Community Support Services

Services

Community Support Services are aimed at reducing social and economic dependency. Interim financial, medical, case management, and other related services are provided to needy, disabled, and elderly individuals and families who reside in Monroe County. In order to receive services from our department, a person must be either:

  • Needy
  • Disabled
  • Elderly
  • Have young children in their care

An applicant who is well enough to work is expected to actively seek employment.

Documentation Necessary 

  • Disability or inability to work
  • Need
  • Income and assets
  • Identification
  • Living expenses and bills
  • Residency

Each applicant may call ahead to find out exactly what documentation is necessary for his/her case. An appointment can be scheduled at that time.

  • Client Responsibility
  • Sign all required forms
  • Follow through in filing for benefits and referrals to other programs
  • Furnish continued proof of eligibility

Case Management

Our social workers see clients on a one-to-one basis to assess needs and develop short and long-term goals. The clients are given referrals to all appropriate programs within our community. Social Workers serve as coordinators, advocates, and counselors.

General Assistance

Assistance is supplemented with counseling and direction designed either to restore individuals to a self-sufficient status or to effect referrals to appropriate state or federal agencies for persons in need of long-term support.

The goal of these services is to maintain, restore, and/or promote independent management within a family and community network.

To qualify, applicants must meet financial criteria and provide a physician’s statement of inability to work or have a pending application for Social Security Disability. Emergency disaster situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis. No cash grants are available; bills are paid directly to service providers.

Assistance Offered

  • Rental Assistance
  • Medical and pharmacy costs
  • Food Assistance
  • Utility payment
  • Personal care items
  • Clothing Assistance
  • Transportation
  • Bayshore Manor Admissions
  • Indigent Burials and Cremations
  • LIHEAP-Low Income Home Energy Assistance

Medical Assistance

Eligibility is based upon the patient’s income and assets. Most services require prior approval. Only medically necessary services and those not covered by other State, Federal or private programs will be considered as funds are available.

  • Physician services
  • Prescriptions
  • Inpatient Hospitalization (out of County)
  • Outpatient Services
  • Ambulance
  • Prosthetics
  • Medical Supplies
  • Convalescent Equipment
  • County Assisted Living Facility
  • Medicaid Hospital and Nursing Home
  • Florida Health Care Responsibility Act

Funding

Community Support Services is funded through ad valor em taxes and state and federal grants, when available.