Get government benefits from DCF in Hillsborough County.
Very low-income families, people living in poverty and the vulnerable among others can get help from government benefit programs in Hillsborough County FL. Applications for programs ranging from SNAP to cash assistance, Medicaid and others can be done online at ACCESS Florida or the local DCF office in Tampa. Find details on the various public assistance programs in Hillsborough County Florida.
Hillsborough County FL cash assistance and food benefits
One of the main federal government benefits programs is LIHEAP, or the Low Income Energy Assistance Program. Low income households in Hillsborough County who have an income less than 200% of the government poverty line may receive help for paying utility and cooling bills. (Note the income limits can change yearly based on government funding). There is also an emergency part of LIHEAP as well as other state of Florida utility assistance programs offered that the Tampa Service Center can refer people too.
- LIHEAP is generally combined with other public assistance programs. Some of the Hillsborough County residents who qualify for help with paying energy bills include those who are on food stamps or collecting Supplemental Security Income.
Another one of the primary government resources in Hillsborough County is the Elderly Home Energy Assistance Program, or EHEAP for short. Funds to pay home energy bills is offered for anyone who lives in a home or apartment with someone who is over 60 years or older, and who meets income guidelines as established by the state of FL. Grants can be provided to senior households in Florida that have a heating or cooling bill crisis, including even trouble with an air conditioning unit or repairs.
Hillsborough County rent, mortgage, and general homeless prevention services are by the local Tampa DCF office. This is in addition to government benefits such as Section 8 or other ACCESS Florida programs. Qualified families can apply for public cash to use for paying shelter costs and possibly avoid eviction from their home or apartment. Most housing programs are offered in partnership with Neighborhood Service Centers in Hillsborough County. Case managers work at all of these centers, and they will review the individuals application to determine if they are qualified to receive rent or mortgage assistance.
Transportation for disabled, low income and seniors may be provided. The Hillsborough County Sunshine Line can transport clients who can’t pay for their own transportation, or just do not have access to it. Free transportation services are provided primarily to Aging Services daycare, SCNAP sites, hospitals, and other medical facilities. If there is room, then transportation of non-medical trips may be offered too.
Cash and food benefits are offered by the public Food Assistance Program (SNAP food stamps) as well as the government benefits such as WIC. These resources can help qualified residents in Hillsborough County FL purchase the food and groceries they need for good health with WIC focused on baby formula.
Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) can also provide free government cash to families with children to help them pay bills and provide for their basic needs. Families need to have children under the age of 18, or under age 19 if full time secondary school students, and the family needs to also have a pregnant woman in the residence.
Children across Hillsborough County Florida can receive free meals, including breakfast, lunch and/or an afternoon snack from the Summer Food Program. These free meals are provided from mid-June to mid-August at city and county parks, churches, YMCA day care centers, Boys & Girls Clubs, local charities that cater to children. Children aged 18 and under can qualify for this public food assistance program.
Additional benefits from DCF in Hillsborough County FL
Government health insurance is available. Receive quality, and competitively priced medical care, from the Hillsborough County Health Care Plan. or Medicaid / Medicare too.
- Many of the very low income and working poor in Hillsborough County Florida do not have health insurance. Many health care centers in Hillsborough County may ask for minimal fees and reimbursements from the patient. So what ends up happening is a health care issue becomes worse, and may result to a visit to an emergency room or some other urgent care facility. The Hillsborough County HealthCare program was created to address that issue, and to ultimately help contain and reduce medical costs.
- Medicare and Medicaid insurance is also offered from DCF as well as online at ACCESS Florida. Medicare is insurance for seniors and the disabled which helps them get the care they need including information on Medicare for senior dental needs. Some medical bill assistance can be provided from Medicaid as well, and Medicaid is generally for the very low-income / people in poverty in Hillsborough County.
Head Start/Early Head Start is available for children under 5 years of age. The county partners with parents (including single moms) and families to provide quality educational opportunities for qualified children. The county also uses staff who are committed to the physical well-being of all children and who can address social and emotional issues too.
Government benefit programs can help veterans too. Veterans Affairs works with the Tampa DCF center to help direct individuals to a number of federal, state, and local public assistance benefits. This provides individuals with a single point of contact for government and other assistance programs. The highly trained staff also provides outreach service and other forms of support to residents across the region.
Department of Aging Services offers health services and social programs to seniors and older adults. This can encourage maximum independence of the elderly in the community, and will also help improve the quality of life for older adults as well as their caregivers.
DCF can provide referrals to a resource known as Tampa Bay WorkForce for job search assistance. This center can provide a number of Career Support Services. Work with a case manager to create an individualized case plan to ensure goals are met, get a free in-depth interview to asses employment needs, and get help in addressing potential barriers to employment. In addition, a case manager will help a resident get back on their feet by coordinating social services, credit repair, and other aid.
Locations of government assistance office in Hillsborough County
The main site is at 9393 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33612. Call (800) 955-8771. In addition, many of the public assistance programs, and their applications, can be found on the ACCESS Florida website.
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