Collier County is continuing to financially assist residents, small businesses, including agricultural and nonprofits affected by COVID-19. This new program opens March 29 through this fall or until funds are depleted, which ever one occurs first. Applications open March 29 at 12 p.m. (noon).
Applications Open Soon!
Full-time Collier County residents behind on mortgage, rent or utility payments due to the economic challenges presented by COVID-19 may qualify for assistance. Past due payments must have accumulated as the result of COVID-19 and must be documented. Please see the frequently asked questions (FAQ) page for details about eligibility and documentation requirements.
Applicants must include on their application all persons 18 years of age or older living in the household and provide their income documentation. Those additional individuals must also meet all the eligibility requirements posed during the application process. Applications and eligibility are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If you are determined eligible, program staff will follow up with you.
Aid is available for past due bills going back (arrearage) to March 13, 2020. Applicants must have been current on their rent, mortgage and utility accounts as of March 13, 2020. Arrearage is available up to a maximum of $10,000 for rent, mortgage and utility relief. However, applicants will also be screened for benefits through the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program, which does not have a cap on funds and only assists with rent payments through fall 2021. Doing this will allow the county to help more residents. If applicants do not qualify for aid through the CCAP, they may qualify through the ERA and vice versa.
Small businesses, agricultural operations and nonprofit organizations may be eligible for up to $25,000 to repay the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and past due utility bills. Utility bills must be in the name of the business. To qualify, businesses must employ 100 or less full-time employees, must be located in Collier County, be certified with the Florida Secretary of State, and have a current business tax license. If you own multiple businesses with different EIN numbers, you can apply for a grant for each business that qualifies. Simply submit an application per business. Agricultural operations and nonprofit organizations must also meet all small business eligibility criteria.
Food banks and pantries may also apply for financial assistance by reaching out to the Community Foundation of Collier County.
Applications are available online beginning March 29. For personal assistance completing applications or more information, we have an office located at 13245 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 102, in Naples. Appointments are required. Please call (239) 252-2273 (CARES) or (239) 450-1124 to setup an appointment. Remember to wear a mask if county ordinances are in effect. For general information about the program, please dial 311 within Collier County.
