Palm Beach County reopens rental assistance portal

Palm Beach County has reopened its rental assistance portal for past-due tenants who fell behind on their payments because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The online portal has been opened twice since March 11. Both times it soon closed after receiving high volumes of applications.

It opened for a third time Monday morning. As of May 3, officials received 3,105 applications for rent and utility assistance and disbursed $5.6 million, a spokeswoman said. Last week, the agency said rental assistance applicants who were approved received an average $5,500 while those seeking help for utilities received an average $276.

The money comes from Palm Beach County’s $45.2 million share of $25 billion in federal funding for rental assistance approved by Congress in December.

To qualify for rental help, go to rentalassistancepbc.org and be prepared to document:

„ ▪ Household income at or below 80% of the area median. This median is different depending on how many live in the household. See specific amounts at the county’s application site.

„ ▪ A decline in income or increase in expenses for at least one household member because of the pandemic. „ Housing instability or risk of homelessness because of the pandemic.

▪ Landlords can apply as well on behalf of their tenants, but tenants still must provide documentation. Detailed information can be found at the website. Applicants who need further help can call 1-561355-4792.

In Broward County, applications for rental and utility assistance can be found at broward.org/rentassistance or by calling 1-888-692-7203.

Miami-Dade County’s rental assistance portal is currently closed while officials review previously submitted applications. For more information, call 1-305-723-1815 or email ERAP@miamidade.gov.