TRUST INDEX: Is there a $300 payment to Duval County seniors?

A News4JAX viewer wrote Trust Index, our fact-checking team, to ask: Is it true there is a $300 payment available for Duval County seniors?

Yes, it’s true.

Residents who are at least 72 years old or receive Social Security disability benefits can apply for a one-time $300 payment starting at 8 a.m. on Aug. 29. Payments from the Senior and Disabled Financial Assistance Program are limited to 3,000 qualifying residents.

Only applications submitted by phone or online will be accepted, and the payments will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Applicants must reside in Duval County.
• Applicants must certify that they did not receive funds from the City’s VyStar Small Business Assistance Program; Employee Retention Loan Program; Mortgage, Rent and Utilities Relief Program; or the first round of the Senior and Disabled Financial Assistance Program.
• Applicants must either be at least 72 years old or receive Social Security disability benefits.
• Applicants must have experienced either a reduction in income or an increase in expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Applicants’ adjusted gross income did not exceed $30,000 in 2019.
• Applicants may only receive one card per household.
• Applicants must provide their birthdate and the last four digits of their Social Security number.

After the applications are reviewed for completeness and accuracy, payment cards will be mailed directly to homes. Those who receive a payment card will then need to call the customer service number provided with the card to activate it. Payment cards must be used like a credit card. Cash back from an ATM or a register is not available.

Those interested in participating in the program are strongly encouraged to create a MyJax account at myjax.custhelp.com and follow the link for the Senior and Disabled Financial Assistance Program” before applying. The same website and account will be used for the online application process.

While residents may create a MyJax account immediately, the application process will not begin until 8 a.m. Aug. 29. Residents may also call 904-255-8888 for assistance with their application over the phone starting at 8 a.m. Aug. 29.

During the first round of the program in June, all 3,300 spots were claimed in less than an hour after enrollment began.

We’ve reviewed information surrounding this topic and confirmed that It’s True.

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