Collier Community Assistance Program FAQs

Click here to download a list of documents that must be provided to apply for the ERA program services.

Applications will be returned to applicant or rejected if all required documents are not submitted.

Collier County staff will not call or email your landlord. As the applicant, you are required to gather all documentation to support your application.

The following are forms that you may be required to fill out if requested. Once completed, upload them into your file through the portal under the TASK option.

• W-9 Form
• ERA Self Certification Form
• Same Name Affidavit
• CCAP Affidavit of Changes Verification
• Affidavit of No Income

Individuals and families who have experienced unemployment, reduction of income, significantly increased expenses, or other financial hardship during or due directly or indirectly to the COVID-19 outbreak and need financial assistance paying rent, mortgage, and utility payments. This does not mean an applicant had to have contracted COVID to be eligible.

The Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program is closed. All funds are exhausted.

The Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Act’s American Rescue Plan Assistance Program (ARP) began accepting applications at 12 p.m. (noon) on Thursday, March 17, 2022.

You can apply online at CollierFLAssistance.com, or by scheduling an appointment at our office located at 13245 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 102, in Naples.  To schedule an in-person appointment, please call 239-450-2114. Please remember to save your password and case number in a secure location. You will need this login information to come back and check your status. Please call 311 if you have any questions. You can always apply at any Collier County Public Library using their equipment, if you do not have access to the internet or a computer in your home.

An applicant applies for the household. A household is defined as all persons living under one roof.

No, the ERA assistance does not have to be paid back, however; fund distribution is reported to the IRS for landlords or if paid to tenant directly.

The CCAP programs are providing financial aid to residents of Collier County. Depending on individual circumstances, household applicants may receive assistance two ways: through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA) or Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds under the American Rescue Plan (ARP).

ERA is allotted for those with area median income (AMI) ranging between 0% to 80%. ARP is allotted for renters whose AMI does not exceed 140%, however those applicants who have exhausted ERA assistance can consider applying. Homeowners with mortgages and AMIs that also do not exceed 140% may also apply for ARP assistance. Both renters and homeowners may receive assistance with arrearage or future mortgage, rent and utility payments. To qualify, households must meet the income AMI range and have a documented mortgage, rent or utility obligation to pay.

The ARP program has a maximum award amount of $25,000. The ERA program does not have a funding cap, but is limited by the amount of funds awarded to the county, including other stipulations to the length of time assistance will be provided.

All persons that experienced financial hardship since the onset of the coronavirus outbreak and total gross income falls within the limits in the table below are encouraged to apply. If you do not qualify through one funding stream, you may qualify through the other. County staff review eligibility and allocation of funding on a case-by-case basis.

**Please refer to the income chart below.**

If you have further questions, please contact our Assistance Center at 239-450-2114.

The funds or grants can be used for mortgage, rent and utility bills, so long as these expenses have not already been paid for by another assistance program (i.e., OUR Florida). Utilities that are a required term of the lease agreement such as water, sewer and trash may also be eligible according to the terms of the lease or rental agreement. Utilities covered by the landlord within the rent are treated as rent.

ERA:

Arrearage (past due bills) can be paid back to March 13, 2020. You must have been current on your rent, mortgage and/or utility accounts as of March 13, 2020, and there is no maximum dollar amount in the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program. ERA can pay up to 12 months of arrearage.

ARP:

Arrearage (past due bills) can be paid back to March 13, 2020. You must have been current on your rent, mortgage and/or utility accounts as of March 13, 2020. Arrearage and prospective payments are available up to the maximum of $25,000.

No. To apply for assistance under the ERA or ARP funds, you do not have to be currently behind on rent to quality.

ERA: If you reside in subsidized housing, you are encouraged to apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA), if your income is at or below 80% AMI. See income chart below. If assistance is awarded, it will only be for the tenant portion of rent and utilities that is not paid by other rental assistance.

ARP: If you reside in subsidized housing, you are encouraged to apply for the American Rescue Plan-Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Program (ARP), if your income does not exceed 140% AMI. See income chart below. If assistance is awarded, it will only be for the tenant portion of rent and utilities that is not paid by other rental assistance.

No. You must apply thru online application and upload required documentation to determine eligibility for the approval process.

ERA:

You must prove loss of income, *housing instability or other financial hardship occurred during or due directly or indirectly to the COVID-19 outbreak. Note: This does not mean an applicant had to contract the coronavirus.

Required documentation MUST include the following:

1. Verification of Unemployment filing since March 1, 2020, if applicable
2. 2020 or 2021 tax return, signed and dated
3. A letter from employer verifying a reduction in hours, pay-rate, number of shifts, or business closure, if applicable
4. Copies of pay stubs before and after COVID-19 outbreak, if applicable
5. Other supporting documentation that proves your financial hardship, determined case-by-case
6. Photo ID (government issued) for all persons in the household over the age of 18
7. US Citizenship for one adult household member
   • Required citizenship documentation may include ONE of the following:
   1. Birth Certificate
   2. Passport
   3. Naturalization Certificate
   4. Social Security Card
   5. Legal Resident Card
8. Copy of lease
   • Lease must be signed and current and all pages. We cannot accept expired leases. Include all addendums and any extensions.
9. Rent ledger from landlord, including past due amount, if applicable. We cannot accept a screenshot.
10. W-9 from landlord
    • Form must include all required information. The county cannot make payment without this completed form.
11. Property Management Agreement, between landlord and company
12. Collier County resident
    • Driver’s License or other government issued photo ID
    • If ID has a different address, we need a copy of your utility bill showing your name and current address.
13. Application must be signed and dated by applicant and co-applicant (if applicable)
14. Duplication of benefits certification must be signed and dated by applicant and co-applicant (if applicable)
15. Release of information must be signed and dated by applicant and co-applicant (if applicable)
16. Other documents that are necessary to process a complete application for assistance, such as housing instability documentation (past due utility bill, eviction notice, code report, inspection report, etc.)

ARP:

You must prove loss of income, *housing instability or other financial hardship occurred during or due directly or indirectly from the COVID-19 outbreak. Note: This does not mean an applicant had to contract the coronavirus.

Required Documentation may include ONE of the following:

1. Verification of Unemployment filing since March 1, 2020, if applicable
2. 2020 or 2021 tax return, signed and dated
3. A letter from employer verifying a reduction in hours, pay-rate, number of shifts, or business closure, if applicable
4. Copies of pay stubs before and after COVID-19 outbreak, if applicable
5. Other supporting documentation that proves your financial hardship, determined case-by-case
6. Photo ID (government issued) for all persons in the household over the age of 18
7. US Citizenship for one adult household member
   • Required citizenship documentation may include ONE of the following:
   1. Birth Certificate
   2. Passport
   3. Naturalization Certificate
   4. Social Security Card
   5. Legal Resident Card
8. Mortgage statement including coupon
9. Collier County resident
   • Driver’s License or other government issued photo ID
   • If ID has a different address, we need a copy of your utility bill showing your name and current
10. Application must be signed and dated by applicant and co-applicant (if applicable)
11. Duplication of benefits certification must be signed and dated by applicant and co-applicant (if applicable)
12. Release of information must be signed and dated by applicant and co-applicant (if applicable)
13. Other documents that are necessary to process a complete application for assistance, such as housing instability documentation (past due utility bill, eviction notice, code report, inspection report, etc.)

*Housing instability is when one or more individuals within the household demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, which may include (i) a past due utility or rent notice or eviction notice, (ii) unsafe or unhealthy living conditions, or (iii) any other evidence of risk, as determined by the grantee.

In cases whereby the household does have an income, but there are individual household members who do not have an income, the household members without an income will be asked to check off the Self-Attestation Certification checkbox.

Self-Attestation Certification Checkboxes

• All Adult Household Members with Zero Income, Applicant Certifies that they have Zero Income
• The Income and Calculated AMI% will show in the Income Portion of the Review/View on all screens
• These Certifications will Display in the Review and in the View on all screens where Applications are reviewed and/or viewed

Yes. Households are prioritized:

• With incomes at or below 50% AMI
• With one or more members who have been unemployed for more than 90 days, or
• Have evidence of housing instability/homelessness

Documentation is required to show the percentage of AMI, unemployment length, or proof of housing instability/homelessness.

There are two categories of applications that receive priority during the application process and are described below.

Impacted Households Presumed Eligible:

• Low-or-moderate income households or communities where income is at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or below 65% of area median income (AMI)​ for Collier County (see income chart below)
• Households that experienced unemployment​
• Households that experienced increased food or housing insecurity​
• Households that qualify for CHIP, childcare subsidies, CCDF or Medicaid​
• Households that qualify for National Housing Trust Fund – for affordable housing programs ​
• Any student that lost access to in-person education – services to address lost instructional time in K-12​

Disproportionately Impacted Households Presumed Eligible:

• Low-income households and communities where income is at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines​ or below 40% of area median income (AMI) for Collier County ​(See ABOVE income chart)
• Households residing in Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs)
  • CHS staff to verify and attest to address being in QCT
• Households that qualify for certain federal benefits (i.e., TANF, SNAP, SSI, WIC, Section 8 vouchers, LIHEAP)​
• Households receiving services provided by Tribal governments​

With respect to each household applying for assistance, the county will be using the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) definition of “annual income” in 24 CFR 5.609 and using adjusted gross income as defined for purposes of reporting under Internal Revenue Service Form 1040 series for individual federal annual income tax purposes.

The ARP program will use the Federal Poverty Guidelines and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) definition of “annual income” in 24 CFR 5.609 and using adjusted gross income as defined for purposes of reporting under Internal Revenue Service Form 1040 series for individual federal annual income tax purposes.

A) ERA income eligibility guidelines are determined as follows:

1. Methods for Income Determination: Income eligibility will be determined by either (i) the household’s total income for calendar year 2021. A household’s monthly income to determine eligibility, will include a review of the monthly income information provided at the time of application and extrapolate over a 12-month period to determine whether household income exceeds 80% of area median income. For example, if the applicant provides income information for two months, the county will multiply it by six to determine the annual amount. If a household qualifies based on monthly income, the grantee must redetermine the household income eligibility every three months for the duration of assistance.
2. Documentation of Income Determination: Household income must also include documentation available to support the determination of income, such as paystubs, W-2s or other wage statements, tax filings, bank statements demonstrating regular income, or an attestation from an employer.
3. Categorical Eligibility:
   • ERA1: If an applicant’s household income has been verified to be at or below 80% of the area median income and financial hardship demonstrated during the COVID outbreak or
   • ERA2: If an applicant’s household demonstrated financial hardship directly or indirectly by the COVID outbreak and income has been verified as a low-income family as defined in section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)) in connection with another local, state, or federal government assistance program, the county shall rely on a determination letter from the government agency that verified the applicant’s household income or status as a low-income family, provided that the determination for such program was made on or after January 1, 2020.
4. Written Attestation without Further Documentation: To the extent that a household’s income, or a portion thereof, is not verifiable due to the impact of COVID-19 (for example, because a place of employment has closed) or has been received in cash, or if the household has no qualifying income, the county, at its discretion, may accept a written attestation from the applicant regarding household income. If such a written attestation without further documentation is relied on, the applicants household income for such household every three months. Self-attestations may only be used for ERA applications.

B) The ARP income eligibility guidelines are determined as follows:

1. Methods for Income Determination: Income eligibility will be determined by either (i) the household’s total income for calendar year 2021. A household’s monthly income to determine eligibility, will include a review of the monthly income information provided at the time of application and extrapolate over a 12-month period to determine whether household income exceeds 140% of area median income. For example, if the applicant provides income information for two months, the county will multiply it by six to determine the annual amount. If a household qualifies based on monthly income, the grantee must redetermine the household income eligibility every three months for the duration of assistance.
2. Documentation of Income Determination: Household income must also include documentation available to support the determination of income, such as paystubs, W-2s or other wage statements, tax filings, bank statements demonstrating regular income, or an attestation from an employer.
3. Assistance to Households Impacted or Disproportionately Impacted Households and Communities: US Treasury’s final rule presumes that certain populations were impacted and disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and are therefore eligible for services that are responding to the negative economic impacts of the pandemic.

The area median income (AMI) for a household is the same as the income limits for families published in accordance with 42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(2), available under the heading for “Access Individual Median Family Income Areas”. This information is available at https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html. It is the midpoint of a region’s income distribution – half of families in a region earn more than the median and half earn less than the median.

No. Payments are provided to help households meet housing costs that they are unable to meet during or directly or indirectly related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Yes. If public record requests are made regarding the CCAP (ERA or ARP), your application and documentation information will be subject to the public record process.

The review process will take as long as necessary to review all documents. Incomplete applications will take significantly longer. Processing could take up to 120 days. However, if all documents are received in a timely manner, the processing days could be significantly less.

Assistance requests will be processed as quickly as possible. Due to the widespread impact of the pandemic on our local community, we anticipate a high volume of requests. Payments will be disbursed as soon as possible.

If a household does not have a signed lease, you may qualify if you can provide documentation of residence OR proof of a rental obligation. This may include evidence of paying utilities for the residential unit, an attestation by a landlord who can be identified as the verified owner or management agent of the unit.

Such expenses include relocation expenses and rental fees (if a household has been temporarily or permanently displaced during or indirectly or directly related to the COVID-19 outbreak); reasonable accrued late fees; and internet service provided to the rental unit. Internet service provided to a residence is related to housing and is in many cases a vital service that allows renters to engage in distance learning, telework, and telemedicine and obtain government services.

All payments for housing-related expenses must be supported by documented evidence such as a bill, invoice, or evidence of payment to the provider of the service.

ERA: Once your application is approved, payment will be made directly to the utility and/or or landlord. The Neighborly online portal, used for the Emergency Rental Assistance program, will show the status of your application.

ARP: Once your application is approved, payment will be made directly to the utility and mortgage company or landlord. The ARP online portal can be accessed here: Login (force.com). You will be notified of the status of your application via email.

There is no maximum assistance amount for ERA. ERA is limited by the amount of funds awarded to the County. When funds are exhausted the program will close. There is, however, a maximum length of time. ERA tier 1 assistance can be provided for up to 12 months in arrearages, with an additional three months based on funding availability. ERA tier 2 can provide relief for up to 18 months including any arrearages and combined with any assistance provided through ERA 1, if applicable, and based on funding availability. Determining which funding stream provides relief to applicants is determined by county staff on a case-by-case basis.

The ARP program is a different funding stream from ERA and is limited to $25,000 per household. This will allow us to help more residents as the income requirements differ from that of ERA 1 and ERA 2.

In most cases, after a careful review of an application, we were unable to help because either the applicant did not meet mandatory eligibility requirements, or the application lacked information and/or appropriate documentation deemed necessary to confirm the applicant met all eligibility requirements was not provided.

If you are denied assistance under the ERA or ARP program, you have the right to appeal this decision. You may send a written request for an appeal to: luciano@colliercountyfl.gov.

Based on the review of your application, you have currently not been approved for funding because your application is missing information. As a result, you have been identified as an applicant who will be provided with a limited time to provide the missing information, or, in some instances, it will be an item your landlord needs to provide.  If you fail to respond within the time provided, your case will be denied.

Staff from Collier County 311 are happy to assist you. Text or call 311 for more help. Please do not call to check on the status of your request as this will slow down our process of approving and distributing assistance. To check on the status of your ERA application click here. To check on the status of your ARP application, click here. You may also visit our assistance center by appointment only located at 13245 Tamiami Trail Suite 102 (Naples). Please call the Assistance Center at 239-450-2114 to setup an appointment Monday through Friday.

No. You can still be eligible to receive unemployment or Federal stimulus funding. Please contact other funding agencies on eligibility for their programs.

However, we cannot duplicate benefits and OUR Florida is providing the same program funds under the Emergency Rental Assistance program. If you have applied for benefits under OUR Florida, please do not apply under our ERA program unless you have been deemed ineligible or have reached the maximum amount of assistance under their program guidelines.

Yes. You may re-apply. However, if your application is denied and you met all eligibility criteria, it is most likely your application is not complete, and you will be notified to submit the information required for completion.

Applicants must be full-time Collier County residents.

Yes. This only applies to the ERA program. If the applicant is not named on the lease agreement, but has a rent sharing agreement with the lessee and has proof he/she lives at the subject property, the county can make direct payments to the lessee on behalf of the applicant. The lessee and the applicant must execute a roommate certification. The lessee must provide a copy of the lease agreement in their name. The subject property cannot be a homesteaded property.

Yes. This only applies to ERA. In these circumstances where a landlord is unwilling to participate in the program or provide documentation, the county may, at its discretion issue rental assistance directly to the tenant. If permitted, you are required to acknowledge use of funds for rent only and provide a certification of your understanding. Should you need assistance for additional months, a rent ledger showing applied payment must be provided to receive additional assistance.

Yes. To remove barriers a household may face in accessing new housing, avoid further collection efforts and credit damage, as well as limit the financial burden on landlords, the county may, at the tenant’s request, provide assistance for rental or utility arrears after the eligible tenant has vacated a unit. If the account has been turned over for collection, the county may require the landlord or utility provider to notify the tenant and collection agency that payment has been received and that there will be no further collection efforts. This only applies to ERA assistance.

Yes. You can apply for assistance. Awarding a grant will depend on individual circumstances as described below.

• Mortgage statements must show a balance due and a due date within the next 30 days. In the example below, the total amount due to bring the account current is $1,894.53. Although the “Amount Due” at the top of the statement indicates $0.00, the amount due to bring the account current may be paid, because this is essentially a past due balance. We may need to get additional clarification from the applicant if the statement is unclear.

Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP), which was signed into law on March 11, 2021. Collier County entered into an agreement with the United States Treasury Department (Treasury) for a grant to execute and implement ARP, pursuant to the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLRF), Section 603 (c) of the Social Security Act.

Funding is allocated on a first-come, first-qualified basis to those who meet the eligibility criteria and submit completed documents for approval. Financial assistance will be given to qualified applicants until relief funds are exhausted. Priority will be given to those at 50% average median income (AMI) and below.

You may qualify if you rent from a private landlord, if you have a signed lease or rental obligation. The lease must be a legally binding contract between the tenant and the landlord that details the rights and responsibilities of each party. A lease or rental obligation typically includes the cost of the rental, the amount of deposit required, when rent is due, whether pets are allowed, and other rules or requirements under said agreement.

You must provide a current signed copy of the property management agreement between your landlord and the property management company.

You may qualify if your housing meets the definition of a SRO: a residential property that includes multiple single room dwelling units. Each unit is for occupancy by a single eligible individual. The unit need not, but may, contain food preparation or sanitary facilities, or both.

In this case, you may qualify.

No. You do not qualify until you have resolved all recoupments with OUR FLORIDA as this may be a duplication of benefits. Collier County and OUR FLORIDA may not pay for the same months. Applicants are required to report duplication and any recoupment activities to the Collier County processor.

In this case, you may qualify under the ARP mortgage assistance program. However, immediate family or relations by marriage cannot be the mortgage holder.

You may qualify if you claim your home on your tax return. In this case, the portion deducted on your tax return will be reduced from the assistance payment requested. To validate the amount eligible, you will need to provide your most recent tax return.

Those who apply for mortgage assistance will receive a notification after submitting your application. This notice will inform you to contact the Housing, Education and Lending Programs (HELP) for further assistance. HELP is a nonprofit agency collaborating with the county to manage the mortgage portion of the CCAP program. Your mortgage assistance application will be sent to them for processing and payment. To check on your application’s status, please reach out to them at 239-434-2397.

Under the ARP mortgage program, all applicants must participate in financial counseling before any payments will be made.

The renter (tenant) or the landlord can apply for assistance. Eligibility qualification depends on their circumstances and will need to meet eligibility outlined in above information. However, if the property is homesteaded and you are renting it out, the file will be denied. See “I rent a room in the house of a private person” question above.

Per Florida statutes 196.031 and 196.061, homesteaded properties may not be rented in their entirety or in part, unless there is a completely separate living quarters (apartment, in-law suite, etc.), whether attached to, or detached from the primary home. Any non-shared living space is eligible for rent, and payments should be provided to the landlord. Room rentals where there are shared common areas (kitchens, bathrooms, etc.), are not allowed.

You can check the status of your application at any time by going to the application website for ERA or Login (force.com) for ARP. You will need the password used to register as well as your case number. Do not email staff directly as they will not respond. All questions must be submitted through your file in the system. Staff will respond to your inquiry through the online portal system.

ERA:

• Processors: This is your main point of contact. They are reviewing your application for eligibility and all documents. Processors will email you if there are any questions.
• Reviewer: County staff validating all documents are in the file and the file is complete to move forward.
• Fiscal: The county’s fiscal staff are validating your file.
• Management Review: Your file is under its final review with county staff.
• Approved County: County staff have completed their review and your file has moved to the final stage of the review process.
• Pending Clerk Payment: Your file is under review for payment with the Clerk of Courts.
• Clerk Payment: The Clerk of Courts has issued payment to your mortgage company, landlord or utility company.

ARP:

• Processors: This is your main point of contact. They are reviewing your application for eligibility and all documents. Processors will email you if there are any questions.
• Grant Coordinator: County staff validating all documents are in the file and the file is complete to move forward.
• Fiscal: The county’s fiscal staff are validating your file.
• Grant Management: Your file is under its final review with county staff.
• Approved: County staff have completed their review and your file has moved to the final stage of the review process.

If you received assistance through CollierCARES, you may apply for assistance through ARP or ERA. Please visit our website at www.colliercountyhousing.com to access the correct website for your household needs.

If you receive the message, “This email already exists,” when you try to login to the online application, it means you have previously created an application and will need to set up a new account.

A “denied” file means your file was reviewed and determined that you are not eligible for assistance through CCAP. If you want to file an appeal, please email Donald.Luciano@colliercountyfl.gov.

You will be required to complete a same name affidavit and provide documentation like a birth certificate or divorce decree or official name change showing your name has changed.

You will be required to provide a pay stub, bank account or utility bill showing your name and address as reflected in your lease or mortgage statement.

Yes. Depending on availability of funding, the ERA will cover relocation expenses, however the total months of service for all rental assistance, regardless of the address cannot exceed 12 months, or 15 months with special consideration for ERA 1 and 18 months for ERA 2. Applicants may be assisted with relocation expenses, which may include deposits, first and last month, application and screening fees. Applicants requesting relocation expenses must meet the eligibility criteria for the program. The eligibility criteria is the same for all ERA funded services, and is listed above. A lease for the new unit is required. The landlord will be required to submit a W-9. If there are other rental arrears or utility payments for another address, that must be a separate application. Applications for relocation expenses must be in its own application separate from any other request for services.

Provide your landlord a W8 form, which is for non-U.S. Citizens who own property or for those landlords that reside outside the U.S. You can download the form here: W8 FORM.

The Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP) is available to households who have a delinquent electric bill and an adult 60 years or older who resides in the home. EHEAP can also assist with the repair and replacement of air conditioning to an elderly household who is a homeowner.

Any household can apply that has an adult 60 years or older that resides in the home and the electric bill is past due, has a Shut Off Notification or electricity is currently shut off. The delinquent amount is paid directly to the electric utility company.

You can apply in-person at the Collier County Community and Human Services Office located at 3339 Tamiami Trail E Suite 211, in Naples. For more information, call (239) 252-CARE (2273) or dial 311.

Any past due bills are eligible. ONLY the past due or delinquent amount of the electric bill can be paid. If the service has been disconnected, all delinquent charges and late fees are eligible for payment as well as deposits for reconnection of the electric service.  Returned check fees are not eligible.

Please read your lease agreement and see if a utility subsidy is provided to you. If you do not receive a subsidy, you may apply for assistance. If you receive a utility subsidy, you may not qualify for assistance.

• FPL or LCEC Electric Bill
• Social Security cards for all members in the household
• State of Florida issued photo ID’s for all adults in the household
• Proof of Income for all members living in the household-18 years or older
• Social Security, SNAP or TANF award letters
• Mortgage or lease agreement

We follow the 150% Federal Poverty Limits (FPL) guidelines, but if someone in the household receives Social Security, SNAP or TANF benefits, there are no income guidelines; provided there is a member residing in the household who is 60 years or older.

You may be eligible for assistance for every monthly past due electric bill and/or air conditioner repair/replacement up to $5,000 total per year.

You may call 311 for information about other Collier County social services’ agencies that may provide you with past due utility assistance.

This applies to homeowners only. Please call the Community & Human Services Main number at 239-252-2273 for help.

You must be a homeowner to receive assistance for a new HVAC. The maximum benefit amount is $5,000. Documentation you will need includes:

• Three air conditioning estimates
• If the HVAC exceeds $5,000, you will need documentation for how the remaining amount will be paid in full
• Proof of income for all members living in the household that are 18 years or older
• Social Security cards for all members in the household
• State of Florida issued photo ID’s for all adults in the household
• Social Security, SNAP or TANF award letters
• Mortgage information
• Proof of homestead status

A complete application will include, at minimum, the following:

• Application (5 pages): Must be completed by the Head of Household.
• Release of Information form: For all household members 18 years of age or older.
• Government issued Picture ID: For all household members 18 years of age or older.
• Social Security Card: For all household members 18 years of age or older.
• Benefit letter(s): Includes Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Veterans’, Long-term Disability, Unemployment determination (1099 forms are not acceptable)
• Income:
  • One month of pay stubs. If self-employed, must provide the last two years of tax returns along with a year-to-date profit and loss statement.
  • One month of current bank statement for all accounts (Checking, Savings, Money Market), (include ALL pages)
  • Most recent quarterly statement for 401k, pension, IRA/Investment account, etc. (Include ALL pages)
• Notice for Collection of Social Security Numbers form
• Disaster Self-Certification form
• Proof of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) application filing and result
• Proof of property insurance filing and result (adjustor report)
• Affidavit of Insurance-Disaster Recovery
• Duplication of Disaster Benefits Affidavit- Signed and Dated
• Signed and Dated State Housing Initiatives Partnership program (SHIP) Disaster Assistance Written Agreement
• Current Homeowners Property/Flood Declaration of Insurance page(s)
• Insurance Claim Report
• Proof of deposit(s) paid to contractor (canceled check or credit card statement)
• Proof of Insurance claim and payment(s)
• Proof of advance payment(s) from applicant’s insurance company, if applicable
• Contractor Estimate (Agreement)
• Contractor Invoice

No. The deductible will be paid to the contractor.

Collier County received $334,700 in November 2022 to be used for the Insurance Deductible Assistance program. Funding is available on a first-come, first-qualify (complete application) basis until funds are exhausted.

Yes. This is an allowable expense. The county will only assist with the structure deductible (not the content deductible).

If the claim is less than the deductible, you will not qualify for assistance. The State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program funds cannot be used to pay for repairs that are less than the deductible amount.

The Insurance Deductible Assistance Program will only pay the deductible amount.

The Insurance Deductible Assistance Program will only pay for insurance deductibles; therefore, you would not qualify for the program.

This is provided as a grant, just like many other forms of State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program disaster assistance. Grants do not need repayment.

The county can only pay up to the maximum award of $20,000 towards the deductible.

No. The SHIP funds are paid at the end of the project within 60 days of the final inspection and/or permit is closed and final accepted by the Collier County Building Department and/or third-party inspector.

Yes. Both scenarios are acceptable. However, final State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) approval for the program cannot be made until the insurance company has provided a final decision on the claim. It is important to note that only applications that are complete at time of submission will be reviewed by the county.  If you do not have this document, your application is not complete.

Each adult household member/owner must sign the Duplication of Benefits (DOB) affidavit (form). The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) does not cover insurance deductibles, but other funding sources may.

Other than the Duplication of Benefits form, you will sign a Release of Information form, and you must provide proof of the FEMA decision.

Only those applicants who meet the income limit and other qualifications and have a complete application will be considered to receive funds.

Below are definitions of the statuses:

• Processors: This is your main point of contact; they are reviewing your application for eligibility and all documents. The processors will email you if there are any questions
• Reviewer: County staff validating all documents are in the file and the file is complete to move forward.
• Fiscal: The County’s fiscal staff are validating your file
• Management Review: Your file is under its final review with County staff
• Incomplete: Pending final decision on insurance claim and issue of check. If you do not have a final decision from the insurance company your application is not complete and may be denied.
• Pending: Your file is under review for payment with the Clerk of Courts.
• Clerk Payment: The Clerk of Courts has issued payment to your contractor.
• Duplicate Application: More than one application (CASE#) is assigned to the same applicant or property.

It could take up 120 days to process an application.

Multiple bids are not required if the homeowner has selected a contractor at the time of application.

The program can pay the deductible so long as a contractor is involved in the repairs. The program does not reimburse homeowners.

The owner of a manufactured home built in June 1994 or later may receive deductible assistance even if the home is located on leased land, like in a mobile home park.

Individuals and families that have been directly impacted by Hurricane Ian. A directly impacted applicant could be a homeowner or renter that experienced damage to their residential property. Applicants might also have been displaced, but that is not a requirement to apply.

The ways a household can document being directly impacted include being a recipient of other housing-related disaster benefits and receipts for hotel stays, if displaced. Financial impacts include loss of employment or a flooded car that can be documented directly to Hurricane Ian.

The State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Hurricane Rental Program applications will be accepted starting at 12 p.m. on May 17, 2023.

You must apply online at CollierCountyHousing.com and create an account. Please remember to save your password and case number in a secure location. You will need this login information to come back and check your status. If you have any question or need help, call our office (239) 450-2114. The office is located at 13245 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 102, Naples, FL 34114. We do not process applications over the phone and no walk ins will be accepted.

The grant funds can be used for rent, so long as these expenses have not already been paid for by another local, state, federal, or private organization’s assistance program. Utilities that are required by the terms of the lease or rental agreement such as water, sewer and trash may also be eligible. Telecommunication services such as cable, telephone and internet are not eligible. Utilities covered by the landlord within the rent are treated as rent.

No. However, utilities covered by the landlord within the rent are treated as rent.

The State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Hurricane Rental Program may pay past due rent up to September 28, 2022, but a maximum assistance of $20,000 per applicant.

No. To apply for assistance under Collier County SHIP Hurricane Rental Program, you do not have to be currently behind on rent to quality for this aid.

The household annual income cannot exceed 120% of the area median income (AMI) as listed in the table below. The AMI for a household is the same as the income limits for families published in accordance with 42U.S.C. 1437a(b)(2), available under the heading for “Access Individual Median Family Income Areas.” This information is available at https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html.

• Must be a Collier County resident, with proof of residency as evidenced by a government issued ID (driver’s license); and
• The household must have a direct housing or financial impact from Hurricane Ian; and
• Have been residing in Collier County at the time that Hurricane Ian came onshore, September 28, 2022; and
• Have needs that will not be served or fully met by the FEMA Temporary Shelter Assistance Program; and
• All applicants must be 18 years of age or above and must be a legal U.S. resident or eligible non-citizen. Required documentation includes ONE of the following per household member:
  1. Social security card
  2. Birth certificate
  3. Passport
  4. Naturalization certificate
  5. Green card or permanent resident card

• Complete copy of signed lease and all addendums and extensions.
• Rent ledger from landlord.
• Landlord’s W-9.
• Six months bank statements for ALL accounts for all household members.
• Two months’ pay stubs for all household members over the age of 18.
• Most recent quarterly statement for 401k, pension, IRA or other investment account, etc. (Include ALL pages)
• Application must be signed and dated by applicant and co-applicant (if applicable) and all household members over the age of 18.
• Duplication of benefits certification must be signed and dated by applicant and co-applicant (if applicable).
• Release of information must be signed and dated by applicant and co-applicant (if applicable).
• Same Name Affidavit form must be signed and notarized for all household members over the age of 18.
• Social security card for each household member over the age of 18 years old.
• Benefit letter (s): Including Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Veterans’ benefits, long-term disability, unemployment determination (1099 forms are not acceptable).
• Notice for Collection of Social Security Numbers form signed and dated by all adult household members.
• Proof of FEMA application filing and results.
• Signed and dated State Housing Initiatives Partnership program (SHIP) Disaster Assistance written agreement.
• Condemnation notice, if applicable.
• Homeowners, renters, or car insurance documentation (if applicable).
• Copy of unemployment or layoff letter stating employment change is due to Hurricane Ian.
• Other documents as requested that are necessary to completely process an application for assistance.

With respect to each household applying for assistance, the county will be using the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) definition of “annual income” in 24 CFR 5.609 and using gross income as defined for purposes of reporting under Internal Revenue Service Form 1040 series for individual federal annual income tax purposes.

ALL Income must be reported for ALL adult household members. All applicable supporting documentation must be supplied including:

• Two months of pay stubs or,
• If self-employed, must provide the last two years of tax returns along with a six-month profit and loss statement; and
• Six months of current bank statement for all accounts (checking, savings, money market), (include ALL pages); and
• Most recent quarterly statement for 401k, pension, IRA/Investment account, etc. (Include ALL pages)

If you reside in subsidized housing, you may apply for the Collier County SHIP Hurricane Rental Program, which may provide rental assistance. However, it will only be for the tenant portion of rent that is not paid by other rental assistance. In addition, it is dependent on the subsidy received. Utilities that are required by the terms of the lease or rental agreement such as water, sewer and trash may also be eligible. Telecommunication services such as cable, telephone and internet are not eligible. Utilities covered by the landlord within the rent are treated as rent.

No. Payments are provided to help households meet housing costs because of Hurricane Ian.

Yes. If a public record request is submitted regarding the SHIP Hurricane Rental Program, your application and documentation information will be subject to the public record process. However, various types of records are considered exempt and/or confidential and therefore, not available through a public records request. Certain statutory exemptions are contained throughout Florida Statutes. Specifically, Florida Statutes Section 119.071 defines which records are exempt from inspection or copying and contains some commonly cited exemptions. To view these exemptions, please visit www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes.

The review process will take as long as necessary to review all documents. Incomplete applications will take significantly longer and may be moved to the bottom of the priority list. Processing could take up to 120 days. However, if all documents are received in a timely manner, the processing days could be significantly less.

Assistance requests will be processed as quickly as possible. Payments will be disbursed as soon as possible to the landlord.

Yes. You must have a lease.

Other expenses include application fees, move-in fees, and relocation costs such as first, last and security deposits. All payments for housing-related expenses must be supported by a ledger, bill or invoice. Moving and movers’ expenses are not allowed. Security deposits paid by the county must be returned to the county if the tenant does not complete a minimum of six months of the lease.

Once your application is approved, payment will be made directly to the landlord. The online portal used for the SHIP Hurricane Rental Program will notify you of the status of your application.

The county can only pay up to the maximum award amount of $20,000 per applicant. Funding is available on a first-come, first-qualify basis until funds are exhausted. Only complete applications submitted with all required documentation will be considered.

In most cases, after a careful review of an application, we were unable to help because either the applicant did not meet mandatory eligibility requirements, or the application lacked information and/or appropriate documentation deemed necessary to confirm the applicant met all eligibility requirements.

Yes. If you received this communication, you have currently not been approved for funding because your application is missing information. As a result, you have been identified as an applicant who will be provided with a limited amount of time to provide the missing information, or, in some instances, it will be an item your landlord needs to provide. Missing information should be returned promptly by the deadline given in your notification or your case may be closed.

You may check on the status of your Statewide Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Hurricane Rental Program application online. You may also visit the assistance center by appointment located at 13245 Tamiami Trail, Suite 102 in Naples, beginning May 17. Please call the Assistance Center at (239) 450-2114 to set up an appointment Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-ins are not accepted.

No. You can still be eligible to receive unemployment, but you may not receive FEMA TSA assistance. Please contact other funding agencies on eligibility for their programs.

No. You cannot re-apply. However, you may appeal the decision. If you want to file an appeal, please email Tara.Bishop@colliercountyfl.gov within five business days of receipt of your denial email.  Please state in your appeal request the reasons you feel this determination should be reconsidered and attach any information that you feel should be considered that would make you eligible for the program.

No. Applicants must be full-time Collier County residents at the time of the hurricane and presently.

Disaster assistance aids households in incorporated or unincorporated Collier County in the aftermath of a disaster as declared by the president of the United States or governor of the State of Florida. This strategy will only be funded and implemented in the event of a disaster using any fund that has not yet been encumbered or with additional disaster funds allocated by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. SHIP Disaster Recovery funds may be used for items such as, but not limited to, residents that have been displaced from their homes due to a disaster and need assistance paying for housing costs such as security deposits, temporary rent, and relocation. Maximum assistance benefit per qualified applicant is $20,000.

Funding is allocated on a first-come, first-qualified basis to those who meet the eligibility criteria, meet state mandated income level priorities and submit completed documents for approval. Financial assistance will be given to qualified applicants until relief funds are exhausted. Priority is given to applicants qualifying as special needs households and households with income levels below 50% AMI. Then, funds will be allocated to qualified applicants with income levels between 50.01% and 80% AMI, and if funds remain available, disbursements will be made to applicants with household income levels up to the maximum 120% AMI. Funding between more than 80% and 120% AMI is extremely limited.

You may qualify if you rent from a private landlord and have a signed lease. The lease must be a legally binding contract between the tenant and the landlord that details the rights and responsibilities of each party. A lease typically includes the cost of the rental, the amount of deposit required, when rent is due, whether pets are allowed, and other rules or requirements under said lease.

No, homestead properties may not be rented.

In this case, you may qualify. Any non-shared living space is eligible for rent, and payments should be provided to the landlord. You must have your own bedroom and bathroom.

You can check the status of your application at any time by going to the application website for the SHIP Hurricane Rental Program. You will need the password used to register as well as your case number.

• Processors: This is your main point of contact. They are reviewing your application for eligibility and all documents. Processors will email you if there are any questions.
• Fiscal: The county’s fiscal staff is validating your file for fiscal components.
• Management Review: Your file is under its final review with county staff.
• Approved County: County staff have completed their review and your file has moved to the final stage of the review process.
• Pending Clerk Payment: Your file is under review for payment with the Clerk of Courts.
• Clerk Payment: The Clerk of Courts has issued payment to your landlord or utility company.

If you receive the message, “This email already exists,” when you try to login to the online application, it means you have previously created an application and will need to set up a new account.

A “denied” file means your file was reviewed and determined that you are not eligible for assistance through the SHIP Hurricane Rental Program. If you want to file an appeal, please email Tara.Bishop@colliercountyfl.gov within five business days of receipt of your denial email. Please state in your appeal request the reasons you feel this determination should be reconsidered and attach any information that you feel should be considered that would make you eligible for the program.

Yes. You may qualify if you meet all program eligibility requirements. The program will not pay your mortgage payment, repairs, HOA fees or taxes but will assist you with your rental payment until such time as you return home or reach the $20,000 threshold.