Hillsborough County Rental Assistance Programs: Income Limits & Eligibility Criteria

Hillsborough County Rental Assistance is a program designed to help residents struggling to pay their rent or utilities due to financial hardships like job loss, reduced income, or unexpected expenses. This program provides a much-needed safety net for eligible households, ensuring they can stay in their homes during challenging times. To qualify, you generally need to be a Hillsborough County resident, meet certain income requirements, and demonstrate a genuine need for assistance. Whether you apply online, in person, or by phone, gathering the necessary documentation, such as proof of identity, income, and lease agreement, is essential for a smooth application process.

Who Qualifies for Hillsborough County Rental Assistance?

While specific requirements can vary, here's a general overview of who might qualify for rental assistance in Hillsborough County:

1. Residency:
   • You must be a resident of Hillsborough County, Florida. This means your primary residence must be within the county limits.
2. Income:
   • Your household income needs to fall below a certain limit. This limit is usually based on the Area Median Income (AMI) and varies depending on the number of people in your household.
   • You'll likely need to provide documentation to verify your income, such as pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements.
3. Need: You must demonstrate a genuine need for financial assistance with rent or utilities. This could be due to various circumstances, such as:
   • Loss of employment: Being laid off or experiencing a significant reduction in work hours.
   • Reduced income: Experiencing a pay cut or a decrease in household income.
   • Unexpected expenses: Facing unexpected medical bills, car repairs, or other significant costs.
   • Other qualifying hardships: There may be other circumstances that qualify you for assistance, so it's important to check with the program administrators.

Additional Factors:

• Citizenship/Immigration Status: While programs may have specific requirements, they generally prioritize assisting US citizens and eligible non-citizens.
• Rental History: You may need to provide a copy of your lease agreement and demonstrate a history of paying rent on time.
• Eviction Status: Some programs prioritize those facing eviction or who have received an eviction notice.

Important Notes:

• Meeting these general guidelines doesn't guarantee eligibility.
• Each program may have additional criteria or documentation requirements.
• It's crucial to contact the program administrators or visit the Hillsborough County website for the most up-to-date and detailed eligibility information.

By reviewing the specific program guidelines and providing all necessary documentation, you can increase your chances of a successful application.

Documents Needed for Assistance

While specific requirements can vary depending on the program and your individual circumstances, here's a general list of documents you'll likely need to provide when applying for Hillsborough County rental assistance:

Personal Identification:

• Government-issued photo ID: This could be a driver's license, state-issued ID card, or passport.
• Social Security cards: For all household members.
• Birth certificates: May be required for children in the household.

Proof of Residency:

• Utility bill: A recent gas, electric, or water bill with your name and address.
• Lease agreement: A copy of your current signed lease agreement.
• Bank statement: A recent bank statement with your name and address.

Income Verification:

• Pay stubs: Recent pay stubs covering the most recent 30-60 days.
• W-2 forms: From the previous tax year.
• Tax returns: Copies of your federal and state tax returns from the previous year.
• Unemployment benefit statements: If applicable.
• Social Security or disability income statements: If applicable.
• Self-employment income documentation: If you're self-employed, you may need to provide profit and loss statements, tax returns, or other documentation to verify your income.

Housing & Need:

• Lease agreement: A copy of your current signed lease agreement showing the rental amount, lease term, and landlord's contact information.
• Rent ledger or past-due rent notice: To demonstrate the amount of rent owed.
• Eviction notice: If you've received an eviction notice.
• Documentation of hardship: This could include a layoff notice, proof of reduced work hours, medical bills, or other documentation explaining why you need assistance.

Other Potential Documents:

• Bank statements: Recent bank statements to verify your financial situation.
• Proof of child support or alimony: If applicable.
• Other supporting documents: Any other documentation that may be relevant to your application, such as proof of disability or a letter from a caseworker.

Tips for Gathering Documents:

• Make copies: Always keep copies of all documents you submit for your records.
• Organize your files: Keep your documents organized in a folder or binder for easy access.
• Contact the program: If you have questions about acceptable documents or need help gathering them, reach out to the program administrators for assistance.

By being prepared and providing all necessary documentation, you can increase your chances of a successful application for Hillsborough County rental assistance.

What Expenses Does Hillsborough County Rental Assistance Cover?

Hillsborough County rental assistance programs primarily focus on helping residents with housing-related expenses. While specific coverage can vary by program, here are the most common expenses that rental assistance may cover:

• Rent Payments: This is the primary focus of rental assistance, helping individuals and families pay their monthly rent to avoid eviction and homelessness.
• Past-Due Rent: In many cases, rental assistance can help cover past-due rent to help residents get back on track with their housing payments.
• Security Deposits: Some programs may assist with security deposits to help individuals secure new housing.
• Utility Costs: Rental assistance may also cover essential utility costs, such as electricity, gas, water, and sewer. This can help ensure that residents maintain basic living necessities in their homes.
• Relocation Expenses: In certain situations, rental assistance may help with relocation expenses, such as moving costs and the first month's rent in a new unit. This could be for individuals or families needing to move due to unsafe living conditions or other qualifying circumstances.

Important Notes:

• Limits on Assistance: There are usually limits on the amount of rental assistance provided, both in terms of the total amount and the duration of assistance.
• Program-Specific Coverage: The specific expenses covered can vary depending on the program and its funding source. It's essential to check the program guidelines or contact the administrators for detailed information.
• Landlord Cooperation: In some cases, landlord cooperation may be required for rental assistance to be applied.

If you're facing financial hardship and struggling to afford your housing expenses, it's crucial to explore the available rental assistance programs in Hillsborough County and understand what expenses they cover. By utilizing these resources, you can increase your chances of maintaining stable housing and avoiding eviction.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) in Hillsborough County

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) in Hillsborough County is a federally funded program designed to help residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic who are struggling to pay rent and utilities.

Here's what you need to know about ERAP in Hillsborough County:

• Who it helps: Renters in Hillsborough County who have experienced financial hardship due to the pandemic.
• What it covers: ERAP can help with past-due rent, future rent payments, and utility bills.
• How to apply: You can apply for ERAP online through the Hillsborough County website. You can also get help with your application by contacting the Hillsborough County Social Services Department Call Center.

Important Links and Contact Information:

• Hillsborough County ERAP Website: https://r3.hcflgov.net/
• Social Services Department Call Center: (813) 272-5220

Key Things to Keep in Mind:

• Eligibility: You'll need to meet certain income requirements and demonstrate that you've been impacted by the pandemic to qualify for ERAP.
• Documentation: Be prepared to provide documentation to verify your income, residency, and COVID-related hardship.
• Application Assistance: If you need help with the application process, don't hesitate to contact the call center or visit a local agency for assistance.

ERAP is a valuable resource for Hillsborough County residents facing housing instability due to the pandemic. If you're struggling to pay your rent or utilities, be sure to explore this emergency rental assistance program and get the support you need.

Can I Get Hillsborough County Rental Assistance If I Have Section 8?

It's possible to receive Hillsborough County rental assistance even if you have a Section 8 voucher, but it depends on a few factors. Here's the breakdown:

Understanding the Difference

• Section 8: A federal program that provides rental assistance vouchers to help low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities afford housing in the private market.
• Hillsborough County Rental Assistance: County-level programs that offer various forms of rental assistance, often targeting specific needs or populations.

Can You Combine Assistance?

• Sometimes, yes! Some Hillsborough County rental assistance programs may supplement your Section 8 voucher. This means they could help cover expenses that your voucher doesn't fully cover, such as a security deposit, utility bills, or a portion of your rent if your voucher doesn't cover the full amount.
• Sometimes, no. Other programs may have restrictions on combining assistance with Section 8. This is often due to limited funding or program guidelines.

Important Considerations:

• Program Guidelines: Each rental assistance program in Hillsborough County has its own eligibility requirements and guidelines. Carefully review these guidelines or contact the program administrators to determine if you can receive assistance while also using a Section 8 voucher.
• Income Limits: Even if a program allows you to combine assistance with Section 8, you'll still need to meet the program's income eligibility requirements.
• Section 8 Homeownership Program: It's worth noting that Section 8 also has a homeownership program with its own eligibility requirements. This program allows eligible voucher holders to use their assistance to purchase a home instead of renting. You can learn more about the Section 8 homeownership program eligibility requirements on the HUD website or by contacting the Tampa Housing Authority.

Where to Find Information:

• Hillsborough County Rental Assistance Website: https://www.hcflgov.net/ - Look for information on specific rental assistance programs and their eligibility criteria.
• Tampa Housing Authority: https://www.tampaha.org/ - Contact them for information about Section 8 programs, including the homeownership program.

If you're unsure whether you can combine Hillsborough County rental assistance with your Section 8 voucher, don't hesitate to reach out to the relevant program administrators for clarification. They can help you understand your options and determine the best way to utilize available resources to meet your housing needs.

Other Housing Resources in Hillsborough County

While rental assistance programs are crucial for preventing homelessness, Hillsborough County offers a range of other housing resources that can help residents find and maintain stable housing. Here are some key resources to explore:

Emergency Shelters:

• The Salvation Army: Provides emergency shelter and temporary housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. They may also offer Salvation Army rental assistance programs to help with move-in costs or temporary rental support.
  • Website: https://www.salvationarmyflorida.org/tampa/
  • Phone: (813) 223-2222
• Metropolitan Ministries: Offers emergency shelter, meals, and other support services for individuals and families in crisis.
  • Website: https://www.metromin.org/
  • Phone: (813) 209-1000
• Housing Counseling and Advocacy:
  • Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative (THHI): Provides coordinated services and resources for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, including housing navigation, prevention programs, and access to permanent housing.
  • Website: https://www.thhi.org/
  • Phone: (813) 276-1794
• Bay Area Legal Services: Offers free legal aid and advocacy for low-income individuals facing housing issues, including eviction prevention, landlord-tenant disputes, and fair housing matters.
  • Website: https://bals.org/
  • Phone: (800) 625-2257

Specialized Housing Programs:

• Emergency rental assistance for single mothers: Several organizations in Hillsborough County offer targeted assistance for single mothers facing housing instability. Contact the THHI or 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares for referrals to these programs.
  • 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares: Dial 2-1-1 or visit https://211tampabay.org/
• Rental assistance for cancer patients: Organizations like the American Cancer Society and local cancer support groups may offer resources and referrals to housing assistance programs specifically designed for cancer patients facing financial hardship.
  • American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/
  • Phone: 1-800-227-2345

Affordable Housing Options:

• Tampa Housing Authority: Manages public housing and administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) in Tampa.
  • Website: https://www.tampaha.org/
  • Phone: (813) 229-5000
• Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Services: Provides information and resources on affordable housing options in the county, including rental units, homeownership programs, and down payment assistance.
  • Website: https://hcfl.gov/ - Search for "Affordable Housing"

By exploring these resources and contacting the relevant organizations, Hillsborough County residents can find the support they need to overcome housing challenges and achieve housing stability.

Frequently Asked Questions