Family Resources
We care about more than just your current ailment. It is our mission to address the interrelated medical, social, developmental, behavioral, educational, and financial needs of our patients to achieve optimal health and wellness outcomes while enhancing the caregiving capabilities of families. Listed here are some local resources for families with special needs or circumstances. If you need help with something not listed, we will work with you to find the answer.
Healthcare
KidCare
Florida KidCare is our state’s children’s health insurance program for uninsured children under age 19. It is made up of four parts: MediKids, Healthy Kids, the Children’s Medical Services (CMS) Network for children with special health care needs, and the Medicaid for children. When you apply for the insurance, Florida KidCare will check which program your child may be eligible for based on age and family income. For more information, call 1-888-540-5437 or visit www.floridakidcare.org.
Florida Medicaid
Florida Medicaid is the medical assistance program that provides access to health care for low-income families and individuals. Medicaid also assists aged and disabled people with the costs of nursing facility care and other medical expenses. Eligibility for Medicaid is usually based on the family’s or individual’s income and assets. To submit an online application, go to www.myflorida.com/accessflorida. For more information on eligibility, benefits, and district offices, go to https://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/access/.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
The Medicare Prescription Drug program gives you a choice of prescription plans that offer various types of coverage. You may be able to get extra help to pay for the premiums, annual deductible, and co-payments related to Medicare Prescription Drug program. However, you must be enrolled in a Medicare Prescription Drug plan to get this extra help. To apply, visit https://secure.ssa.gov/i1020/start.
Florida KidCare is our state’s children’s health insurance program for uninsured children under age 19. It is made up of four parts: MediKids, Healthy Kids, the Children’s Medical Services (CMS) Network for children with special health care needs, and the Medicaid for children. When you apply for the insurance, Florida KidCare will check which program your child may be eligible for based on age and family income. For more information, call 1-888-540-5437 or visit www.floridakidcare.org.
Florida Medicaid
Florida Medicaid is the medical assistance program that provides access to health care for low-income families and individuals. Medicaid also assists aged and disabled people with the costs of nursing facility care and other medical expenses. Eligibility for Medicaid is usually based on the family’s or individual’s income and assets. To submit an online application, go to www.myflorida.com/accessflorida. For more information on eligibility, benefits, and district offices, go to https://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/access/.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
The Medicare Prescription Drug program gives you a choice of prescription plans that offer various types of coverage. You may be able to get extra help to pay for the premiums, annual deductible, and co-payments related to Medicare Prescription Drug program. However, you must be enrolled in a Medicare Prescription Drug plan to get this extra help. To apply, visit https://secure.ssa.gov/i1020/start.
Food and Nutrition
Food Assistance and SUNCAP
The Food Assistance Program helps people with low-income buy healthy food. A food assistance household is normally a group of people who live together and buy food and cook meals together. If your household passes the Food Assistance Program's eligibility rules, the amount of food assistance benefits you get depends on the number of people in your household and how much money is left after certain expenses are subtracted. For more information, visit https://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/access/food-assistance-and-suncap.shtml.
Florida Food Resource Directory
Florida Impact maintains a searchable database of local emergency resource providers in each of the state’s 67 counties. All organizations provide food, though most provide other services in addition, like help with finances, migrant support, shelter, elderly services and much more. To visit the Florida Food Resource Directory, go to www.floridabasics.org.
Florida WIC
WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. The program provides a combination of supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals for health care to eligible participants. Use the USDA’s new online WIC Prescreening Tool to see if you qualify, located at http://wic.fns.gov/wps/pages/start.jsf. If you would like to find your local WIC office, visit http://www.doh.state.fl.us/family/wic/pages/program_info/contact.htm.
National School Lunch Program
Any child at a participating school may purchase a meal through the National School Lunch Program. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the poverty level are eligible for free meals. Those with incomes between 130 percent and 185 percent of the poverty level are eligible for reduced-price meals, for which students can be charged no more than 30 cents. Children from families with incomes over 185 percent of poverty pay a full price, though their meals are still subsidized to some extent. Local school food authorities set their own prices for full-price (paid) meals, and applications for free or reduced-price meals are provided by the local school.
National School Breakfast Program
Any child at a participating school may purchase a meal through the School Breakfast Program. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the Federal poverty level are eligible for free meals. Those with incomes between 130 percent and 185 percent of the poverty level are eligible for reduced-price meals. Children from families over 185 percent of poverty pay full price, though their meals are still subsidized to some extent. Free or reduced-price meal eligibility is determined through the National School Lunch Program application provided by the local school.
Summer BreakSpot (Florida’s USDA Summer Food Service Program)
There are approximately 3,000 Summer BreakSpot sites around the state that provide free meals and snacks to low-income children through age 18 when school is out for summer vacation. Local governments, school districts, and non-profits sponsor these free summer meal sites, which include schools, parks, playgrounds, recreation centers, housing projects, migrant centers, Indian reservations, YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs, houses of worship, summer camps and other sites. Most Summer BreakSpot sites are open to all children who go to the site during meal service times. No application is required. To find the Summer BreakSpot sites nearest you, visit www.SummerFoodFlorida.org or call the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 1-800-504-6609.
The Food Assistance Program helps people with low-income buy healthy food. A food assistance household is normally a group of people who live together and buy food and cook meals together. If your household passes the Food Assistance Program's eligibility rules, the amount of food assistance benefits you get depends on the number of people in your household and how much money is left after certain expenses are subtracted. For more information, visit https://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/access/food-assistance-and-suncap.shtml.
Florida Food Resource Directory
Florida Impact maintains a searchable database of local emergency resource providers in each of the state’s 67 counties. All organizations provide food, though most provide other services in addition, like help with finances, migrant support, shelter, elderly services and much more. To visit the Florida Food Resource Directory, go to www.floridabasics.org.
Florida WIC
WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. The program provides a combination of supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals for health care to eligible participants. Use the USDA’s new online WIC Prescreening Tool to see if you qualify, located at http://wic.fns.gov/wps/pages/start.jsf. If you would like to find your local WIC office, visit http://www.doh.state.fl.us/family/wic/pages/program_info/contact.htm.
National School Lunch Program
Any child at a participating school may purchase a meal through the National School Lunch Program. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the poverty level are eligible for free meals. Those with incomes between 130 percent and 185 percent of the poverty level are eligible for reduced-price meals, for which students can be charged no more than 30 cents. Children from families with incomes over 185 percent of poverty pay a full price, though their meals are still subsidized to some extent. Local school food authorities set their own prices for full-price (paid) meals, and applications for free or reduced-price meals are provided by the local school.
National School Breakfast Program
Any child at a participating school may purchase a meal through the School Breakfast Program. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the Federal poverty level are eligible for free meals. Those with incomes between 130 percent and 185 percent of the poverty level are eligible for reduced-price meals. Children from families over 185 percent of poverty pay full price, though their meals are still subsidized to some extent. Free or reduced-price meal eligibility is determined through the National School Lunch Program application provided by the local school.
Summer BreakSpot (Florida’s USDA Summer Food Service Program)
There are approximately 3,000 Summer BreakSpot sites around the state that provide free meals and snacks to low-income children through age 18 when school is out for summer vacation. Local governments, school districts, and non-profits sponsor these free summer meal sites, which include schools, parks, playgrounds, recreation centers, housing projects, migrant centers, Indian reservations, YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs, houses of worship, summer camps and other sites. Most Summer BreakSpot sites are open to all children who go to the site during meal service times. No application is required. To find the Summer BreakSpot sites nearest you, visit www.SummerFoodFlorida.org or call the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 1-800-504-6609.
Drug & Alcohol Rehab Facilities
The Recovery Village
Do you have a loved one that is struggling with substance use disorder? Family members and friends can play an important part in someone’s recovery. A patient in recovery has a much higher chance of success if he or she has a strong support system. So what can you do if you are the family member or friend of someone suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction? There are many actions you can take to be helpful. Visit The Recovery Village for more information.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Program
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMH) Program within the Florida Department of Children and Families is the single state authority on substance abuse and mental health as designated by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The Department’s SAMH Program oversees a statewide system of care for the prevention, treatment, and recovery of children and adults with serious mental illnesses and/or substance abuse disorders. For more information, visit www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/substance-abuse.
Do you have a loved one that is struggling with substance use disorder? Family members and friends can play an important part in someone’s recovery. A patient in recovery has a much higher chance of success if he or she has a strong support system. So what can you do if you are the family member or friend of someone suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction? There are many actions you can take to be helpful. Visit The Recovery Village for more information.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Program
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMH) Program within the Florida Department of Children and Families is the single state authority on substance abuse and mental health as designated by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The Department’s SAMH Program oversees a statewide system of care for the prevention, treatment, and recovery of children and adults with serious mental illnesses and/or substance abuse disorders. For more information, visit www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/substance-abuse.
Housing and Utilities
Emergency Financial Assistance for Housing Program
The Emergency Financial Assistance for Housing Program (EFAHP) provides a one-time payment of up to $400 to families who are totally without shelter or face the loss of shelter because of non-payment of rent or mortgage. It also helps those families who have had household disasters such as fire, flood, or other accidents. For more income eligibility information and an application form, go to: www.dcf.state.fl.us/homelessness/efahp.shtml.
Affordable Apartments (HUD)
The government gives funds directly to apartment owners, who lower the rents they charge low-income tenants. You can find low-rent apartments for senior citizens and people with disabilities, as well as for families and individuals at this online database, located at www.hud.gov/apps/section8
Public Housing Authorities
You can contact your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) to get more information about low-rent housing, Section 8 housing, and housing choice vouchers. Find your local PHA by visiting www.hud.gov/offices/pih/pha/contacts/states/fl.cfm
Housing Choice Vouchers
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments. For more details, visit www.hud.gov/offices/pih/programs/hcv/about/fact_sheet.cfm.
Link-Up Florida & Lifeline Assistance Programs
Link-Up Florida gives a 50% rebate in the telephone hook-up charge (up to $30.00). Lifeline Assistance gives $13.50 credit per month on local phone bills. Over a year's time, that is a savings of $162.00. You can receive these benefits if you meet the income guidelines or are enrolled in one of the following programs:
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides assistance to eligible low-income households in meeting the costs of home heating and cooling. The majority of the funds are used for utility payment assistance. To see if your household is eligible for this program, review the income limits at www.floridajobs.org/job-seekers-community-services/community-services/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program. Then find the local agency where you can apply by visiting www.FloridaJobs.org/LIHEAPHelp.
The Emergency Financial Assistance for Housing Program (EFAHP) provides a one-time payment of up to $400 to families who are totally without shelter or face the loss of shelter because of non-payment of rent or mortgage. It also helps those families who have had household disasters such as fire, flood, or other accidents. For more income eligibility information and an application form, go to: www.dcf.state.fl.us/homelessness/efahp.shtml.
Affordable Apartments (HUD)
The government gives funds directly to apartment owners, who lower the rents they charge low-income tenants. You can find low-rent apartments for senior citizens and people with disabilities, as well as for families and individuals at this online database, located at www.hud.gov/apps/section8
Public Housing Authorities
You can contact your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) to get more information about low-rent housing, Section 8 housing, and housing choice vouchers. Find your local PHA by visiting www.hud.gov/offices/pih/pha/contacts/states/fl.cfm
Housing Choice Vouchers
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments. For more details, visit www.hud.gov/offices/pih/programs/hcv/about/fact_sheet.cfm.
Link-Up Florida & Lifeline Assistance Programs
Link-Up Florida gives a 50% rebate in the telephone hook-up charge (up to $30.00). Lifeline Assistance gives $13.50 credit per month on local phone bills. Over a year's time, that is a savings of $162.00. You can receive these benefits if you meet the income guidelines or are enrolled in one of the following programs:
- Temporary Cash Assistance
- Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- National School Lunch (NSL) Program's free lunch program
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides assistance to eligible low-income households in meeting the costs of home heating and cooling. The majority of the funds are used for utility payment assistance. To see if your household is eligible for this program, review the income limits at www.floridajobs.org/job-seekers-community-services/community-services/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program. Then find the local agency where you can apply by visiting www.FloridaJobs.org/LIHEAPHelp.
Income Assistance
Temporary Cash Assistance
The TCA program provides cash assistance (up to $303 monthly for a family of three) to families with children under the age of 18 (or under age 19 if full-time secondary school students). Pregnant women may also receive TCA, either in the sixth month if unable to work, or in the ninth month of pregnancy. Parents, children, and minor siblings who live together must apply together, and assistance is limited to a lifetime cumulative total of 48 months as an adult (except for child-only cases which have no time limit). Those adults receiving this cash assistance are required to participate in work activities unless exempted. A family's income cannot exceed the payment standard for the family size. For more information on eligibility requirements, go to www.dcf.state.fl.us/ess/tanf.shtml. To submit an application online, visit www.myflorida.com/accessflorida.
Earned Income Tax Credit
The earned income tax credit (EITC) is a tax credit for certain people who work and have earned income in tax year 2006 under $38,348. A tax credit usually means more money in your pocket. It reduces the amount of tax you owe. The EITC may also give you a refund. For more information, visit www.irs.gov/Individuals/EITC-For-Individuals.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a federal income supplement program designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income. It provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. To find out if you could be eligible for benefits from any of the programs Social Security administers, go to the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool at www.benefits.gov/ssa.
The TCA program provides cash assistance (up to $303 monthly for a family of three) to families with children under the age of 18 (or under age 19 if full-time secondary school students). Pregnant women may also receive TCA, either in the sixth month if unable to work, or in the ninth month of pregnancy. Parents, children, and minor siblings who live together must apply together, and assistance is limited to a lifetime cumulative total of 48 months as an adult (except for child-only cases which have no time limit). Those adults receiving this cash assistance are required to participate in work activities unless exempted. A family's income cannot exceed the payment standard for the family size. For more information on eligibility requirements, go to www.dcf.state.fl.us/ess/tanf.shtml. To submit an application online, visit www.myflorida.com/accessflorida.
Earned Income Tax Credit
The earned income tax credit (EITC) is a tax credit for certain people who work and have earned income in tax year 2006 under $38,348. A tax credit usually means more money in your pocket. It reduces the amount of tax you owe. The EITC may also give you a refund. For more information, visit www.irs.gov/Individuals/EITC-For-Individuals.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a federal income supplement program designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income. It provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. To find out if you could be eligible for benefits from any of the programs Social Security administers, go to the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool at www.benefits.gov/ssa.
Education
Internet Essentials (by Comcast)
Internet Essentials provides low-cost internet service, affordable computers and digital literacy training to households with children who qualify for free lunch under the National School Lunch Program.
More Information:
How to Qualify:
How to Apply:
Step Up For Students
Step Up For Students is a nonprofit organization that administers the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship for low-income students (K-12). This year, Step Up For Students is providing K–12 scholarships to nearly 50,000 low–income students who attend more than 1,300 different private schools across the state of Florida. Students who qualify may receive more than $4,300 for private school tuition or $500 to help cover transportation to a public school in another county. Since 2002, more than 265,000 scholarships have been awarded to low-income Florida students in grades K-12. These scholarships are targeted for three groups of children – those with household incomes that qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, those in foster care and those who are homeless. To learn more, call 1-877-735-7837 or visit www.stepupforstudents.org.
Internet Essentials provides low-cost internet service, affordable computers and digital literacy training to households with children who qualify for free lunch under the National School Lunch Program.
More Information:
- Fast home internet service for just $9.95 a month + tax.
- No price increases, activation or equipment rental fees while in the program.
- A low-cost home computer is available at initial enrollment for just $149.99 + tax.
- Free internet training in print, online, and in person.
How to Qualify:
- Live where Comcast offers internet service.
- Have at least one child receiving free school lunches through the National School Lunch Program.
- Have not subscribed to Comcast internet service within the last 90 days.
- Not have an overdue Comcast bill or unreturned equipment.
How to Apply:
- Call 1-855-8-INTERNET (1-855-846-8376) to request an application. Comcast will mail you an application. Complete and return it, along with lunch program documents from your child’s school. Comcast will notify you by mail about the status of your application. Allow 7-10 days for a response. For more information, visit www.internetessentials.com.
- Por aplicar en español, llame al 1-855-765-6995 o para más información, visite www.internetbasico.com.
Step Up For Students
Step Up For Students is a nonprofit organization that administers the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship for low-income students (K-12). This year, Step Up For Students is providing K–12 scholarships to nearly 50,000 low–income students who attend more than 1,300 different private schools across the state of Florida. Students who qualify may receive more than $4,300 for private school tuition or $500 to help cover transportation to a public school in another county. Since 2002, more than 265,000 scholarships have been awarded to low-income Florida students in grades K-12. These scholarships are targeted for three groups of children – those with household incomes that qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, those in foster care and those who are homeless. To learn more, call 1-877-735-7837 or visit www.stepupforstudents.org.
Quality of Life
Abuse Hotline
Legislation, signed by Gov. Rick Scott, requires any individual who suspects that a child has been abused by any person to report that to the Florida Abuse Hotline. Any allegations a child was abused or neglected by a caregiver will be investigated by the Department of Children and Families, while allegations of child abuse by someone other than a caregiver will be accepted at the Hotline and immediately electronically transferred to the appropriate local law enforcement agency where the child lives. If you suspect or know of any child who is being harmed, call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873 or online at https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us. If you see a child in immediate danger, call 911.
Child Care
The Department of Children and Families, Child Care Services Program Office, is statutorily responsible for the administration of child care licensing and training throughout Florida. The purpose of this program is to ensure that children are well cared for in a safe, healthy, positive and educational environment by trained, qualified child care staff. To find affordable child care in your area, visit www.myflfamilies.com/local-resources, and choose “Child Care” from the drop down.
Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence
The Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (FCADV) works toward ending violence through public awareness, policy development, and support for Florida’s domestic violence centers. FCADV operates Florida’s toll-free domestic violence hotline, linking callers to the nearest domestic violence center and providing translation assistance when needed. If you need immediate help, call 1-800-500-1119 or visit www.fcadv.org/centers for a list of domestic violence centers. All of Florida’s certified domestic violence centers provide personal advocacy, shelter, safety planning, legal advocacy, children’s programs and information, and referrals. All services are confidential.
Florida Coalition for the Homeless
The Florida Coalition for the Homeless (FCH) is a dynamic organization whose membership and Board of Directors include homeless advocates, service providers, members of the faith-based community, formerly homeless persons, educators, attorneys, mental health professionals and many others statewide who are committed to putting an end to homelessness and improving the conditions of persons living without shelter. If you are homeless and need help, visit www.fchonline.org/AreYouHomeless.asp.
Florida Law Help
Providing information about organizations offering legal help to moderate and low income Floridians, FloridaLawHelp.org is administered by Florida Legal Services, Inc. If you need legal aid, visit http://floridalawhelp.org for a list of resources.
Stateside Legal
Stateside Legal’s goal is to help members of the military, veterans, their families and advocates access benefits, find free legal help, and better understand their legal issues. For an index of the best legal information available in one easy-to-use site, interactive forms, videos, and legal analysis in plain English, visit www.statesidelegal.org.
Legislation, signed by Gov. Rick Scott, requires any individual who suspects that a child has been abused by any person to report that to the Florida Abuse Hotline. Any allegations a child was abused or neglected by a caregiver will be investigated by the Department of Children and Families, while allegations of child abuse by someone other than a caregiver will be accepted at the Hotline and immediately electronically transferred to the appropriate local law enforcement agency where the child lives. If you suspect or know of any child who is being harmed, call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873 or online at https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us. If you see a child in immediate danger, call 911.
Child Care
The Department of Children and Families, Child Care Services Program Office, is statutorily responsible for the administration of child care licensing and training throughout Florida. The purpose of this program is to ensure that children are well cared for in a safe, healthy, positive and educational environment by trained, qualified child care staff. To find affordable child care in your area, visit www.myflfamilies.com/local-resources, and choose “Child Care” from the drop down.
Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence
The Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (FCADV) works toward ending violence through public awareness, policy development, and support for Florida’s domestic violence centers. FCADV operates Florida’s toll-free domestic violence hotline, linking callers to the nearest domestic violence center and providing translation assistance when needed. If you need immediate help, call 1-800-500-1119 or visit www.fcadv.org/centers for a list of domestic violence centers. All of Florida’s certified domestic violence centers provide personal advocacy, shelter, safety planning, legal advocacy, children’s programs and information, and referrals. All services are confidential.
Florida Coalition for the Homeless
The Florida Coalition for the Homeless (FCH) is a dynamic organization whose membership and Board of Directors include homeless advocates, service providers, members of the faith-based community, formerly homeless persons, educators, attorneys, mental health professionals and many others statewide who are committed to putting an end to homelessness and improving the conditions of persons living without shelter. If you are homeless and need help, visit www.fchonline.org/AreYouHomeless.asp.
Florida Law Help
Providing information about organizations offering legal help to moderate and low income Floridians, FloridaLawHelp.org is administered by Florida Legal Services, Inc. If you need legal aid, visit http://floridalawhelp.org for a list of resources.
Stateside Legal
Stateside Legal’s goal is to help members of the military, veterans, their families and advocates access benefits, find free legal help, and better understand their legal issues. For an index of the best legal information available in one easy-to-use site, interactive forms, videos, and legal analysis in plain English, visit www.statesidelegal.org.