Social Services
The Osceola County Board of County Commissioners provides limited financial assistance and supportive services to eligible residents through the Social Services Program. The program is intended to assist individuals and families experiencing financial hardship by helping them access available county and community resources.
Supportive Services
Residents who apply for assistance through the Social Services Program will receive an assessment of their household needs. Based on the evaluation, staff will work to identify available resources and connect applicants with appropriate community agencies and support services.
Services may include referrals for:
- Emergency assistance programs
- Food and healthcare resources
- Employment and workforce services
- Utility assistance programs
- Other community-based support services
Community Outreach & Resource Events
Social Services actively engages with the community by hosting Community Resource Events throughout Osceola County. The Community Resource events are hosted annually in different areas of the county to increase accessibility to services and provide residents with direct access to valuable community resources. These events bring together local organizations, service providers, and county departments to help residents learn about programs and opportunities available within the community.
These events are designed to provide:
- Access to community resources and local service providers
- Educational information on available programs and services
- Updated information regarding county and community assistance programs
- Opportunities for residents and visitors to learn more about the services available within Osceola County
Funding Information
The Osceola County Social Services Program is funded through Osceola County property taxes. These services are not funded by the additional one-cent sales surtax collected within Osceola County.
Community Resources
The following programs and agencies may provide additional assistance and support to residents:
Indigent Burial & Cremation Assistance Program
Osceola County Housing and Community Services administers the indigent burial and cremation program for deceased persons who died within the geographical boundaries of Osceola County.
Note: Payment for indigent burial, cremation, and transportation to the Veteran National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida will be made only if there are no other resources available to cover these costs.
The county will cover the cost of cremation, and burial will be provided for unclaimed bodies or any other situation, on a case by case basis.
Program Guidelines
Assistance may include cremation services, burial assistance, or transportation to the Veteran National Cemetery located in Bushnell, Florida.
Services are provided only after all other available financial resources have been exhausted.
Each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility and available assistance.
Participating Funeral Homes
Applicants must contact one of the funeral homes listed below to begin the referral process.
New Horizon Funeral Home Chapel & Cremation
821 13th Street
Saint Cloud, FL 34769
Osceola Memory Gardens Funeral Homes and Crematory
1717 Old Boggy Creek Rd
Kissimmee, FL 34744
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for assistance, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- The deceased must have passed away within Osceola County.
- The applicant must contact one of the participating funeral homes listed above.
- A referral from a participating funeral home is required.
- The deceased must not have life insurance, financial assets, or other available resources to cover funeral-related expenses.
- Family members may be required to provide documentation demonstrating financial hardship.
*Please note that eligibility does not guarantee approval of assistance. All applications are subject to review and funding availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will you assist me with one-time emergency assistance to pay my rent?
Please visit the CDBG Emergency Rental Assistance page for more info, and also refer to the links above for additional assistance.
Do you provide any sort of trash assistance?
No, this program has been closed.
Do you help with prescriptions and outpatient testing?
No, this program has been closed.
Can the Social Services Program help me with my electric bill?
No, this program has been closed.
Do you provide any sort of cash assistance, food stamps, and health care?
Unfortunately, we are unable to assist with these resources.
Do you have the contact info for any other agencies?
Yes, please visit one of the links above for additional assistance.
Hours
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.