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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A. Getting Started (Registration Process)

The first time you use our Online application system, you must establish an account. You will need to have an active email account that you are able to access. If you do not have an email address, you can easily create one.   In the Online application system, register as a New User.  Once you complete the registration, you will receive an email to “activate your account”.  Use your email address and the password that you set up to log in as a Returning User.  Keep your email address and password for the online application system in a safe place for future use.  Click this link for detailed instructions:  http://www.pinellas.gov/humanservices/pdf/how-to-apply-online.pdf   

No, you can complete the application on any computer or mobile device. If you have any problems completing the application on your device, call our office at (727) 464-4200, option 2.

A friend or family member can assist you if needed. If that is not an option, you are welcome to use a computer located in one of our lobbies and staff will assist you. We have staff available at the following locations: Pinellas County Human Services, 647 1st Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Pinellas County Human Services, 2189 Cleveland Street, Suite 230, Clearwater, FL 33765 For additional locations, call our office at (727) 464-4200, option 2.

Each person will need their own email address account to apply.  If you do not have an email address, you can easily create one using one of the following links:
Microsoft Outlook (Hotmail) account: https://login.live.com/
Gmail account: https://www.google.com/gmail/about
Yahoo account: https://www.yahoo.com/
Yandex account: www.yandex.com
Mail.com account: www.mail.com

Remember your email account password so you can access emails we send to you.


B. Application Process

You can email us at HumanServicesIntake@pinellas.gov or call us at (727) 464-4200, option 2. We also have computers available in ours lobbies where staff can assist if you have questions.

The average time to complete an application is 17 minutes. How long it takes varies based on the details of your specific situation and/or your technical ability.

No. You can save your application and return at any time. To return, you must sign in and select the option to "Continue where you left off.”


C. Documentation needed

You have several options for providing your documentation:

 Scan and upload: You can upload documentation directly to your application. This is the fastest way to get documents to your worker. Click on this link for detailed instructions: http://www.pinellas.gov/humanservices/healthprogram.htm#signup

 

  • FAX (727) 464-8591
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  • Email: HumanServicesIntake@pinellas.gov (Note: All government correspondence, including email, is subject to the public records law and may be visible to others. Please do not email personal information you do not wish to be viewed by non- Human Services parties.)
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  • Mail: Pinellas County Human Services, 647 1st Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Or Pinellas County Human Services, 2189 Cleveland Street, Suite 230, Clearwater, FL 33765.
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  • Drop Off:  Pinellas County Human Services, 647 1st Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL; Pinellas County Human Services, 2189 Cleveland Street, Suite 230, Clearwater, FL 33765; At the nearest Department of Health location (ask for Pinellas County Human Services Worker)
  • You have 30 days from the date your application was submitted to provide all information needed to determine your eligibility. The sooner you provide your documentation, the faster we can make a decision. If your documents are not received by the deadline, your application will be denied. If you do not have these documents available, discuss this with your Worker.

    Your Worker will be able to tell you specific documentation you will need to provide. However, at a minimum, you must provide your ID, your social security card (or documentation of your number from the Social Security office), proof of Pinellas County residency, and proof of income and assets. If you have no income, you will be asked to verify how you are managing your living expenses. If you do not have these documents available, you may still apply and discuss this with your Worker.


    D. Application Follow Up

    Your application will be assigned to a Worker. Your Worker will advise you if additional documentation is needed. Please be sure that you are answering your calls and checking your email and your regular mail, as a decision about your case could be delayed or denied if we are unable to reach you. If you have completed an application and haven’t heard anything from your Worker after 5 business days, please contact us at (727) 464-4200, option 2.

    Please allow at least 5 business days after you submit your application before contacting our office. At that point, you can call (727) 464-4200, option 2 to speak to the Worker who will process your application.

    The time frame depends on the specifics of your situation and how quickly all required documentation is provided. We will make a decision within 30 days of the date of your application.


    E. Recertification /Re-applying

    Once you set up your account in the Online application system, you will use your same log in information each time you apply. Sign into your account and select the option to start a New Application.

    You only have the option to recertify if your card is currently valid. If you are applying after your current enrollment has ended, you must enter a New Application.

    Even if you already have a blue card, you must set up an account as a “New User” the first time you use the Online application system.


    F. Technical/Forgot password

    Unfortunately, the operating system on some phones is not compatible with the Online application. Please try the application on another device. We also have computers available in our lobbies if needed.

    Click on the link next to “Forgot your password?” in the Returning User section of the log in screen. You will be prompted to enter the answers to the security questions that you established when you set up the account. Please note that the answers to your security questions must match exactly with what you entered. For example, if the answer to a security question was “St. Pete”, you must type exactly that and not St Pete or St Petersburg or saint pete.

    If you don’t remember your password AND you cannot answer your security questions, please contact our office at (727) 464-4200, option 2. We will contact our technical support and assist you in gaining access to your account.


    G. Existing Clients

    Once you are approved, you may need to have your photo taken and sign releases in order to obtain your ID card. Your Worker will advise you. Contact your medical home to set up an appointment or review their walk-in policy.

    No, you may change your medical home by accessing your Online application account, sending an email to HumanServicesIntake@pinellas.gov, or contacting our office at (727) 464-4200, option 2. If you want to change from the Bayside Clinic for Homeless or the Mobile Medical (MMU Van) to a Department of Health medical home, you may have to provide additional documents.

    You can check in the Online application system. Click the “Check Application Status” button after you log in. You can also contact us at any time to find out when your card expires. We send out reminder notifications before your card expires. It is important that you update your phone numbers, address and email if they change.

    Yes. Eligibility is usually determined for a year at a time, so you will need to recertify and update your information next year within 60 days before your enrollment ends. If your situation changes at any time, it is possible that your enrollment may end sooner.

    Call us at (727) 464-4200, option 2 or come into any of our office locations to obtain a new card if you misplace yours.


    H. Reporting a change

    You can report a change through your Online application account, send an email to HumanServicesIntake@pinellas.gov, contact our office at (727) 464-4200, option 2, or walk in to any office location.  You may be asked to provide additional documentation to verify that you remain eligible for services.

    You must inform us of any changes that could affect your eligibility within 10 days of the change. This includes:

    1. Changes to your household composition (such as getting married, divorced or having a child);
    2. Changes to your income;
    3. Status of any benefits that you were approved for (such as Social Security disability or early retirement benefits);
    4. Changes to your contact information, including your address, email, and phone number.

    You may be asked to provide documentation to show that you remain eligible for services.  It is important that you update your contact information if it changes.