I also applied for the Erap program in St Lucie county where I live. yet I still let her know my situation and what had happened to me and my children. A place for users of Florida's unemployment/reemployment assistance program to share information and tips about how to use and proceed through the arcane and confusing Florida assistance system. So I wrote a complaint to OURFlorida fully explaining and asking what I could do. We will continue to press the state for answers. The website you are directing me to is the website ourflorida.com that I am talking about. Earn an income at or below 80% of the areas median income (AMI). Our grace with landlord is going to run out soon. Most states have lifted their . These notices ( which you can create here) must contain certain specific information to be effective. Indeed, many Floridians are struggling to navigate the federally-funded program OUR Florida, which stands for Opportunities for Utilities and Rental Assistance. If the applicant is determined eligible for relief, the payment will be calculated. If I have already received relief or assistance, can I still apply? Rocco said shes filed at least six complaints online with OUR Florida, but never got any confirmation those complaints were received. Complete applications that match registered landlords can be processed and verified in as little as 18 days. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Thats our system, Bisono said. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Floridians who have received rent and utilities assistance through OUR Florida, the federally-funded Emergency Rental Assistance Program operated by the Department of Children and Families, share their stories of rebound and recovery. At the last hour, Rocco said, the tenant was finally notified her assistance was approved, and Rocco dropped the eviction. Under federal. Funding is provided by the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Meanwhile, according to her she can see that on the landlord portal says approved, disbursements and amount. Our fl says could take awhile to get paid. OUR Florida provides renters who qualify with relief on unpaid rent and utility bills, and supports landlords and utilities with relief on lost revenue to support their continued recovery. An I-Team investigation revealed renters being evicted while waiting on a slice of the $870 million allocated to the DCF's Our Florida program to help pandem. Nobody has ever mentioned to me that I need to send in any of my income information. ALL AGENCIES ADMINISTERING OUR PORT OUTS (BILLING US/we are initial the PHA): Please be advised that HUD has published a new CY 2022 administrative fee rates schedule and changed the national prorate. I then received a 3-day notice with late fees, and submitted that directly to my case worker. There is a single online application available only during an open registration period determined by the agency for project-based units ( Public Housing, Moderate Rehabilitation and Section 8 New Construction) and tenant-based units ( Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher ). ### Media Contact: HQW.Press.Office@MyFLFamilies.com Return to Press Releases An attestation from the client is required. https://myflfamilies.com/service-programs/homelessness/esg.shtml. It is through the state of Florida. I know people who have filed since earlier like in Feb or March and still haven't gotten their taxes yet. HUD Awards $78.4 Million for Critical Investments in Florida's Public Housing. If you go on the website you can see it's definitely a legit program.. just seems impossible so far to get anywhere with them. Note that the resources below are archived for reference only. Assisted & Public Housing. Expired rent or lease agreement and proof of ongoing rent such as: Attestation by the landlord of an agreement to rent and payments made accompanied by: Treatment for the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency; Costs for relocation due to financial or health circumstances; Purchases to support remote work or school; The calculated household income is less than 30% of the AMI. My understanding is if there is some issue with the landlord and the state that will also be taken into account. On October 3, she got her first eviction notice. I dont know why landlords wouldnt want to work with it, because youve got guaranteed rent coming in on time, every month.. Florida. Has anyone experienced this? By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Everything you need to know about the next launch and detailed coverage on space missions. The department of children and families governs it. Wow just wow. I even just found out that Im pregnant because I passed out in the kitchen because I have no electricity and its so hot in here. Your complaint ticket is now closed. Applicants receiving assistance through a city or county program are not eligible to receive the same benefits through OUR Florida. I tried a reconsideration and it was denied and I was told to wait for the email. It's the exact same website. Provide access to emergency shelters, rental assistance and case management to prevent individuals becoming homeless, and rapid re-housing of individuals from shelters or homelessness. Once an application is submitted, it is reviewed to determine if the applicant is eligible and to calculate payment. However, the payment standard does not limit and does not affect the amount of rent a landlord may charge or the family may pay. Thing is I would have patience as well if I hadnt received an 8 day notice yesterday on my door. Im in Palm Beach County and I was approved for 3 months in February 2021. Media Contact:HQW.Press.Office@MyFLFamilies.com. I am on unemployment so why haven't I been approved yet? I'm losing hope in all this. It is kind of weird because when I was approved for utilities I got the notice on my portal as well as an email. They are overwhelmed. I was told nearly 2 weeks ago that I was finally approved (after about 2.5 months of playing their game. After dropping the ball on my case, she treated me as she was annoyed that I was already helped and why was I asking for 3 more months. You can also call Florida Bar lawyer referral at (800) 342- 8011 or locally to the Orange County Bar association lawyer referral at (407) 422-4551 for lease issues. But it doesnt work right, Rocco said. For other Counties, check out our webpage for the Florida Legal Aid Eviction Prevention Project. I'm back to work, but I cant get ahead of it, Pasko stressed. Is the check made out to the landlord or the apartment complex? JH has 2,881 public housing units and manages 7,868 HCV (Housing Choice Vouchers), for area landlords. The deputy director responded, Working on this, and will get back to you when I have answers.. Last yr around November my unemployment went on hold, I didn't get it fixed till april of this yr and that was after emailing and calling everyday during the period. Maybe they keep sending me the wrong email stating I need to have a letter for my employer but they actually need my bank statements. Once completed, the applicant will receive notification of eligibility, and payments will be made directly to the business, landlord and/or utility provider. Yes. Application in Eligibility Review . this has been very stressful. ACCESS Florida provides an application for Food Assistance, Cash Assistance, and Medicaid, and allows applicants to view or update their case, make changes, and receive updates about their application from DCF. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Should applicants have questions regarding their eligibility, the application process or concerns about the program, the compiled Frequently Asked Questions is a great place to start. This crisis line has trained advocate available 24-hours a day to provide crisis counseling, safety planning, resources, and connection to legal assistance and local domestic violence centers. As of July 13, the state had distributed just $3.9 million, according to a news release sent out by the Florida Department of Children and Families, which is overseeing the program. These services include rapid rehousing and rental and utility assistance. Please answer the questions here to determine if you are eligible. ?zqYS?D1)cNF&hB!iDE3**zT~=G9Vq!~. Acosta Palmer said when tenants do get a court date to plead their case, the biggest and most common mistake they make is admitting they were late on rent to begin with. I'm going through something similar. The Florida dcf announced an additional $740 million dollars into the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, but ABC Action News has been following the funding for months and finds that people are . Maybe that is why my application isn't going through. She escalated. `ga{V2`0\ d0&( W/L$cY *Z`jp=}`@.^P&0&nx.Vo p!X? How can I provide proof that I am at risk of housing instability to qualify for assistance? I'm waiting day by day, District of Clearwater resident Sarah Pasko told ABC Action News. Determination of rent amounts must be determined by a current lease, signed by the applicant and the landlord or sublessor, that identifies the unit where the applicant resides and establishes the rental payment amount where possible. Im a single mom of 2 as well. More than $1.19 billion has been obligated to support families with past due rent and utilities. If a household does not have a signed lease, monthly rental amounts may be documented by: If no lease or attestation by the landlord is available, the renter must demonstrate a minimum of three months pattern of rent payments (such as canceled checks or bank statements that identify the landlord and purpose of payments). By that point, Florida had distributed 42% of its ERA1 funding, according to a letter to Treasury by DCF. OUR Florida is Floridas state-wide federally-funded Emergency Rental Assistance program. 2 0 obj In addition to the above, the following FAQ is also recommended to address the appropriate process landlord must apply when they are returning rental assistance payments to OUR Florida. (Spectrum News 13/Molly Duerig), Eviction bans push some small landlords out of the rental business, Allowed, but not required: ERA confusion mounts for hotel residents in Central Florida, Housing Experts: Emergency rental money is there, but some landlords don't want it, The Treasury Department is required to reallocate excess funds, a National Low Income Housing Coalition report, California Consumer Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information, California Consumer Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Florida's "pay to play" eviction law allows cases to move quickly, and some residents have been displaced before their assistance arrives, In a letter to Treasury, the Department of Children and Families said it had committed 42% of its funds by Nov. 15, ERA programs were supposed to have spent at least 65% of their allocations by Sept. 30, or risk losing remaining funds. For others, like Bisono who said she previously earned a $95,000 salary working in hotel sales its not so familiar. I priority mailed my documents. our florida waiting for landlord status Author: Published on: iconoclasts walkthrough ferrier shockwood June 8, 2022 Published in: where to sell high end used furniture And these are the things I speak about. I feel (worse) now than when I applied and with less hope that this system for emergency will do any good for me, one father wrote in an email. (Her landlord had, too, according to an email Bisono received from OUR Florida in mid-October.). In my mind, when the state gets $3.7 Billion for the sole purpose of helping people in our situation, they shouldn't be judge/jury/executioner OR making their own excruciatingly long game up along the way. our florida waiting for landlord status. Fees included in the lease, whether separately identified or included in an overall rent payment, such as pet fees or garbage fees, are eligible for assistance. I am a landlord. I'm just curious of anyone else is in this position.. has anyone received any help from "Our Florida"? The LSC eviction study, completed per a Congress directive, called out Florida and Arkansas as pay to play states, where tenants forfeit their right to a court hearing if they cannot pay the full amount of back rent landlords claim they owe. My team tries to reach out to representatives at OUR Florida, we do not get any email responses, Roberg exclaimed, We have sent clients to the in-person offices that are allegedly available for in-person assistance, and our clients tell us that they get sent from the Largo office to the Tampa office or the Tampa office, they're told to call to you know, the online help number. That includes rent for the month of December. Glad that at least you were approved. Earn an income at or below 80% of the areas median income, Be unemployed, have experienced a loss of income or financial hardship during the last year, and. Waiting for Landlord to contact me (apartments, lease, tenants, rental) - Renting -Apartments, houses, lease, tenant, landlord, agreements, termination - City-Data Forum Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! A request for reconsideration is a request from an applicant, a tenant or landlord, to re-review their file for eligibility or re-review the amount of assistance when the applicant disagrees with the outcome of a programmatic decision. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, finding only 3% of their rental assistance funds had gone out to residents, click here to connect with the Community Law Program, click here to connect with Bay Area Legal Services. The Community Law Program is asking for better communication, at the least. Since then, the status of the third payment has also changed from approved to paid.. I have nobody Im out here alone I need help and ourFlorida.com is not helping!!! Their directions such. OUR Florida is a program of the Florida Department of Children and Families. If a landlord has chosen or is required to return rental assistance funds to OUR Florida, they are required to make payments in the form of a check payable to Tidal Basin Consulting and mailed to: OUR Florida2002 Old St. Augustine Rd., Building CTallahassee, FL 32301. But for many renters and landlords alike, the funds have not served their intended emergency function at all. Does anyone have a similar situation where u were approved but the system does not reflect it? Low and behold I got DENIED this past Friday for following her directions to the T! Santiago said Siloam Management is still waiting to see how quickly Our Florida payments will be processed - whether it'll always take 15 to 18 days, like the first time. Yes. OUR Florida is available to all qualified applicants in Florida, even if you live in a city or county that has its own local program. The money is being sent to the landlord so why would they need to see my bank account? But the checks never arrived, and apparently cannot be traced. Tenants in Florida do not have much time to work with when they fall behind on rent. It was from me saying "I am unemployed and have proven this time and time again to you people, if I get this email one more time and you do not process my application I will go to the news and contact anyone who will listen. Theres really nothing I can do but keep calling and hoping I can obtain some new Info, I am a single mother of 2 whos on unemployment as well. You just have to click a few buttons to get to where the rental assistance application is and then it directs you to ourflorida.com. I have submitted EVERYTHING required and every other week I get a generic email stating "we need a financial hardship letter from your employer" each time I call our Florida and tell them I'm on unemployment and that I have submit my approval letter. DCF is committed to help Florida families recover and achieve economic self-sufficiency. So it's sort of just a circle that our clients keep going in.. I am lost because with the same breath she told me that until my status "waiting for landlord" is removed and updated to approved, funding and paid in that order I am not approved. My tenants remain safe in their homes, and my small business is back in the black!" On July 15th, the Landlord notified via email that i had 15 days to read more Hello totally agree. And other requirements. SOURCE: Housing defense attorney with Jacksonville Area Legal Aid James Tyer ANSWER: No, landlords do not have to accept Our Florida payments and you can still be evicted even if approved for. Programs that werent spending quickly enough had to send Treasury a program improvement plan by Nov. 15. Thank you so much for offering this program to hard-working families like ours who are dealt unfortunate circumstances. OUR Florida program will work in close partnership with local city and county governments, and other entities, to ensure assistance is not duplicative.. In Florida, landlords can legally reject an application that doesn't meet their criteria such as bad references, a s On the 29, we asked again, specifically asking about Pasko's situation and Roberg's concerns. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Im very disappointed they really didnt do anything for me.. DCF coordinates funding for homeless assistance through a statewide network of lead agencies, called Continuums of Care, who subcontract with other community partners to fund the direct services provided to the homeless population. The whole idea for OUR Florida is to help people like us, and theres many of us, said Bisono, who is currently staying at a friends living room. And this came through a contact that I actually had in Pinellas County who was able to sort of elevate it, Roberg said. The application process for the program is now closed, but the program is. I actually had to say these same things to my worker. I was approved and the system took a couple days to update. If we have to go, we have to go, she said. I've submitted all the required paper work. I have everything packed. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. This last time I submit a letter but it wasn't from my employer. This 18-month total is the combined total of partial and full months of past-due, current, and future months (this includes all ERAP assistance payments). Its been over a month and a half and every time I reach out to OUR Florida and the client reaches out to find out, you know, can we get a check number? Great news, Jacksonville Housing is pleased to provide applicants, residents, and landlords with a new and convenient way to keep track of their housing information online. It's going to be here soon, it's going to be here soon, Pasko said. North Florida Community Action Agency is now receiving CARES act monies for the following: Up to $3,000 for electricity through 9/2021 per household, Up to $2,000 for rent/water/sewer through 9/2022 per household Program will start to release funding next week contact 904-362-8052 to schedule an appointment. and then given careful instructions on what to submit to get approved this time. Thank you for contacting OUR Florida Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Visit the Manatee County ERA Ambassador located at Gulfcoast Legal Services Bradenton Office, 1112 Manatee Ave E. on the Second Floor. I'm a single, unemployed for no fault of my own, mother of 2 kids. You have restored my faith in humanity and what our great country stands for! Amanda, Tenant, Orlando. We are in receipt of your complaint requesting a status update on your application. For this information, please go online . To get that protection, you'll need to attest on a declaration form that you meet a few requirements, such as that you earned less than $99,000 in 2020 or 2021. Some PHAs have long waiting lists, so you may want to apply at more than one PHA. Thank you for your explanation. (Since this was told 2 days ago I already have two late fees added to my account) guess there is some type of miscommunication somewhere. livin lite tc2; leaside high school start time; barbara hackett obituary; arizona voter registration card replacement; average 60 yard dash for 15 year old Fyi there are some regional office you can go to. View our YouTube Video demonstrating the registration process. Agree with u 100%. The maximum available per-household . Im there now and wanted to know how long it takes to change to approval? Funding Source: Florida Department of Economic Opportunity A place for users of Florida's unemployment/reemployment assistance program to share information and tips about how to use and proceed through the arcane and confusing Florida assistance system. OUR Florida has paid out $23.2 million to 5,403 households.. Assistance is prioritized to households with incomes less than 50% of the area median income and households with one or more members that have been unemployed for at least 90 days. She showed us the box of medicine she now keeps next to her bed, Just in case we have to go, she said. Utility assistance may be provided for households receiving rental assistance under tenant-based or project-based Section 8, other HUD rental assistance or a USDA Rural Development rental assistance program, living in a public housing unit, or already receiving emergency rental assistance from another source. endobj March 3, 2023 at 6:00 a.m. At the intersection of Colorado lawmakers' debate over renters' rights are landlords like Page Pulver and tenants like Trudy Carra-deSalero. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. OUR Florida came at the perfect time. Utility bills in the name of an applicant since 3/13/2020 at different addresses, Written notice to vacate the dwelling for failure to pay rent, Established pattern of housing instability, including. The housing voucher family must pay 30% of its monthly adjusted gross income for rent and utilities, and if the unit rent is greater than the payment standard the family is required to pay the additional amount. In other jurisdictions like New York and Pennsylvania, tenants have 30 days to respond after their landlord notifies them theyre behind. our florida waiting for landlord status. By providing rental and utility assistance to Floridians, the program has successfully distributed more than $1.4 billion to more than 252,000 families throughout the state. To put a notice on the door even though I been communicating with u and u as well filed for the program is kinda low. The Emergency Solutions Grant provides funding for emergency services to individuals and families who are homeless or facing homelessness. DHS issued immigration identification/documents, including employment authorization document (EAD), documentation of lawful permanent residency including i-551, or i-94, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, foreign passport with a valid unexpired us visa. I also got a separate email, directly after the official approval, stating that I'm eligible for recertification as well. If you are currently experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, you may access your local continuum of care for additional resources. I continued to make monthly payments. Check Application Status OUR Florida is no longer accepting or processing applications as the program has fully distributed all available state funds. I have literally called them a dozen times and every time I call they say that I have everything I need. If it's deja vu from last yrs fiasco I can see my money next yr March or April. Floridians who rent their home, apartment, or other dwelling where they live can apply. Yep, same here my friend. She ignored my text plea for help to not get evicted and simply responded with "Your application is awaiting your landlord". <> Provide callers with direct access to local certified domestic violence centers with shelter in their area. Residents evicted while waiting on rent help from OUR Florida. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. All Bisonos landlord had to do was wait for the checks to arrive, Bisono wrote. Well, Monday I got the email, and now I'm just waiting for the check. There you go. But waiting was not something Bisonos landlord was willing to do. Mark, Landlord, Belleview, This program has been a blessing to our family in so many ways. For further information, You may also call 1-833-989-2763 or email FloridaBusinessLoanFund@deo.myflorida.com. landlord) information. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. I dont receive pay stubs. Hello , Thank you and I'm glad it worked out for you. The maximum payment to an eligible household, including rent and utilities is $2,000 per month. www.OURFlorida.com/ReconsiderationRequests, https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/emergency-rental-assistance-frequently-asked-questions, www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/homelessness/local-providers.shtml, www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/access/community-partner-network.shtml, www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/access/, https://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/domestic-violence/map.shtml, Tenants name (the primary applicants name as outlined in the lease), Brief description of the reason or reasons for returning the funds. We ask for your continued patience at this time. Download it here. I went on ourflorida submitted a complaint today and was approved later tonight ----I hope this helps, on the main page under application assistance. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. She didnt realize you could only apply to one. 3. Once your landlord registers and provides all required information, your application may be approved for payment processing. Application Submitted to QC Review . More than 1,300 people belong toa Facebook groupcreated for users to share their experiences with the program, and while triumphant posts do occasionally appear, most are stories of sorrow and frustration, as landlords and tenants alike grapple with long wait times and inconsistent information from staff. My application is still sitting in pending status. If you live in other parts of Tampa Bay, click here to connect with Bay Area Legal Services. In the meantime, if you are facing eviction. To apply, contact or visit the management office of each apartment building that interests you. If direct deposit is the selected payment method, transfer of funds may be expected within 18 days of when a complete application is filed. To learn more about eligibility, required documentation, and how to apply, visitOURFlorida.com. I even spoke to a supervisor. The identity of the renter and the landlord must be established as a condition of eligibility. The first thing a potential landlord does once they have all your application materials is pull your credit report, which generally takes just a few minutes. She's waiting for the door to knock, she thinks the doors knocking because there's a sheriff coming to kick us out, Pasko said. It is implemented under the authority of the Department of Children and Families. I completed the recertification After the last rent payment was completed in October and requested more months. My 12 month lease ended February 28 2020. Please visit the Waiting List page for more information or to apply during . % Yes, I've also applied for the "erap assistance in my city" but the applications are sooo backed up I've been waiting over 4 months for them.. The first being the unemployment where people are still waiting for their stuff to be fixed to get the money. They keep asking me for information they already have Just seems like it should be illegal how they are handling everything. On the 1, 2, and 11, the deputy communications director responded that they were working on it. I know, it's so convenient to use the epidemic as an excuse for people/companies not doing their jobs (or flat out just caring about other human beings), but when unforseen events happen, rarely do they have empathy for someone. I applied to ERAP 2.5 months ago and our Florida like 5 weeks ago and nothing. Learn More. Hi don't know if this happened to anyone else in this program. The household has been notified that their right to occupy their current housing or living situation will be terminated, including at the end of the eviction moratorium. Once an applicant submits all required documentation to respond to the requirements, OUR Florida will review that documentation to confirm applicant eligibility.