General Qualification/Eligibility Requirements and Maximum Award Amount The Indian River County Rent Payment Assistance Program through Mediation at the County Courthouse is created to assist eligible county residents (including residents of the City of Fellsmere, Town of Indian River Shores, Town of Orchid, City of Sebastian, and City of Vero Beach) who experienced economic hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic (Loss of income resulting from COVID-19 on or after March 1, 2020 due to temporary furlough/layoff, elimination of position, reduction of work hours, or self-employment with temporary closure or loss of business). Eligible assistance types are as follows:
This program is not intended to provide long-term support for participants, and it is not intended to provide all financial support that affects financial stability. Indian River County will provide back rent to March 1, 2020 (not previously paid) in the amount of the actual rent payment, and rent up to 3 months into the future. In no case shall the total County payment exceed $10,500 . In addition, the total payment shall be only for what is needed/owed. Household income cannot exceed 140% of the Area Median Income by household size (based on reduced income due to COVID-19). Landlord Information If you are approved for assistance, an IRS W9 form for the landlord for federal income tax purposes must be provided. Funding from this program is taxable and must be reported to the IRS. Said landlord will receive an IRS 1099 form at the end of the year. Additionally, if approved for assistance, the landlord and tenant will be required to sign an agreement and/or lease through the County Court system to continue the lease for at least 180 days. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must reside in Indian River County and have an economic hardship directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Required Documentation - Indian River County - Application Submission Checklist Availability of Funds $2 miilion has been allocated to the program. The application period remains open for new applications on a first come first served basis until all funds are expended or as funds are otherwise re-allocated for other uses. The County reserves the right to set an end date and/or to modify program rules and/or program allocation amount. Application Completeness Only completed applications (for applicants deemed eligible), which consist of a completed and signed application form and all the applicable supporting documentation, will be processed for payment. |