Income-eligible households can receive financial assistance with GED courses at Indian River State College and testing.

Applicants must currently reside in St. Lucie County, and the household income may not exceed 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. A household is an individual or group living together as one economic unit, regardless of relation. Applicants residing with their spouse or partner are considered a household. The household must also demonstrate a need for service(s). Applicants must have already taken the diagnostic and placement assessment (TABE) within the last year and be registered for GED courses at IRSC.

Income eligibility is based on household size within the last 30 days. Gross income must be used per grant guidelines. A household is defined as an individual or group of individuals living together as one economic unit, regardless of relation. Applicants living with their spouse or partner are considered a household. Verifying documentation required. The household must also demonstrate a need for service(s).

The following is considered income per grant guidelines:

• Money wages and salaries before any deductions;
• Self-employment wages after deductions for business expenses;
• Social Security payments;
• Unemployment;
• Worker’s compensation;
• Veteran benefits;
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF);
• Alimony;
• Child support;
• And all other allowable sources of income as determined by the grant guidelines.

Verifying documentation required.

The following documents must be provided at the time of appointment:

• Picture ID for all adults in the household 18 or older
• Social Security Cards for all in the household
• Birth Certificates for all children in the household under 18
• Proof of all household income for the prior 30 days
• Proof of St. Lucie County residency, such as a lease or mortgage statement
• Utility bill
• 1 to 2 Months of Bank Statements for all accounts held by household members
• Food stamp award letter
• Class schedule

Additional documents may be requested, including but not limited to custody documentation, household bills, etc.

The Human Services Division receives the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) from the State of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. These funds aim to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty in communities and help promote self-sufficiency.