Benefits · General Assistance
How to apply for Leon County Direct Emergency Assistance Program (DEAP)
Leon County Office of Human Services and Community Partnerships
Who it's for
The Leon County Direct Emergency Assistance Program (DEAP) is designed to meet the emergency needs of Leon County residents by providing one-time financial assistance with rent, mortgage, utilities, or home fuel to avoid disruption in housing or essential services. Administered by the Leon County Office of Human Services and Community Partnerships, DEAP screens applicants for crisis-trigger documentation and income eligibility, then issues payment directly to the landlord or utility company on the household's behalf. A parallel Veterans Emergency Assistance Program (VEAP) provides equivalent assistance to eligible Leon County veterans — including transportation — through the same office. IMPORTANT TIMING NOTE: as of December 9, 2025, Leon County stopped accepting new non-veteran DEAP applications due to high application volume; VEAP remained open. Check the Leon County DEAP page or call (850) 606-1900 for the current intake status before applying. When DEAP reopens, applicants typically submit proof of Leon County residency, household income documentation, crisis-trigger documentation (eviction notice, shut-off notice, etc.), and the standard application packet.
DEAP intake has been pause-prone — as of December 9, 2025, Leon County stopped accepting new non-veteran DEAP applications due to high application volume; the parallel Veterans Emergency Assistance Program (VEAP) remained open for veterans. Before applying, check the current DEAP intake status at cms.leoncountyfl.gov or by calling (850) 606-1900. When open, DEAP is crisis-triggered (you need a shut-off, eviction, or foreclosure notice in hand) and income-gated. Veteran applicants should use VEAP regardless of DEAP intake status. Aside from DEAP/VEAP, Leon residents can also access Advantage Aging Solutions for senior-specific aid and the City of Tallahassee Neighborhood Services Housing Programs for longer-term housing assistance.
What you'll need
- Government-issued photo ID for the applicant
- Proof of Leon County residency
- Proof of household income (pay stubs, Social Security award letter, SSA-1099) — typically prior 30 days
- Crisis-trigger documentation (eviction notice, shut-off notice, foreclosure notice, etc.)
- Lease, mortgage statement, or utility bill showing the obligation
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 850-606-1900
Renewals
case-by-case; periodic re-application bars typically apply
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.