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.

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.²

Household Size	Income Limit
1	$732
2	$992
3	$1,252
4	$1,513
5	$1,773
6	$2,033
7	$2,294
8	$2,554

The income limits are presented as dollar amounts derived from a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for each household size in 2026.

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.³ A family of three with no income may receive up to $915 per month in cash assistance.

Household Size	Payment
1	$535
2	$725
3	$915
4	$1,105
5	$1,296
6	$1,485
7	$1,675
8	$1,866

The amounts shown represent the maximum monthly cash benefits available to families with no countable income. Actual payments may vary based on a family’s income and other eligibility factors.

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. ⁴

Connecticut Department of Social Services
Benefits Assistance / ConneCT Customer Service
(855) 626-6632

What documents do I need to apply for TANF in Connecticut?

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in Connecticut, you may be asked to provide all or some of the following documents:

A valid photo ID
Social Security numbers for the people applying (or proof that you have applied for them)
Proof of residency (where you live), such as a lease or a utility bill
Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
Proof of your children’s identity and their relationship to you, such as birth certificates
Proof of earned and unearned income for everyone in your household, such as pay stubs
Proof of other resources, such as bank statements, if the state asks for them
Proof of pregnancy, if you are applying while pregnant
Information about the children’s other parent, such as a name and last known address, which states use for child support
Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

Each state sets its own rules, and what you need may depend on your situation. If you are not sure what to bring, contact ConneCT (DSS) at (855) 626-6632 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.

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.⁴

To request an application by mail, call