Applications for the City of Gainesville Special Assessment for Fire Services Hardship Assistance Programs are now available. The city offers two hardship programs, one for low-income senior citizens age 65 and over, and another for low-income citizens. Applications for the Special Assessment for Fire Services Hardship Assistance Programs for the 2014-2015 fiscal year are due by May 1, 2014. Approved applications are only good for one year. New applications must be submitted each year that the program is available. Senior applicants that were previously approved will need to only fill out the renewal form.