The Indian River County Mortgage and Rent Payment Assistance Program 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:
- Rental Assistance
- Mortgage Payment Assistance (Primary Residence Only)
- Portion of Homeowners/Flood Insurance Payments and Portion of Taxes (Primary Residence Only if mortgage is in default for at least 30 days and if insurance and/or taxes are part of escrow)
- Other types of assistance as allowed by program rules and acceptable to County
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 or mortgage payment up to $1,500 per month, with the maximum total award from this program not to exceed $4,500 for mortgage assistance and $10,500 for rental assistance. Payments may only be made for up to 6 months if not previously assisted by County CARES Act funds from a partner agency/municipality or up to 3 months if previously assisted by County CARES Act funds from a partner agency/municipality (subject to the above noted per month and maximum assistance caps). Rental Assistance of up to $10,500 is available and may not be awarded for the same months that were previously funded by other County CARES Act funds. Only the amount of money that is needed for each month(s) mortgage/rent payment may be approved (not to exceed $1,500 per month).
Household income cannot exceed 140% of the Area Median Income by household size (based on reduced income due to COVID-19).
Landlord/Lender Information
If you are approved for assistance, an IRS W9 form for the Mortgage Company or landlord for federal income tax purposes must be provided. Funding from this program is taxable and must be reported to the IRS. Said landlord or mortgage provider will receive an IRS 1099 form at the end of the year. Additionally, if approved for assistance, the landlord or mortgage provider may be required to sign an agreement for non-eviction and/or non-foreclosure for the time period of assistance.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must reside in Indian River County and have an economic hardship directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Assistance may be provided for past due payments between March 1, 2020 and the current month.
- Assistance may also be provided for near term future mortgage payments as program rules and policies allow.
- Household must meet gross annual incomes not exceeding 140% of Area Median Income (AMI) limits as shown.
- Household must have a reduction in income.
- Additional criteria per County policies and state/federal rules
Household Size | Maximum Annual Income (Not to Exceed 140% of AMI) |
1 Person | $71,540 |
2 Persons | $81,980 |
3 Persons | $91,980 |
4 Persons | $102,200 |
5 Persons | $110,460 |
6 Persons | $118,580 |
7 Persons | $126,840 |
8 Persons | $134,960 |
Required Documentation - Indian River County - Application Submission Checklist
Availability of Funds
The County started receiving applications in September of 2020 under the previously advertised Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) Rent and Mortgage Payment Assistance Program and also subsequently under the parallelly run CARES Act Rent and Mortgage Assistance program. The CRF Rent and Mortgage Payment Assistance Program has ended and the CARES Act Rent and Mortgage Payment Assistance Program is continuing. The County is continuing to review applications submitted for the previously advertised CRF/CARES Act programs for payments from the CARES Act funds. The application period remains open for new applications on a first come first served basis until all funds are expended ($4,500,000 minus funds necessary for administrative costs) 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.