Hillsborough To Open Call Center For Coronavirus Relief Funds

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Hillsborough County is opening a special call center on Monday, April 27, to help all Hillsborough County residents get access to disaster recovery funds available to assist in paying utility bills, rent and even mortgage payments.

Residents of Tampa, Plant City, Temple Terrace and unincorporated Hillsborough County who have seen a reduction in or loss of wages resulting from layoff or reduced work hours due to the coronavirus are eligible to apply.

Hillsborough County has secured $256 million in funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. An immediate $15 million was allocated to the Social Services Department to bolster its efforts and programs to serve all Hillsborough residents impacted by the coronavirus. The $15 million funding is the first to come through the Rapid Response Recovery (R3) Program Hillsborough County has put in place to assist its residents.

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Hillsborough County typically invests about $8 million annually in direct client services that includes the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program, Community Services Block Grant and Rental/Mortgage Assistance programs. These programs were in place for Hillsborough County residents, regardless of jurisdiction, before the coronavirus and will remain in place.

Annually, the allocations for Social Services’ direct-client funding distributed to eligible, low income, vulnerable residents located in the three municipalities and unincorporated county are:

• City of Plant City, 4 percent
• City of Tampa, 45 percent
• City of Temple Terrace, 2 percent
• Unincorporated Hillsborough County, 49 percent.

Hillsborough officials anticipate these percentages will be the same for distribution of the CARES Act funding.

The funds can be used to pay past-due utility bills and/or lease/mortgage payments in the name of the person applying for assistance. For instance, if the electric bill is in your spouse’s name, your spouse must be the one to apply for R3 assistance with Social Services.

All Hillsborough residents can call the Rapid Response Assistance Call Center at 813-274-3710 beginning Monday. The call center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Residents who have been affected by the coronavirus but would have qualified for Social Services assistance prior to the pandemic will be assisted through Social Services’ LIHEAP/EHEAP and Housing Assistance programs just as they always have.

Other Tips For Hillsborough Residents

Thousands of Hillsborough County residents are out of work due to the coronavirus, with mortgage and bill payments due.

If you're in this situation, financial experts say, "Don't panic" and "Be proactive."

Take stock of your finances by creating an emergency budget. Determine essential needs, discard frivolous or optional ones, and account for any accumulated savings and remaining income.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Use your bills and other expenditures as a road map. Check with:

• Your mortgage holder. Mortgage companies – HUD, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac – temporarily have suspended foreclosures and evictions. Find out what your lender is doing and establish a two-way relationship to best ensure the company keeps your interests, and ability to pay, in mind.
• Your landlord. Evictions temporarily are on hold. Regardless, it’s wise to negotiate any needed extensions on fees or leases. Appeal to your landlord’s senses of fairness and community.
• Creditors, including those administering auto and bank loans, credit card debt and retail payments. Be prepared to send a hardship letter if a creditor asks for one. Research websites or call customer service numbers to learn about any fee waivers, temporary hardship concessions or other assistance programs.
• Utility companies such as those providing electricity, natural gas, water and trash pickup. Explain you are having trouble paying bills and ask if there are payment options.
• Mobile phone and internet providers. Under the Federal Communications Commission’s Keep Americans Connected program, most companies will not charge late fees or cut off service. Many have free WiFi access during the coronavirus outbreak and offer specials for students and new customers.

For those seeking a job or unemployment subsidies, click on Hillsborough County Resources and contacts.

If you think a business is treating you unfairly, consider emailing or calling Hillsborough County’s Department of Consumer & Veterans Services, 813-635-8316. Formal complaints must be in writing. Services are free.

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