Government assistance and public aid in Broward County
There are several public assistance programs and government benefits available in Broward County Florida for low income families. Struggling, low-income families can get SNAP food stamp benefits as well as short term cash assistance, child care vouchers and more. Find details on government benefits from Broward County DCF below.
Most of the services are administered by a local DCF office, Family Success Centers, are applications are available online at MyACCESS. Applications for public assistance are strategically located throughout the county. The Broward County Human Services Department also oversees many of the social services as well. A number of public resources are offered by each center. Some highlights are listed below, with many benefits also offered online at the ACCESS Florida system.
Government benefits in Broward County to help pay bills
SNAP benefits in Broward County, formerly known as food stamps, helps low-income families and/or people in poverty get groceries. SNAP is a federal program administered by DCF in Florida with the money issued to the applicant using a Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Food stamps-SNAP provides recurring, monthly financial assistance to purchase groceries to households, based on their income, household size and other factors.
The Broward County Emergency Financial Assistance for Housing (EFAHP) as well as ESG - Emergency Solutions Grant combine government funds with local non-profits. While DCF does not directly administer ongoing housing subsidies, the government grant programs funds local organizations to help prevent homelessness.
- Rental, mortgage, or utility assistance from ESG is an option. If you have had your household income reduced, lost your job or had some type of unexpected expenses (such as a medical bill) then government grant money may be available from DCF or its partners, such as Family Success Centers. Applicants must also have had received a mortgage default letter, an eviction notice, or water or electricity shut off notice. If you meet these different parameters, then you may qualify for emergency financial assistance that is made available through various Broward County Florida funding sources.
Broward County Housing Options Programs (HOPE), which was formally known as the Homeless Initiative Partnership, is a housing program. The Department of Children and Families can offer a cohesive collection of homeless prevention (such as rental help), homeless services, and also supportive housing opportunities from ESG or other sources. If you are homeless or facing eviction and you live in Broward County then first point of contact is the Homeless Helpline, and dial (954) 563-4357.
Housing First from DCF is advice, case management, and support to families in need of temporary subsidized rental assistance in Broward County Florida. The county will also facilitate a secure mandatory savings option to help ensure low income families gain self-sufficiency at the conclusion of the Housing First program.
- Each participant will receive assistance in developing skills including but not limited to life management skills, budgeting, and credit repair. The duration of services offered will range from three (3) months to twelve (12) months, and all decisions are made on a case by case basis. Public funds from the government are used to provide this resource both in Broward County as well as nationwide. Housing First is one of the main options for permanent stability.
TCA is a form of free, Temporary Cash Assistance, often known as TANF. DCF, using state and federal funds, provides short-term cash benefits to families or single moms/dads with children under 18 (or under 19 if still in high school). TCA will help the low-income pay for housing, utilities, transportation, and clothing as well as other bills and get more details on the TANF cash benefits in your area.
Refugee Services through DCF helps eligible refugees, some immigrants, asylees, and Cuban/Haitian entrants in Broward County. It combines short term financial help with job training, ESL classes, health screenings and more.
The Broward County Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may be able to help low income and senior Broward County residents pay their utility and summer cooling bills. Qualified applicants may receive yearly grant money to pay their electric bill, depending on their household income, funds available for the public, and the households overall eligibility for aid.
Department of Children and Families Optional State Supplementation, or OSS, is cash assistance for older adults, people on SSI or the disabled. DCF administers OSS to as a form of financial help for people who live in licensed adult family care homes or assisted living facilities with limited income. Free government cash is issued as part of the OSS benefit.
Child Care Assistance, daycare vouchers and the School Readiness Program helps parent pay for child care costs at approved providers. Broward County DCF partners with the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County to provide income based, subsidized child care in Florida for working lower income families or those in education or job training.
Long term government support in Broward County
Case management, social services, information and referrals include job training and employment. DCF social workers also arrange housing counseling and free legal aid services. Case managers can also offer debt and budget counseling, family support services, veteran services, and help seniors over the age of 60.
Public assistance also stresses budgeting, controlling/limiting debt, saving, and using other steps to improve finances. All of this encourages long term stability. As grants from any public assistance program in Broward County will in fact mandate this. Find more details on saving money.
Free one-way bus tickets are part of Family Reunification. The county provides a one-way bus ticket or transportation to anywhere Greyhound travels to be reunified with family. This transportation program can only be utilized once in a life span by each local qualified resident. This transportation program does not “import” families or individuals to Broward County. No food or cash assistance is provided for the trip, and applicants need to be ready to travel immediately.
Location of Broward County DCF Centers
The offices have onsite staff who will work with residents to develop plans and find services that meet each clients needs. All workers from the area, known as DCF Circuit 17, are well trained, respectful, and services are confidential. They will also coordinate with other local agencies and government assistance programs to coordinate all the social services that an individual may need. There are several centers around the county. Call or stop by for more information or to apply for public assistance or social services. The main intake number is (866) 762-2237.
- 1400 W Commercial Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
- 3756 West Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33311
- 200 Opa Locka Blvd, Opa-Locka, FL 33054.
- Refugee services are run from 111 South Sapodilla Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
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