FLORIDA

This is an unofficial benefits estimator and not an application. No personal data is collected or stored. Actual amounts may vary based on individual circumstances, location, eligibility criteria, and recent data updates at the time of application.

Florida Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)

The purpose of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) program is to provide temporary financial assistance to very low-income families with children under age 18.

Pregnant women may also receive TCA, either in the third trimester of pregnancy if unable to work, or in the 9th month of pregnancy.

In Florida, cash assistance is limited to a lifetime total of 48 months for adults, except for child only cases, which have no time limit.

How much is cash assistance in Florida?

For a family of three in Florida, the maximum TCA payment is currently $303 per month. The exact amount varies based on family size and family circumstance.

The chart reflects amounts for households with shelter costs over $50; benefits are lower for those with no shelter obligation.

How do I apply for cash assistance in Florida?

Applications for cash assistance can be made online through ACCESS Florida  or in person at the local Department of Children and Families (DCF) office. ¹ Once your application is received, you will be contacted for an eligibility interview, usually within 5 days.

Florida Department of Children and Families
ACCESS Customer Call Center
(866) 762-2237

Florida Food Assistance Program

Florida’s Food Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income Floridians of all ages afford nutritious food by providing monthly benefits at no cost to eligible households.

SNAP benefits are somewhat modest. The amount of benefits received is based on household income, other financial resources, and family size.

For example, a family of three with no other income may receive up to $785 in monthly SNAP benefits or $485 each month if the family has a net monthly income of $1,000.

How do I sign up for food stamps in Florida?

If you wish to apply for food assistance, call the Department of Children and Families (DCF) at (866) 762-2237 or apply online through ACCESS Florida  for faster processing.

Unless otherwise exempt, all work-eligible recipients are required to take part in SNAP E & T program, called “CareerSource”, which is operated by Local Workforce Development Boards across the state of Florida. ²

Florida Department of Children and Families
Florida SNAP Hotline
(866) 762-2237

Florida Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Florida WIC helps eligible families in Florida by providing monthly benefits to buy healthy foods that supplement their diet, along with nutrition education, health screenings, and referrals to health care.

WIC serves low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children under age 5 who meet WIC eligibility guidelines.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for WIC:

1. Live in Florida.
2. Be a pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding woman, an infant or a child under age 5.
3. Have a household income less than 185% of the federal poverty level.
4. Be certified to be “nutritionally at risk”.

What is the income limit for WIC in Florida?

WIC is open to families whose income is at or below 185% of the poverty level. For example, a family of three may qualify with a monthly income of up to $4,109.

How long does WIC last in Florida?

In Florida, WIC benefits last for different lengths of time depending on who is receiving them:

• Pregnant women: through pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after birth
• Breastfeeding women: up to 12 months after childbirth
• Non-breastfeeding postpartum women: up to 6 months after childbirth
• Infants: from birth until their first birthday
• Children: from age 1 until their 5th birthday

WIC is not automatic. Participants must recertify periodically to continue receiving benefits.

How much does WIC pay per month in Florida?

Children ages 1—4 will now receive $26 per month, while pregnant and postpartum women receive $47 per month, and breastfeeding women receive $52 per month.

How do I apply for WIC in Florida?

To apply for WIC in Florida, please call (800) 342-3556 to find a WIC agency closest to you and schedule a certification appointment.

Florida Medicaid

Medicaid is the medical assistance program that provides access to health care for low-income families and individuals with limited income and resources.

In Florida, most Medicaid recipients are enrolled in at least one of the three components under the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program.

Managed Medical Assistance (MMA)

Covers routine medical care for most Florida Medicaid recipients, including doctor visits, hospital services, prescription drugs, mental health care, and transportation.

Long-Term Care (LTC)

Provides long-term services for eligible seniors and adults with disabilities in nursing facilities, assisted living, or at home.

Dental Program

Covers Medicaid dental services for children and adults enrolled in Florida Medicaid, including preventive and restorative care.

Who is not eligible for Medicaid in Florida?

As Florida is not expanding Medicaid coverage, non-disabled adults under age 65 without dependents are not eligible for Medicaid in Florida, regardless of how low their income is.

For non-disabled adults, eligibility only extends to parents earning less than 27% of the poverty line. That’s about $600 a month for a family of three.

What is the highest income to qualify for Medicaid in Florida?

How do I apply for Florida Medicaid?

Applications for Medicaid can be completed online through ACCESS Florida  or in person at the Department of Children and Families (DCF) office. ¹

Families who only want to apply for Medicaid for their children may submit a Florida KidCare application.

Florida Department of Children and Families
ACCESS Customer Call Center
(866) 762-2237

Florida KidCare (SCHIP)

Florida KidCare offers affordable, low-cost health insurance for the uninsured children of Florida from birth through age 18 through one of these four programs:

Medicaid for Children

For infants, children, and teens with lower incomes, typically with no premiums or copayments.

MediKids

For children aged 1—4 who don’t qualify for Medicaid with low monthly premiums and copayments.

Florida Healthy Kids

For children aged 5—18 who don’t qualify for Medicaid  with low-cost premiums and copays.

Children’s Medical Services Managed Care Plan

For children from birth to 18 with special needs.

What is the income limit for Healthy Kids in Florida?

Children in families with income between 138% and 215% of the federal poverty level are eligible for subsidized coverage through Florida Healthy Kids.

Many families pay $15 or $20 per month, but most families pay nothing at all.

How do I apply for Healthy Kids in Florida?

Healthy Kids and KidCare now has year round open enrollment. Families can submit a free application online through Florida KidCare Parent Portal  or call (888) 540-5437 to have an application mailed to you.

Florida School Readiness Program

Families in Florida who are working or preparing for work may qualify for child care assistance through the School Readiness Program.

The program provides financial aid for low-income families to afford early education and care, including extended day care, after-school care, and school-age care for children up to age 13.

Depending on the family income, parents are expected to pay a designated fee directly to the child care provider for each child for whom they receive financial assistance.

What is the income limit for child care assistance in Florida?

Families are eligible for child care assistance if their household income is less than or equal to 55% of the State Median Income (SMI) or $3,968 per month for a family of three.

How can I get free child care in Florida?

You can receive free or low-cost child care in Florida through the School Readiness Program for younger children, or through the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program for four-year-olds.

Families may apply through Florida’s Early Learning Family Portal . If you are potentially eligible, you will be placed on a waitlist until a slot becomes available, depending on program funding and space in your area.

Florida Office of Early Learning
Child Care Resource & Referral
(866) 357-3239

Florida Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK)

Florida’s Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) is a free pre-kindergarten program for 4 and 5-year-olds who reside in Florida. Enrollment is based on the county in which you want to attend, NOT on which county you live.

There is no income eligibility requirement for families to participate in this FREE Pre-K  program. To be eligible, children must be Florida residents and turn 4 years old by September 1 of the program year.

The VPK program provides 540 hours of instructional time FREE to families. Additional child care services provided outside of the VPK hours will be at a cost to families.

How do I enroll my child in VPK Florida?

To apply for Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK), please visit the Florida’s Early Learning Family Portal . Families with eligible children will receive a certificate of eligibility.

Florida Office of Early Learning
Child Care Resource & Referral
(866) 357-3239

Florida Head Start

Florida Head Start is a national school readiness program that provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services for low-income pre-school children.

Early Head Start is open to children under 3 years old in low-income families, including pregnant women, while children ages 3 to 5 participate in Head Start.

What is the income limit for Head Start in Florida?

Children from birth to age five whose families have incomes below the poverty guidelines may qualify for Head Start and Early Head Start. For a family of three, that’s about $2,221 per month or less.

How do I apply for Head Start in Florida?

For detailed information regarding enrollment, eligibility, and available services, please locate a Head Start program  in your county.

Florida Office of Early Learning (OEL)
Head Start State Collaboration Office
(866) 357-3239

Florida School Breakfast and Lunch Program

Florida’s National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) provide nutritious, well-balanced meals, including lunch and breakfast, at no cost or reasonable prices to children whose families meet income requirements.

For example, a child in a family of three with a monthly income of $2,221 or less would qualify for free meals. If you are a SNAP recipient, your child automatically qualifies for free school meals.

How do I apply for free lunch in Florida?

You may apply for school meals at any time throughout the school year by submitting a Free and Reduced Price Application directly to your school.

If you are receiving SNAP benefits, please contact your school to determine if you need to complete an application.

Florida Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Florida LIHEAP assist eligible low-income Florida households in meeting the costs of home heating during winter and cooling during summer.

Eligibility is determined by the local agency providing LIHEAP services in the county in which you live. In most cases, if you must meet the following requirements:

1. Have a total income no more than 60% of the Florida State Median Income;
2. Be responsible for paying your home heating or cooling bills;
3. Be a resident of Florida; and
4. Be a U.S. Citizen, qualified alien or permanent resident of the U.S.

LIHEAP assistance is not a monthly benefit. Depending on the availability of fund in your county, you may receive assistance once a year or up to three times a year.

How do I apply for LIHEAP in Florida?

Most local LIHEAP agencies require an appointment. You may contact your local LIHEAP provider to schedule an appointment with the appropriate agency.

Find Your Local LIHEAP Provider 

Florida Department of Commerce
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
(850) 921-1030

Florida Weatherization Assistance Program

Florida’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) offers grants to low-income households in all counties to help qualified households reduce their energy consumption.

Types of assistance available through the program include:

• Address air infiltration with weather stripping, caulking, thresholds, minor repairs to walls, ceilings and floors, and window and door replacement
• Install attic and floor insulation
• Install attic ventilation
• Apply solar reflective coating to manufactured homes
• Install solar screens
• Repair or replace inefficient heating and cooling units
• Repair or replace water heaters

Families with an income up to 200% of the national poverty level, about $4,442 per month for a family of three, are eligible for WAP assistance.

WAP are available to both income-eligible homeowners and renters, with priority given to senior citizens, families with children and persons with disabilities.

How to apply for WAP in Florida?

Applications for WAP are available through your local weatherization office. You need to complete a Client Intake Form and submit it to your local agency.

Find Your Local Local Weatherization Office 

Florida Department of Commerce
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
(850) 921-1030

Florida Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

NOTICE: Funding is no longer available for LIHWAP. Households may not receive LIHWAP benefits at this time.

Florida LIHWAP provides much-needed relief to low-income families in Florida that spend a high proportion of their household income on water utility services.

This program offers income-eligible  households a one-time payment to help pay outstanding bills for residential water and wastewater services. Eligible households can receive up to $1,000 within a 12-month period.

How do I get help paying my water bill in Florida?

If your water has been disconnected or face disconnection, please contact your local agency  directly for information on how to apply. Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are welcomed.

Florida Reemployment Assistance Program

Reemployment Assistance Program helps qualified workers who are out of work through no fault of their own by temporarily replacing part of their wages.

Florida ranks among the lowest in the nation for unemployment benefits, offering a maximum weekly payment of just $275 and providing only 12 weeks of assistance — the fewest of any state.

In order to be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must have earned a minimum amount of wages in a recent ‘base period’ and must have:

1. at least $3,400 in the first four calendar quarters out of the last five (the standard Florida base period), and
2. have wages in at least two quarters of that base period.

For example, if you earned $3,400 or more across your base period but all of it was in one quarter, you would not qualify since your wages must be spread across two or more quarters to be eligible.

Where do I file for unemployment in Florida?

There are no unemployment offices in the state of Florida. All reemployment claims must be filed online using RECONNECT  which is Florida’s Reemployment Assistance claims system.

Unless otherwise exempt, all claimants filing a new claim are required by law to register for work through Employ Florida Marketplace before claiming benefits.

Reemployment Assistance Hotline
(833) 352-7759

Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG)

Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) is Florida’s largest need-based grant program that provides financial aid to degree-seeking, undergraduate students who demonstrate “exceptional” financial.

The annual award amount may vary each academic year. The minimum annual award amount is $200 and up to a maximum of $2,610, which is allocated as $1,305 per semester for full-time students (12+ credits).

The final award amount is determined by financial need, the availability of funds, and the number of credits a student is enrolled in.

Submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1 each year but no later than May 15. Funds are limited and awards are made based on the priority consideration deadline.

Florida Effective Access to Student Education (EASE)

Effective Access to Student Education (EASE), formerly known as Florida Residents’ Access Grant (FRAG), is a need-based grant that offers eligible students up to $3,500 per academic year, subject to state budget appropriations.

Each participating institution manages its own EASE application process, so students should contact the financial aid office to apply.

As these funds are limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis, it is recommended that the application be completed as early as possible after October 1.