Financial Assistance

Prevention Assistance

This program is currently Open

Community Assistance will begin accepting applications for prevention assistance for the 25/26 Fiscal Year beginning on 9/20/25. Applications received before that date will be considered under more narrow eligibility criteria due to limited funding availability.

Overview

Financial Assistance is offered for Rental or Mortgage and/or Utility Services through the Prevention Assistance Program for qualified Seminole County residents (pending funding availability). This is a one-time assistance, and the amount of assistance is determined by the documented loss from hardship but will not exceed three months of past due rent or $5,000, whichever is less. Section 8, HUD, TBRA, and subsidized Housing Recipients are not eligible for rental/mortgage or utility assistance. Emergency assistance is not available, and the processing time can be several weeks. Please note that a submitted/complete application is not a guarantee of assistance. 

Program Rules & Eligibility

• Household must have experienced an eligible documented financial hardship within the last 90 days.
• Must provide proof of ability to sustain and manage ongoing expenses (minimum 50% of housing expenses).
• Eligible households may receive assistance no more than once every two years.
• Exception: Elderly, fixed-income households may apply once every 12 months, as long as they continue to meet eligibility requirements.
• Roommates will be considered household members and must be included on the application.

Required Documentation for Application

• Valid Florida ID or Driver's License for all adults (18+).
• Birth certificates for all minor children in the household.
• Copy of Social Security cards for all household members.
• Copy of Current and Complete lease, signed by all parties.
• All pages of the most recent bank/pay card statements for all household members (including accounts for minor children). ALL accounts with monetary value are required to be reported.
• 90 days documented income for the household.
• Copy of most recent utility bill (if applying).
• Documentation of Financial hardship that occurred within the last 90 days.

The following Income limits will be used in determining eligibility: Gross income cannot exceed 120% AMI.

To apply, visit Seminole County's Participant Portal, choose Prevention Assistance, and provide the required information and documentation.

Verification of No Child Support Income Form — use if minor children do not reside with both parents and support is not being received.

Verification of No Monthly Income Form — use if an adult household member does not have any form of income.

Verification of No Financial Account Form — use if an adult household member does not have a financial account or pay card account.

Proof of Income Monthly Profit & Loss Statement — use if any adult household member is self-employed. Complete one form for each of the most recent 6 months.

If you do not have access to a computer or scanner, you can visit the Application Center located at 520 West Lake Mary Boulevard, Suite 100, Sanford, FL 32773. The center is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on County-observed holidays. The center is self-service and operates on a first-come, first-served, walk-in basis. If you need help using the computers or uploading documents, you may schedule an appointment for assistance.

For more information, please contact our office at 407-665-2300.

For additional community resources, please contact the United Way by dialing 211 or 407‑839‑4357.

Deposit Assistance

This program is currently Open

* Please note that any applications received on or after 11/1/2025 will only be considered if Gross Household Income is at or below 80% AMI as seen in the chart below *

Overview

The Community Assistance Deposit Program is available to households experiencing homelessness or those that are in imminent danger of becoming homeless due to court eviction, non-renewal of lease, or due to a foreclosure that occurred in Seminole County. Funds can be used to pay for security and utility deposits which include the following items: rental security, key deposit/fee, cleaning deposit/fee, utility deposits and connection fees for electricity, water, sewer, trash, or gas. Emergency Assistance is not available, and the processing time can be several weeks. Please note that a submitted/complete application is not a guarantee of assistance. 

Program Rules & Eligibility

• Do not sign a lease before approval. Assistance cannot be given if you sign a lease before Community Assistance approves your application.
• One-time help only.This program does not provide ongoing monthly rental payments.
• Eligible households may receive assistance no more than once every three years.
• Income Limit. Your household’s gross annual income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Seminole County. (SEE CHART BELOW)
• Rent limits if approved:
  • Your monthly rent cannot be more than 50% of your household’s gross monthly income.
  • Rent must also be within the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for Seminole County.

Required Documentation for Application

• Valid Florida ID or Driver's License for all adults (18+).
• Birth certificates for all minor children in the household.
• All pages of the most recent bank/pay card statements for all household members (including accounts for minor children). ALL accounts with monetary value are required to be reported.
• 90 days documented income for the household, (Note that your max rent will be based on your reported/eligible gross income).
• Documented proof of homelessness that occurred within the last 12 months in Seminole county. Proof of Homelessness
• Homeless Affidavit Form — use if the household is homeless or at risk of being homeless.

The following Income limits will be used in determining eligibility: Gross income cannot exceed 80% AMI.

To apply, visit Seminole County's Participant Portal, choose Deposit Assistance, and provide the required information and documentation.

Verification of No Child Support Income Form — use if minor children do not reside with both parents and support is not being received.

Verification of No Monthly Income Form — use if an adult household member does not have any form of income.

Verification of No Financial Account Form — use if an adult household member does not have a financial account or pay card account.

Proof of Income Monthly Profit & Loss Statement — use if any adult household member is self-employed. Complete one form for each of the most recent 6 months.

Homeless Affidavit — use if the household is homeless or at risk of being homeless.

If you do not have access to a computer or scanner, you can visit the Application Center located at 520 West Lake Mary Boulevard, Suite 100, Sanford, FL 32773. The center is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on County-observed holidays. The center is self-service and operates on a first-come, first-served, walk-in basis. If you need help using the computers or uploading documents, you may schedule an appointment for assistance.

For more information, please contact our office at 407-665-2300.

For additional community resources, please contact the United Way by dialing 211 or 407‑839‑4357.

Dental Assistance

This program is currently Closed

Applications for the Seminole County Community Assistance Dental Program are currently CLOSED due to expended funds. The program will reopen in late 2025/early 2026, pending funding availability.

Overview

The Community Assistance Office offers Dental Assistance to income eligible adults (ages 18 and older) that reside in Seminole County and not within the city limits of Sanford. The purpose of the Dental Assistance program is to provide financial assistance with the cost of cleanings, deep cleanings, extractions, fillings, partial/full dentures, referral costs, x-rays, root canals and crowns. Implants, orthodontics, and cosmetic procedures are not eligible.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must live in Seminole County (outside Sanford city limits).
• Household income must be at or below 80% of the current Area Median Income (AMI). [See Chart Below]
• Applicant must be 18 years of age or older.

Required Documentation

• Valid Florida ID or valid Florida Driver’s License for all adults (18yrs and older).
• Birth certificates for all minor children in the household.
• Proof of income for the past 90 days for the entire household.
• All pages of the most recent bank account/pay card statements for all household members. This includes accounts for minor children.
• Valid Lease Agreement, Mortgage Statement, or proof of homeownership.
• Homeless applicants must complete the Homeless Affidavit Form.
• Dental referral written by a licensed Central Florida dentist within the last 6 months.

Please note — Priority will be given to elderly, fixed income households and households receiving permanent housing services from Seminole County Community Assistance. If approved, the dental office used for services must be located in Seminole County, but not within the City Limits of Sanford.

The following Income limits will be used in determining eligibility: Gross income cannot exceed 80% AMI.

To apply, visit Seminole County's Participant Portal, choose Dental Assistance, and provide the required information and documentation.

Verification of No Child Support Income Form — use if minor children do not reside with both parents and support is not being received.

Verification of No Monthly Income Form — use if an adult household member does not have any form of income.

Verification of No Financial Account Form — use if an adult household member does not have a financial account or pay card account.

Proof of Income Monthly Profit & Loss Statement — use if any adult household member is self-employed. Complete one form for each of the most recent 6 months.

Homeless Affidavit — use if the household is homeless.

If you do not have access to a computer or scanner, you can visit the Application Center located at 520 West Lake Mary Boulevard, Suite 100, Sanford, FL 32773. The center is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on County-observed holidays. The center is self-service and operates on a first-come, first-served, walk-in basis. If you need help using the computers or uploading documents, you may schedule an appointment for assistance.

For more information, please contact our office at 407-665-2300.

For additional community resources, please contact the United Way by dialing 211 or 407‑839‑4357.