How to apply for Seminole County Prevention Assistance Program + Emergency Rental Assistance

Who it's for

Seminole County's Community Services Department coordinates the county's safety-net programs through its Community Development Division. The Prevention Assistance Program provides one-time financial help with past-due rent, mortgage, or utilities for qualified Seminole County residents (subject to funding availability). Assistance is capped at the lower of three months of past-due rent or $5,000 per household per program cycle — generous by FL-cluster standards. Eligibility requires household gross income at or below 120 percent of the Area Median Income, Seminole County residency, and a documented financial hardship that began within the prior 90 days. Apply through the Seminole County Participant Portal by selecting Prevention Assistance and submitting income documentation, identity verification, and hardship documentation. Separately, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Treasury allocations and provides COVID-impacted rental aid — apply at seminoleerap.seminolecountyfl.gov or call (407) 665-2300. ERAP covers all of Seminole, including unincorporated areas and all municipalities, and remains open as long as funds are available.

What you'll need

• Government-issued photo ID for the applicant
• Proof of Seminole County residency
• Proof of household income (pay stubs, Social Security award letter, SSA-1099, tax return)
• Documentation of the financial hardship that began within the last 90 days
• Lease or mortgage statement (for rental/mortgage assistance) or utility bill (for utility assistance)
• For ERAP: COVID-19 financial impact documentation, current lease

Where to apply

Renewals

Prevention Assistance is one-time per program cycle (cap of lower of 3 months rent or $5,000); ERAP funds available until exhausted