The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges for individuals, families, and small businesses. Recognizing these hardships, Pinellas County launched the Pinellas CARES Financial Assistance program to provide crucial support to those most affected. If you’re a Pinellas County resident struggling with financial difficulties due to the pandemic, understanding how to apply for this program is the first step towards relief.
Pinellas CARES Assistance for Individuals and Families: Application Details
The Pinellas CARES program offers a helping hand to eligible individuals and families in Pinellas County who have experienced job loss or a significant income reduction because of COVID-19. This financial assistance is designed to provide a one-time payment to cover overdue essential bills such as rent, mortgage, and utilities. It’s important to note that payments are made directly to the billing agency (utility companies, mortgage providers, landlords) ensuring the funds are used as intended.
Are You Eligible to Apply? Key Qualification Criteria
Before starting your application for the Pinellas CARES Financial Assistance program, ensure you meet the following eligibility requirements:
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COVID-19 Related Income Loss: Did you lose your job or a significant portion of your income as a direct consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic? This could be due to workplace closures mandated by state or local orders, for example. You will need to provide documentation to verify your claim, such as pay stubs, a termination letter from your employer, or proof of employer business closure.
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Household Income Limits: Does your current monthly household income meet the program’s qualifications? Check the income qualification chart provided by Pinellas Housing Authority to determine if you fall within the eligible range.
Pinellas CARES Financial Assistance Program Income Qualification Chart for Applicants – Check if your household income meets the requirements for Pinellas County COVID-19 relief funds -
Liquid Assets Threshold: Do you have less than $4,000 in liquid assets? Liquid assets include readily accessible funds such as cash, savings accounts, and checking accounts.
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Pinellas County Residency: Are you a legal resident of Pinellas County? You will need to provide proof of citizenship or legal residency and proof of your Pinellas County address.
It is crucial to understand that the Pinellas CARES assistance is intended for COVID-19 related expenses that have not been covered by insurance or other federal aid programs.
Applying for Pinellas CARES: Step-by-Step Guide
If you meet all the eligibility criteria, applying for the Pinellas CARES Financial Assistance program is straightforward.
Text to Apply: The quickest way to start your application is to text COVIDCARES to 898211. Follow the prompts you receive via text message to complete your application.
Call for Assistance: If you are unable to send text messages, or require assistance with the application process, dial 2-1-1. You will be connected with a representative who can guide you through the application process.
Pinellas CARES Small Business Grants: Application Overview
In addition to individual and family assistance, Pinellas CARES also offers grants to support small businesses within Pinellas County. These grants are designed to help businesses that faced mandatory closures or significant operational reductions due to the pandemic. The program provides $5,000 grants to eligible small businesses to assist with essential expenses such as employee wages, vendor bills, and rent or mortgage payments. These grants are exclusively for businesses with a physical commercial location within Pinellas County.
Small Business Grant Eligibility at a Glance:
- Business Size: Grants are available for small businesses with a physical location in Pinellas County with 1 to 25 full-time employees (or equivalent part-time employees, including the owner).
- Eligible Business Types: Restaurants, bars, short-term lodging, and other businesses deemed non-essential and impacted by state or local safer-at-home orders are eligible to apply.
- Ineligible Businesses: Larger businesses, non-profit organizations, and home-based businesses are not eligible for this program.
- Use of Funds: Grant funds can be used for essential business expenses like employee wages, vendor payments, and rent or mortgage costs.
- Non-reimbursable: These grants are one-time assistance and do not require reimbursement.
- COVID-19 Impact: Businesses can only apply for costs related to COVID-19 that have not been covered by insurance or other federal programs.
Businesses interested in applying for the Pinellas CARES Small Business Grant should carefully review the full eligibility details to ensure they qualify and to expedite their application process.
Further Information
For comprehensive program details and any updates, please visit the official Pinellas County COVID-19 website: https://covid19.pinellascounty.org/
The Pinellas CARES Financial Assistance program represents a vital resource for those in Pinellas County navigating financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. By understanding the application process and eligibility requirements, you can take the necessary steps to access the support you need.
