The Miami-Dade County Veterans and Active Duty Military Basic Needs Assistance Program is designed to help those who are currently serving or have served in the United States military and have experienced a loss or reduction in income due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Funded via the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or the Cares Act, the program serves active duty, reserve, guard and veterans who reside in Miami-Dade County and is intended to support veterans and active duty military households to remain self-sufficient and support a strong recovery.
The Program assists eligible households with $1,000 of basic needs assistance vouchers for single applicants and $2,000 of basic needs assistance vouchers for households of two or more. Vouchers can be used to purchase groceries, medical supplies, baby and adult care products and other household items. The $5 million of program funds will be distributed on a first come first serve basis.
The Miami-Dade County Veterans and Active Duty Military Basic Needs Assistance Program is administered by the Miami Dade Military Affairs Board.
If you are also behind on rent or mortgage payments, or are at risk of falling behind due to financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic, then you may be eligible for the Miami-Dade COVID-19 Military and Veterans Housing Assistance Program, which can provide up to 3 months or $5,000 of rent or mortgage assistance. You can apply to this program at the same time, using the Housing Assistance Program application, and be considered for both programs. To apply online or view program information for either program, go to our website, www.miamidadecovidrelief.org.
Any Veteran OR Active Duty Military member may be eligible for basic needs assistance under the program, if the following conditions are met:
■ Can prove they are a veteran or active duty military;
■ Can show a household loss or reduction of income due to the COVID-19 Pandemic;
■ Current household income is at or below 140% of Area Median Income (AMI) for Miami-Dade County. Current income refers to the household’s income following any job loss or income reduction due to the COVID-19 Pandemic; and,
■ Proof of residency within Miami-Dade County.