State & Federal Benefits/General Assistance

state & federal benefits | general assistance

The following organizations can help you find emergency housing, improve your credit, search for a real estate agent and prepare you financially to buy property.

State & Federal Benefits

KidCare
Florida KidCare is the a children's health insurance program for uninsured children under age 19. Eligibility for Florida KidCare is based on your child's age and family income. Visit www.floridakidcare.org or call 888-540-5437 (KIDS). Operators are available in Spanish and Creole as well. You can also learn more by visiting one of the Prosperity Centers.

Medicaid, Temporary Cash Assistance and More
Medicaid is a program that provides medical coverage to low income individuals and families. The state and federal government share the costs of the Medicaid program. Medicaid eligibility in Florida is determined either by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) or the Social Security Administration.

DCF determines Medicaid eligibility for:

• Low income families with children
• Children only
• Pregnant women
• Non-citizens with medical emergencies
• Aged and/or disabled individuals not currently receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Apply for these and other economic benefits at www.myflorida.com/accessflorida or call (866) 762-2237

Department of Children & Families Access Program
Find a list of community ACCESS sites by county at www.dcf.state.fl.us/ess/docs/partner_listing.pdf (PDF) or call (866) 762-2237

Emergency Medicaid for Pregnant Women
Offers labor and delivery coverage for pregnant women who do not have health insurance and who meet Medicaid income and asset limits www.dcf.state.fl.us/ess/medicaid.shtml

WIC
This federally funded nutrition program helps women, infants and children. Download an application at www.doh.state.fl.us/family/wic/ or call (786) 336-1300

Medicare & Medicaid Part D & Prescription Drugs
The SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program provides elders and their caregivers with information on various benefit plans available in their area. Call the ELDER HELPLINE at 1-800-963-5337 or at (305) 670- 4357. Visit www.medicare.gov

Disability and SSI (Supplemental Security Insurance)
Provides financial assistance for the elderly, the blind and the disabled. Visit www.ssa.gov or call (800) 772-1213

Social Security
Provides benefits for retirees as well as financial support to younger workers and their families facing income loss due to disability or death visit www.ssa.gov or call (800) 772-1213

General Assistance

Switchboard of Miami
211 or (305) 358-4357

Miami-Dade County
311

Traffic & Public Transit Guide
511

Free Directory Assistance
(800) FREE-411

Homeless Helpline (Shelters)
(305) 576-9900

Elder Hotline
(305) 670-4357

top