Connecticut Temporary Family Assistance (TFA)
Temporary Family Assistance Program (TFA) provides monthly cash and employment assistance to eligible families throughout Connecticut to support basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing.
Most families receiving TFA benefits are limited to 36 months of cash assistance, 1 during which work-eligible adults must participate in Jobs First Employment Services activities, coordinated by the Department of Labor.
Under Jobs First, recipients who become employed may keep their full TFA cash assistance as long as their earnings remain at or below the federal poverty level.
FAQ
Who is eligible for CT cash assistance?
To be eligible for cash assistance in Connecticut, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
- Be a resident of the state of Connecticut.
- Be unemployed or under employed (working for very low wages).
- Be pregnant or have a child under age 19.
- Have income and assets under the program limits. 2
What is the income limit for TANF in Connecticut?
Connecticut defines a “needy family” as a family with a gross income below the state’s Standard of Need, which is set at 55% of the federal poverty level (FPL) based on household size. The limit for countable resources is $6,000.
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $717 |
| 2 | $969 |
| 3 | $1,221 |
| 4 | $1,474 |
| 5 | $1,726 |
| 6 | $1,978 |
| 7 | $2,230 |
| 8 | $2,482 |
An amount of $90 will be deducted from each person’s gross earnings at the time of application. Once enrolled, a household’s earned income is excluded up to 100% FPL.
How much cash assistance will I get in CT?
In Connecticut, Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) benefits vary by household size and income. A family of three with no income may receive up to $833 per month in cash assistance.
| Household Size | Payment |
|---|---|
| 1 | $489 |
| 2 | $661 |
| 3 | $833 |
| 4 | $1,044 |
| 5 | $1,177 |
| 6 | $1,349 |
| 7 | $1,520 |
| 8 | $1,693 |
TFA recipients may also be eligible for medical assistance under the HUSKY program, specifically, Husky A, which provides medical coverage under Medicaid.
Child care assistance is also available to TFA recipients. Such assistance continues until the family’s income reaches 75% of the state’s median income level.
How do I apply for cash assistance in CT?
You can apply for cash assistance through ConneCT using “Apply for Benefits,” or pre-screen your eligibility using “Am I Eligible”. You may also apply in person at a DSS Resource Center. 3
Connecticut Department of Social Services
Benefits Assistance / ConneCT Customer Service
(855) 626-6632
Do you have to pay back cash assistance in CT?
No. You will not have to pay back any benefits you were eligible to receive. Unless, there is a mistake and you receive more than you are eligible for, you will be responsible for paying that amount back.
What is the SAGA program in CT?
Families who are unable to work due to medical or other prescribed reasons may apply for State Administered General Assistance (SAGA ).
SAGA primarily serves:
- individuals aged 55 or above with a restricted work history,
- those aged 65 and above, or
- adults who are unable to work due to a documented medical condition, either on a permanent or temporary basis.
To apply for SAGA, visit any DSS Resource Center to complete an application.3
To request an application by mail, call
Connecticut Department of Social Services
Benefits Assistance / ConneCT Customer Service
(855) 626-6632
Footnotes
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Families who have exceeded the time limit for TFA but are still within the income and asset guidelines of the program can receive additional services through the Safety Net program. ↩
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You can find DSS office locations online , or call 2-1-1 to be referred to your nearest DSS office. ↩ ↩2