs.org, by telephone at 1-800-204-2418, or by mail. Applications may be obtained at your local One Stop Career Center. 37

Veterans’ Benefits

Veterans’ benefits, consisting of monthly disability payments, health care and various other benefits, are available to veterans of U.S. military service and their dependents. Who is eligible? Veterans with Active military service, who have an Honorable or Under Honorable Conditions discharge, and their beneficiaries may receive veterans’ benefits. What benefits are provided? The major veterans benefits that may be available to veterans and their beneficiaries include health care (for veterans), such as CHAMPVA for Permanent and Total service-connected veterans’ spouses; life insurance; mortgage insurance; financial aid for education; vocational rehabilitation; counseling; burial benefits at national cemetaries; survivors’ benefits and death benefits for beneficiaries. Disability payments are available to veterans whose disabilities were incurred or aggravated during their military service. The amount of the benefit depends upon the degree of the impairment and the number of dependents. Low- income war time, disabled veterans may also apply for a pension, regardless of the disability’s connection to military service. Disabled veterans also may receive grants for adaptions of their homes and automobiles, and assistance with other expenses. The benefits are administered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). How do I apply? Contact the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ (FDVA) at 1-800-8271000. You can also find them on the Internet at www.floridavets.org or your local County Veteran Service Office (CVSO). You can locate your CVSO in the “Blue Pages” of your phone book under “County Government” or on the FDVA Web site. These offices can assist you with any application for veterans benefits. You may also contact the VA at their toll free number, 1800- 827-1000. Counselors at this number can answer questions about benefits eligibility and application procedures. They also make referrals to other VA facilities, such as medical centers and national cemetaries. These facilities also accept applications for benefits. 38

Vocational Rehabilitation

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), a Division of the Florida Department of Education, is charged by both federal and state statutes with helping individuals with mental or physical disabilities which constitute or result in a substantial impediment to employment. Once individuals are deemed eligible, VR helps them decide what type of help is necessary to overcome the impediment and how best to find either gainful employment or supported employment. Who is eligible? Eligibility for VR services is based upon the presence of a physical or mental disability which is a substantial impediment to employment and a goal of employment. An eligibility decision will be made within 60 days of applying for services unless circumstances prevent such a decision or the customer is involved in a trial work experience. What benefits are provided? VR services are provided pursuant to a plan developed collaboratively between the VR customer and the VR counselor. Typical services may include training/ retraining, medical and/or psychological evaluation and treatment, rehabilitation engineering/assistive technology, school-to-work transition, counseling and guidance, referral services, placement and follow-up, transportation, technical assistance, and post-employment services. How do I apply? You may apply for VR services through your local VR office. Please call 1-866515- 3692 (toll-free/TTY) to obtain the phone number and address of the office nearest you. 39

Temporary Cash Assistance Program

The Temporary Cash Assistance Program (TCA) provides monthly assistance payments to families with children and to pregnant women. Who is eligible? TCA is available to families with children up to 19 years old if they are attending school, and to childless pregnant women in their last month of pregnancy, or in their last trimester if restricted from work activities. To receive TCA assistance payments, household income (net of adjustments) must be below the level of benefits provided. One of these criteria is that the first $200 of monthly earned income, and half of the remainder of this income is disregarded. There is also a resources limitation of $2,000. Citizens and qualified non-citizens who reside in Florida may apply for TCA assistance. There are time limits to TCA cash assistance payment and extentions for these time limits. What benefits are provided? TCA provides monthly cash assistance payments to individuals based upon household size, the amount of shelter costs, other available income and a number of other factors. The maximum monthly benefit amounts for households are approximately $241 for a household of two and approximately $62 for each additional household member. How do I apply? You may apply for TCA through your local office of the Florida Department of Children and Families. Applications for TCA can also be treated as applications for Medicaid and food stamps. For more information, call 1-800-342-9274. 40

Weatherization

The Weatherization Assistance Program enables low-income families to permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Who is eligible? Weatherization is available to client households that have income less than 125 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. What services are provided? Weatherization provides a number of services, all at no charge. A representative of a weatherization agency inspects the recipient’s home for energy efficiency and related health considerations. The additional services provided are those determined to be the most cost-effective in improving energy efficiency and health. This includes advice on increasing energy efficiency and on remedying any related health considerations; adding insulation; caulking and weatherstripping doors and windows; and heating and cooling modifications and, if necessary, replacements. Many weatherization agencies also administer emergency housing repair programs, also provided at no charge to recipients, that may be applied for separately or used to complement weatherization assistance. How do I apply? You may apply for weatherization assistance by contacting your local weatherization agency. There are about three dozen of these agencies in Florida, consisting of community action agencies, local governments and various non-profit organizations. Often, there is a waiting list for receiving weatherization assistance. Elderly and disabled applicants are given priority, as well as families with children 12 and under. Several places that you may call to identify the agency that services your area are your local power company; your local government information number; local referral agencies such as Area Agencies on Aging, community action agencies, United Way and other counseling and referral services; and the Florida Public Service Commission’s toll-free consumer information number, 1-800-342-3552. Or, call the Florida Department of Community Affairs at (850) 488-7541. 41

WIC (Supplemental Food Program for

Women, Infants and Children) WIC provides food and other nutritional assistance to pregnant, breast- feeding, and postpartum women, infants and children under 5 who are at nutritional risk. Who is eligible? WIC is available to pregnant, breast-feeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5 years of age who have household income below 185 percent of the federal poverty level, and who are at nutritional risk and/or medical risk. Nutritional risk is determined by medical personnel at the time of application. What benefits are provided? The WIC program provides food and other nutritional assistance to eligible recipients. WIC participants receive vouchers that allow them to purchase a monthly food package that is high in protein, calcium, iron and vitamins A and C. How do I apply? You may apply for WIC assistance through your local county health clinic. 42

Workers’ Compensation

Employees who are injured on their jobs may receive workers’ compensation benefits through their employers. These benefits consist of payment for medical services needed to recover from the injury; part of lost wages; and re-employment assistance. Who is eligible? Workers who are injured during the course of employment may receive workers’ compensation benefits through their employers. Employers with four or more employees are required to have workers’ compensation coverage in Florida. What benefits are provided? Workers’ compensation pays for medical services related to the injury or illness contracted on the job, including health care providers, hospital care, dental care, prescription drugs, braces, crutches and other medical supplies. The health care provider is selected by the employer or its workers’ compensation insurance carrier. Workers’ compensation also provides lost wages up to an amount representing the statewide average wage and, as needed, reemployment assistance, consisting of placement assistance and retraining when appropriate. An employee may not be terminated for being injured on the job, but the employee’s position need not be kept open until the employee is able to return to work. Benefits are provided until the employee attains the maximum amount of medical improvement, as determined by the health care provider, and the employee may receive additional medical care by making co-payments. How do I apply? You may apply for workers’ compensation through your employer. If you have any questions, you may contact the state Employee Assistance Office at 1-800-342-1741 or the Worker’s Compensation Customer Service Center at (850) 413-1601. You may appeal workers’ compensation decisions and may be represented by an attorney in your appeal. 43

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

Consumer Credit Counseling

Consumer Credit Counseling Service (also known as CCCS) is a non-profit organization that provides low-cost assistance to those needing personal financial counseling, which many times includes a creditor repayment plan. Who is eligible? Consumers who would like assistance with managing their monthly living costs and creditor payments may receive counseling at many local offices, through telephone or Internet. What services are provided? A certified, professional counselor helps you to break down your income, living expenses, and creditor payments into monthly amounts by preparing a personal budget. Recommendations are made, where appropriate, to reduce expenses and/or increase income or to make adjustments to improve your financial situation. If desired, a creditor repayment plan may be established. Many creditors will stop late fees and overlimit fees to reduce or stop finance charges as an incentive for joining the Debt Management Plan. A monthly deposit is made to CCCS, who in turn makes monthly payments to the creditors. How do I apply? You may apply by calling Consumer Credit Counseling Service at 1-800-720-9537. Immediate counseling may be available. 44

Earned Income Tax Credit

The Earned Income Tax Credit is taken against federal income taxes owed. If the credit exceeds taxes owed, the taxpayer is refunded the difference. Who is eligible? The Earned Income Tax Credit is available to taxpayers who have at least some earned income during the tax year. One dollar is enough. The income limits for the credit for tax year 2004 for taxpayers with more than one qualifying child was $34,458; for taxpayers with only one qualifying child, $30,338; and for taxpayers without a qualifying child, $11,490. For joint returns with no qualifying child, the limit is $12,490. Public benefits and child support are not included in income. What benefits are provided? The amount of the tax credit rises with income until certain levels, then declines. For tax year 2004, for individual taxpayers with more than one qualifying child, the credit rises to $4,300 at annual income of $10,750, then begins to decline for annual income levels over $14,050; for taxpayers with one qualifying child, the credit rises to $2,604 at annual income of $7,650, then begins to decline for annual income levels over $14,050 and for taxpayers without a qualifying child, the credit rises to $390 at annual income of $5,100, then begins to decline for annual income levels over $6,400. If the credit exceeds the taxes owed, the taxpayer receives a refund check for the difference. How do I apply? You may apply for the Earned Income Tax Credit by filling in the appropriate boxes on income tax forms 1040 or 1040a, and submitting your tax return. You can calculate the credit yourself, or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will calculate the amount of the credit for you. If you have a dependent child, you may be able to receive an advance earned income credit by filling out IRS form W-5 and submitting the form to your employer. The advance credit will be credited against the taxes deducted from your paycheck, without your having to wait until you submit a tax return. The advance credit must be reported on the return even if you are not required to file. Also, please see IRS publication 596 for more details. 45

Emergency Assistance

The Emergency Financial Assistance for Housing Program (EFAHP) helps with late rent or mortgage payments or rental deposits in order to prevent households with children from losing their homes because of non-payment or natural disaster. Who is eligible? Emergency assistance is provided to households with at least one child under age eighteen and with a verifiable housing emergency that is leading to eviction or mortgage foreclosure. Applicants must meet certain income guidelines and they must be able to prove that theirs is a housing emergency by presenting a legal notice of intent to evict or foreclose. Landlords and mortgage companies must also complete and sign a vendor agreement. What benefits are provided? The EFAHP program provides a one-time payment of up to $400 to families who are totally without shelter (deposit assistance) or face the loss of shelter because of non-payment of rent or mortgage. How do I apply? Applications for the Emergency Financial Assistance for Housing Program are available at all Department of Children and Families service centers throughout Florida. They are also available at many Workforce Florida offices, social service agencies and legal services offices. Applications may also be obtained by calling toll-free 1-877-891-6445, or from the Department of Children and Families Web site at: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/ess/efahp.shtml. 46

Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program

Eligible school children receive free or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches. Who is eligible? School children are eligible for receiving free or reduced-price school breakfasts and lunches if: . They are qualified as economically needy in the Head Start Program for preschool children. To be qualified as economically needy you must apply. . The child has been approved for food stamps or TANF. . The households current income is below income eligibility guidelines. What benefits are provided? The program provides free and reduced-price breakfasts and lunches to eligible school children participating in the school lunch program. Free and reduced-price breakfasts and lunches are required to meet USDA nutritional standards and may not be different than the meals served to other school children. Participants in the free and reduced-price meals programs may not be segregated from children paying full price for school meals. The price of reduced-price lunches, as of December 2004, may not exceed 40 cents. How do I apply? School children receive applications for the school lunch program, which they are instructed to provide to their parents. Parents who wish for their children to receive free or reduced-price meals fill out the application and return it to their children’s school. This program is available in public schools, private schools, shelters and residential areas. In accordance with Federal law and the U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 47

Legal Service Offices (Legal Aid)

Legal service offices are nonprofit agencies that provide free legal assistance, including representation in court cases and administrative hearings, to eligible individuals. Who is eligible? Persons who, in their current living situation, have income below 125 percent of the federal poverty level, or who are at least 65 years of age, may apply for legal assistance with the legal services (or legal aid) offices within their communities. Legal services offices are unable to serve everyone who requests assistance, so they have been required to establish case-acceptance priorities, based upon the type and severity of the legal problem. Applicants for assistance are notified of the assistance that will be made available to them. The most common areas in which legal services offices provide assistance include family law, public benefits, housing, consumer law, education, probate law and individual rights. There are several other sources of free legal assistance. Your local pro-bono lawyer referral service provides free legal assistance to low-income and elderly individuals through volunteer private attorneys. Paternity establishment and child support enforcement cases that do not involve custody disputes typically are handled by local child support enforcement offices in Florida. These offices do not charge for their services. Criminal law cases are handled by public defender offices, which also do not charge. What do the services cost? There is no charge for legal assistance, or for court costs, from legal services and legal aid offices. How do I apply? You may request free legal assistance by calling the legal services or legal aid office in your community. Assistance may also be available from your local pro-bono lawyer referral service and, for appropriate cases, your local child support enforcement office and public defender’s office. Phone numbers should be listed in your phone book for the first two services in the “attorneys” section. The latter two services should be listed in the “county government” section. The phone numbers also are listed in the Florida Bar Journal Directory, which is distributed to all Florida courts, law offices and law libraries. 48

Other Contacts

for Bill Payment Assistance Agencies which may provide assistance or referrals are listed below. Check for phone numbers in your local phone directory: . The City or County Department of Housing and Urban Development . The Council for the Aging . The Local Urban League . The Farmer’s Home Administration . The Salvation Army . The Red Cross . The Local Community Action Agency . The United Way In addition to the contacts above, the following pages provide a list, by county, of local agencies which may administer programs such as Weatherization Assistance, FloridaFix, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance, and others. Each agency can advise you of the programs they administer and the eligibility qualifications for each program. 50

Local Agencies By County

County Name of Local Agency Telephone
Alachua Central Florida Community Action Agency, Inc. (352) 373-7667
Baker Northeast Florida Community Action Agency, Inc. (904) 358-7474
Bay Bay County Council on Aging, Inc. (850) 769-3468
Bradford Suwannee River Economic Council, Inc. (386) 362-4115
Brevard Board of County Commissioners Department of Housing and Human Services (321) 633-2007
Broward Broward County Community Action Agency (954) 327-8797
Calhoun Capital Area Community Action Agency, Inc. (850) 222-2043
Charlotte Board of County Commissioners Department of Social Services (941) 833-6500
Citrus Board of County Commissioners Department of Development Services (352) 527-5377
Clay St. Johns River Community Action & Partnership, Inc. (386) 326-2860
Collier The Agricultural and Labor Program, Inc. 1-800-330-3491 or (863) 956-3491
Columbia Suwannee River Economic Council, Inc. (386) 362-4115
Miami-Dade Miami-Dade County Community Action Agency (305) 347-4600
Dixie Suwannee River Economic Council, Inc. (386) 362-4115
Duval Northeast Florida Community Action Agency, Inc. (904) 358-7474
Escambia Community Action Program Committee, Inc. (850) 438-4021
Flagler Putnam-Clay-Flagler Economic Opportunity Council, Inc. (386) 326-2860
Franklin Capital Area Community Action Agency, Inc. (850) 222-2043 or (850) 942-2016
Gadsden Capital Area Community Action Agency, Inc. (850) 222-2043 or (850) 942-2016
Gilchrist Suwannee River Economic Council, Inc. (386) 362-4115
Glades The Agricultural and Labor Program, Inc. 1-800-330-3491 or (863) 956-3491
Gulf Bay County Council on Aging, Inc. (850) 769-3468
Hamilton Suwannee River Economic Council, Inc. (386) 362-4115 Hardee Polk County Opportunity Council, Inc. 1-800-523-7262 Hendry The Agricultural and Labor Program, Inc. 1-800-330-3491 or (863) 956-3491 Hernando Mid-Florida Community Services, Inc. (352) 796-1425 Highlands Polk County Opportunity Council, Inc. 1-800-523-7262 Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners (813) 272-5660 Holmes Tri-County Community Council, Inc. 1-800-395-2696 or (850) 547-3688 Indian River Indian River Board of County Commissioners (772) 567-8000 Jackson Jackson County Senior Citizens Organization, Inc. (850) 263-4650 or (850) 263-2774 Jefferson Capital Area Community Action Agency, Inc. (850) 222-2043 or (850) 942-2016 Lafayette Suwannee River Economic Council, Inc. (386) 362-4115 Lake Lake Community Action Agency, Inc. (352) 357-3497 or (352) 357-5550 52 Name of Local AgencyCounty Telephone Name of Local AgencyCounty Telephone Lee Board of County Commissioners Department of Human Services (239) 652-7930 Leon Capital Area Community Action Agency, Inc. (850) 222-2043 or (850) 942-2016 Levy Central Florida Community Action Agency, Inc. (352) 373-7667
Liberty Capital Area Community Action Agency, Inc. (850) 222-2043 or (850) 942-2016
Madison Suwannee River Economic Council, Inc. (386) 362-4115
Manatee Manatee County Board of Commissioners (941) 748-4501
Marion Central Florida Community Action Agency, Inc. (352) 373-7667
Martin The Agricultural and Labor Program, Inc. 1-800-330-3491 or (863) 956-3491
Monroe County Administrator (305) 292-4441
Nassau Northeast Florida Community Action Agency, Inc. (904) 358-7474
Okaloosa Okaloosa County Council on Aging, Inc. (850) 833-9165
Okeechobee Polk County Opportunity Council, Inc. 1-800-523-7262
Orange Orange County Department of Community Affairs LIHEAP (407) 836-7429
Osceola Orange County Department of Community Affairs LIHEAP (407) 836-7429
Palm Beach Board of County Commissioners Community Action Program (561) 355-4727
Pasco Mid-Florida Community Services, Inc. (352) 567-0533
Pinellas Pinellas County Urban League, Inc. (727) 327-2081
Polk Polk County Opportunity Council, Inc. (863) 533-0015
Putnam St. Johns River Comm. Action & Partnership, Inc. (386) 326-2860
St. Johns Northeast Florida Community Action Agency, Inc. (904) 358-7474
St. Lucie The Agricultural and Labor Program, Inc. 1-800-330-3491 or (863) 956-3491
Santa Rosa Tri-County Community Council, Inc. 1-800-395-2696 or (850) 547-3688
Sarasota Board of County Commissioners (941) 861-5344
Health and Human Services Business Center (941) 861-2811
Seminole City of Sanford (407) 330-5600
Sumter Mid-Florida Community Services, Inc. (352) 796-3114
Suwannee Suwannee River Economic Council, Inc. (386) 362-4115
Taylor Suwannee River Economic Council, Inc. (386) 362-4115
Union Suwannee River Economic Council, Inc. (386) 362-4115
Volusia Volusia County Council (386) 736-5920
Wakulla Board of County Commissioners (850) 926-0919
Walton Tri-County Community Council, Inc. 1-800-395-2696 or (850) 547-3688
Washington Tri-County Community Council, Inc. 1-800-395-2696 or (850) 547-3688
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