Seminole County opens portal for residents to apply for up to $5,000 in CARES Act funding

A file image taken on March 17, 2020 shows U.S. dollar banknotes in Washington D.C. (Photo credit: Xinhua/Liu Jie via Getty Images)

Some residents in Seminole County can receive up to $5,000 in CARES Act funding. 

Seminole County opened the online application portal for the money on Wednesday at 10 a.m.  Individuals can receive up to $5,000. The money is from the $82 million the county received to address the economic consequences of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Up to $7 million will be given to residents. 

Only interested candidates are encouraged to apply and they must meet the following criteria, as stated by the county:

  • "Demonstrate you are a United States Citizen or permanent legal resident 
  • "Demonstrate you are a Seminole County resident
  • "Demonstrate you are at least 18 years old
  • "Pay rent or mortgage costs in Seminole County. Only rent or mortgage costs will be supported for your main residence which must be located in Seminole County
  • "Demonstrate economic impact due to COVID-19. An adult in your household has lost their job, experienced a reduction in work hours, or can document financial hardship as a result of COVID-19."

When applying, the county says to have the following documents ready:

  • "Florida Identification: A scanned copy of the front of your Florida driver's license or identification card for an adult in the household
  • "Lease or Mortgage: A copy of the mortgage or lease agreement for your residence
  • "Utilities: A copy of your utility bill(s) if requesting utility assistance. Eligible utilities are gas, electric, and water
  • "Demonstrated Loss Due to COVID-19: Documentation of financial hardship related to COVID-19, such as job loss letter, proof of unemployment, reduced hours at work, or furlough letter."

For more information about the application process, visit the Seminole County website.

MORE NEWS: Over 1,000 small businesses apply for Seminole County CARES funding, officials say

The county's Facebook page said that there will be a hotline for all assistance grant questions. Just call 877-330-1818 to speak with someone. There will be both English and Spanish speaking operators and the line will be open between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

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