City of Miami Senior Rental Assistance Program open to new applicants
MIAMI - The City of Miami Senior Rental Assistance program is now open for new applications through January 2nd.
The program provides up to $500 in rental assistance, based on need, to qualifying seniors, ages 62 and up.
It is meant for applicants who are renters in the City of Miami, are 50% area median income and below, and spend more than 30% of their income towards rental housing costs.
City of Miami officials say if an applicant is approved, the assistance amount is issued directly to the applicant's landlord monthly, for 12 months.
Officials remind those who are current Section 8 clients or reside in Public Housing or in a Sec. 202 project are not eligible for this program.
"Very good, thank you for that," said 62-year-old Pedro Ruiz just learned he meets the criteria for the program.
He had no idea the City of Miami launched a program December 1st., neither did 65-year-old Bricio Colmenares who lives in Miami with his son, they pay $3,000 a month in rent.
Colmenares says the problem in Miami is that "salaries are too low."
"It's important that people apply," said Kenya Fallat with the City of Miami, she explains the requirements. "Primarily you have to be over the age of 62, live in the city limits. If you prove need of rental assistance, you can get up to $500 a month, for a year."
The Department of Housing and Community Development for the City of Miami establishes another requirement: maximum allowable income to participate, if it's one person for household, the maximum income is $36,150; two people, $41,300, three: $46,500 and so on. The person who applies must show evidence of income.
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