Smyrna Cares Financial Assistance Program

Geographic Scope: New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Program Focus: Emergency financial assistance for residents and workers facing hardship in three categories:

• Medical expenses
• Automotive expenses
• Housing/Rent expenses

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet ONE of the following:

• Currently live in New Smyrna Beach and have done so for at least 9 months within the past 15 months, OR
• Currently work in New Smyrna Beach and have done so for at least 9 months within the past 15 months

Additional Requirements:

• Must be willing to meet in-person with a Smyrna Cares Advocate
• Must provide complete documentation and comply with all Smyrna Cares requests
• Must notify Advocate immediately if circumstances change
• Must cooperate with information verification process

Application Process

Applicants complete an online form and provide supporting documentation via email link or in-person submission.

Application Process

Step 1: Complete Online Application Form

• Applicant's first and last name
• Phone number and email
• Current address (street, city, state, postal code)
• Previous address or N/A

Step 2: Provide Detailed Hardship Information

• Specific date when issue(s) occurred
• Detailed description of the issue(s) requiring assistance
• Explanation of how you plan to recover and stabilize finances, including timeframe

Step 3: Household & Employment Information

• Number of dependents in household
• Current housing status (own/rent/live with someone else)
• Current employment status (employed/self-employed/unemployed/retired)
• Current employer information (company name, phone, email, website)
• Total monthly household income (all sources including SSI, SSA, child support, alimony, etc.)

Step 4: Assistance Categories

• Specify which category/categories assistance is requested for:
  • Medical
  • Automotive
  • Housing/Rent
• Indicate number of categories requesting assistance

Step 5: Documentation Upload

• Upload government-issued ID (current Driver's License or State ID)
• Will receive email link for uploading additional documents or can submit in-person

Step 6: Required Documentation

• Government Issued ID (uploaded in application)
• All Proof of Income (paystubs, tax returns, household income statements, disability/SSA/SSI/1099 forms)
• Proof of Residency (lease, mortgage, cancelled check, or Volusia County tax bill)
• Additional information may be requested

Step 7: Digital Signature & Consent

• Type full name to certify accuracy of information
• Acknowledge understanding of verification process
• Acknowledge understanding that misrepresentation may result in termination or disqualification
• Consent to SMS notifications (optional)

Important Notes:

• All information must be completed as requested
• Incomplete applications or documentation will delay processing
• Funds are sent directly to the provider (not to applicant)
• Smyrna Cares will verify information including verbal verification with employer, landlord, and providers