Knowledge Base

*THE APPLICATION WINDOW IS NOW CLOSED*

Program has been closed since November 2021

Collier CARES Offers $15M for One-Time Payments of Childcare, Electricity, Mortgage, and Rent 

Full-time Collier County residents behind on certain basic living payments due to the economic challenges presented by COVID-19 may qualify for one-time emergency assistance through the county’s Collier CARES Individual Assistance Program.

Applications for childcare, electricity, mortgage, and rent assistance has now CLOSED as of Monday, November 2nd at Noon. 

For this short-term program, residents may receive one-time payments up to $11,250 per household. The limit for housing and utility assistance is $10,000 per household. Childcare assistance has a separate maximum award of $1,250.

Payment of other utilities that are a required term of the lease or rental agreement, such as water, sewer, and trash, may be eligible, pending review of the lease/rental terms.

Disbursements will be made directly to the childcare provider, mortgage company, power company, and/or property owner/landlord. Past due bills must have accumulated as the result of the COVID-19 pandemic and must be documented. 

Income qualification mirrors the CARES Act Economic Impact Payment guidelines: individuals with incomes up to $75,000 and households up to $150,000. Applicants must prove loss of employment or reduced hours due to COVID-19 and must verify Collier County residency.