Published 3 years ago
Polk County Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program
Polk County has launched the Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program (ERAP) on June 1, 2021.
Lakeland Electric customers who live outside of the City of Lakeland limits and are renters may be eligible. Customers who qualify can receive up to $12,000 in assistance.
Please note that customers who live inside the city limits may apply for similar assistance through the City of Lakeland’s Care Program.
Lakeland Electric customers who live outside of the City of Lakeland limits and are renters may be eligible. Customers who qualify can receive up to $12,000 in assistance.
Please note that customers who live inside the city limits may apply for similar assistance through the City of Lakeland’s Care Program.
Eligibility requirements
An "eligible household" is defined as a renter household in which at least one or more individuals meets the following criteria:
- A current resident of Polk County
- Qualifies for unemployment due to COVID‐19, has experienced a reduction in household income due to COVID‐19, or has incurred significant costs due to COVID‐19 or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID‐19;
- Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability (including eviction notice, utility shutoff notice, past due rent notice, past due utility notice, or any other evidence of unsafe or unhealthy living conditions or housing stability);
- Priority will be given to tenant(s) with income less than 50 percent of the area median income and unemployed for 90 days; and
- Has a household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income.
Required documents
- Florida Driver License for applicant and co-applicant
- Documented income hardship (qualify for unemployment benefits or significant reduction income or increase in expenses due to COVID-19)
- Delinquent statement for rent and utilities
- Current lease or rental statement in applicant’s/co-applicant’s name
- Most recent paystub, unemployment letter, or 2020 Tax Returns
- W-9 form from your landlord or property manager
Contact Polk County ERAP: Call (863) 345-2600 or email ERAPRequests@polk-county.net
To apply online, click here.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program FAQs
For full details on this program please visit: https://www.polk-county.net/covid-19/rental-and-utilities-assistance-program
