How to apply for St. Lucie County Rental Assistance Program in Florida
St. Lucie County Community Services Department — Housing Division
Who it's for
St. Lucie County's Community Services Department gives limited, one-time rental help to households facing an unexpected money hardship that puts their housing at risk. It can pay up to three months of past-due rent, or move-in costs such as first month's rent, last month's rent and a security deposit, up to $7,000 per household. To qualify, you must live in St. Lucie County, have household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, have a documented hardship in the past 90 days and a housing crisis, be able to keep your housing afterward, not have an ongoing rental subsidy such as Section 8, and not have had county rental help in the past 24 months. You cannot apply directly: a social service agency, nonprofit, faith-based group or other provider already working with you must send the county a referral. Funding is limited, and payment can take 14 to 21 business days after approval. For questions, call St. Lucie County Community Services at (772) 462-1777.
St. Lucie County's rental assistance is referral-only and funding-limited: a qualifying social service organization must refer the household, and meeting the rules does not guarantee help. The maximum is $7,000 per household (up to three months of past-due rent or eligible move-in costs). The income gate shown is the county's published limit for a 1-person household (200% of the federal poverty level); the county's table rises with household size, so larger households can qualify at higher incomes.
People who qualify for one senior program often qualify for others. See everything you may qualify for — free, no SSN, about five minutes.
Discover my benefitsWhat you'll need
- A complete lease or rental agreement
- Rental ledger showing past-due rent
- Proof of all household income for the past 30 days
- Documentation from the landlord or property manager
- Notices or other papers showing the housing crisis (such as an eviction notice)
- A referral from a social service organization already working with your household
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 772-462-1777
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about St. Lucie County Rental Assistance Program. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need a complete lease or rental agreement, rental ledger showing past-due rent, proof of all household income for the past 30 days — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"
Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.
Renewals
One-time help; households that got county rental assistance in the past 24 months are not eligible
Related programs
Other help that people in the same situation often look at.
- Income SupportFlorida Optional State Supplementation (OSS)Florida Department of Children and Families
- EmploymentSenior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration
- Income SupportSupplemental Security Income (SSI)Social Security Administration
- HealthcareCleveland Clinic Florida Financial Assistance (Tradition Hospital)Cleveland Clinic Florida — Tradition Hospital (Port St. Lucie) is the primary Cleveland Clinic Florida campus serving St. Lucie County; Cleveland Clinic Florida system policy applies across Broward, Indian River, Martin, and St. Lucie counties
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Discover my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.