Social Services
Overview
Our mission is to reduce social and economic dependency by providing a bridge of interim rent, utility, referrals and other available services to qualified individuals and families who are residents of St. Johns County.
County Residency
Applicants for all types of services provided through St. Johns County must be physically residing in the County and provide verification of residency. Persons are considered County residents when they establish and maintain a living arrangement, outside of an institution, which they, or someone responsible for them, consider to be their home. The length of time a person physically resides in the County will not be a determining factor provided they don’t maintain a residence in another County or State. Students who are away from home attending school will be considered residents of the County in which their parents live if they are claimed as dependents by their parents for Income Tax purposes.
Coverage Guidelines
Rent and Utility Program eligibility is based upon a documented financial crisis.
Medical Program services are available for applicants without health insurance coverage. For those with inadequate coverage, the Social Services Department will not supplement or provide assistance for persons who have reached the maximum coverage of their insurance.
About Social Services
Who We Are
St. Johns County Social Services Department was created in 1978 and administers the County’s assistance program aimed at reducing social and economic dependency and providing interim medical and other related services to needy individuals and families who are residents of St. Johns County. Assistance is supplemented with referrals to appropriate local, state, or federal agencies.
St. Johns County Social Services was established by the Board of County Commissioners to serve as a safety net, not ongoing assistance.
St. Johns County Department of Social Services will address those needs by partnering with other service providers to maximize service delivery and insure the most efficient and effective use of resources by eliminating the duplication of services.
Staff Contact
Shawna Novak Health and Human Services Director
Tracy Dillon Social Services Manager
Assistance Programs
Services Provided to Eligible Residents
Referrals
Social Services staff remain up-to-date with services available within the community and will provide you with information and assist you in navigating through the available community resources. Social Services provides assistance to St. Johns County residents under the umbrella of the Health and Human Services Department.
We provide referrals to other community agencies.
DCF Access Community Partner
Social Services is a Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) Community Partner. We assist individuals and families apply for State benefits such as Food Assistance (SNAP), Temporary Cash Assistance and Medicaid.
Limited Rental and Utility Assistance
Limited rental and utility assistance is available for St. Johns County residents if you have a documented financial crisis. Proof of ongoing sustainability will need to be provided. Assistance can only be provided once in an 18 month period.
Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP)
The EHEAP program provides heating/cooling (Electric) bill assistance for ages 60 and older. Payment is made to the energy vendor or landlord (if utilities are included with the rent) on behalf of the eligible household that meets income and residency criteria.
Hospital Inpatient Physician, Specialty Physician Visits, and Outpatient Services
The Social Services Medical Program covers a variety of medically related services needed in life-threatening and critical care situations.
Eligibility Determination for the following:
Indigent / Unclaimed Cremations
Eligibility Determination for Indigent / Unclaimed Cremations – Pursuant to Florida Statues, Chapter 406, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners is responsible for the disposition of indigent or unclaimed persons who expire in St. Johns County.
Heath Care Responsibility Act (HCRA)
Eligibility Determination for the Heath Care Responsibility Act (HCRA)
Solid Waste Tax Exemption
Eligibility Determination for Solid Waste Tax Exemption – Social Services Division provides interviewing, screening, and eligibility determination to applicants requesting assistance based on financial hardship.
Contact Social Services
Social Services – Main Office Monday thru Friday, 8am to 5pm
200 San Sebastian View, Suite 2300 St. Augustine, FL 32084
Office Phone: (904) 209-6140
Social Services – Hastings Office Tuesday thru Thursday, 10am to 5pm
Hastings Library, 6195 S Main St.
Hastings, FL 32145
Office Phone: (904) 209-6140