Florida Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) #
The purpose of TCA program is to provide temporary financial assistance to eligible families with children under age 18 whose income is not more than 185% of the poverty level.
Eligibility is determined through the ACCESS Florida which has automated eligibility processes for Temporary Cash Assistance, Food Assistance and Medicaid.
How much is cash assistance in Florida?
If you’re eligible for TCA, you may receive monthly benefits — up to $303 a month but limited to a total of 48 months. You must also participate in work related activities for a specified number of hours per week.
For single parents with a child under age 6, the minimum average participation requirement in work activities is 20 hours per week.
Florida Food Assistance Program #
Florida's Food Assistance Program helps improve the diets of low-income Floridians, regardless of age, by providing them with emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost.
SNAP benefits are modest. The amount of benefits received is based on household income, other financial resources, and family size. For example, a single mother of two who works full-time may only receive $362 in benefits per month.
Unless otherwise exempt, all work-eligible participants will be required to participate in the SNAP Employment and Training program, operated by Local Workforce Development Areas across the state of Florida. 1
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 1-866-762-2237 or apply online at ACCESS Florida — the official portal for Floridians to apply for public assistance.
Florida Medicaid #
Florida Medicaid provides medical coverage for Florida residents who meet the program’s eligibility requirements. This mostly includes children from low-income families as well as pregnant women.
In Florida, Medicaid covers children under age 19 with family income below 138% of the federal poverty level; and pregnant women up to 196% of poverty level.
As Florida is not expanding Medicaid coverage, eligibility for non-disabled adults is limited to parents with incomes below 28% of poverty, or about $6,450 a year for a single mother of two.
How do I apply for Florida Medicaid?
Applications for Medicaid are made through ACCESS Florida or the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Families who only want to apply for Medicaid for their children may submit a Florida KidCare application.
Florida KidCare (SCHIP) #
Florida KidCare offers affordable, low-cost health insurance for the uninsured children of Florida. The program covers children from birth through age 18.
Florida KidCare covers Florida children from birth through the end of age 18 through four government-sponsored health insurance programs
- Medicaid — Birth through 18 years
- MediKids — Ages 1 year to 4 years
- Florida Healthy Kids — Ages 5 years to 18 years
- Children’s Medical Services Managed Care Plan — Birth through 18 years with special needs
Children with family incomes up to 215% of poverty, about $4,126 a month for a family of three, are eligible for SCHIP.
No interview required, just fill out and mail the easy, one-page application. Many families pay $15 or $20 per month, but most families pay nothing at all.
Healthy Kids and KidCare now has year round open enrollment!
All Florida KidCare programs are applied for with one application. You can apply online or call 1-888-540-KIDS (5437) to have an application mailed to you.
Florida School Readiness Program #
Families in Florida who are trying to work or get training to work may be eligible for financial assistance through School Readiness Program.
These services range from extended day to extended year, and school age care for children.
Depending on the family income, you will pay a fee for each child for whom you receive financial assistance. The co-payment is based on family income and family size and is paid directly to the child care provider.
How can I get free child care in Florida?
Families need to apply through Florida's Early Learning Family Portal. If you are potentially eligible, you will be placed on the waitlist until enrollment occurs, depending on funding availability.
Florida Head Start #
Head Start is a national school readiness program that provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services for low-income pre school children ages 3 to 5.
Early Head Start is open to children under 3 years old in low-income families, while children 3 to 5 years old participate in Head Start. Pregnant women may also be eligible for Early Head Start.
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 School Breakfast and Lunch Program #
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) are federally funded programs that assist schools and other agencies in providing nutritious meals at reasonable prices to children whose families meet income requirements.
For example, a child in a family of three with a yearly income of $29,940 or less would qualify for free meals. If you are a SNAP recipient, your child automatically qualifies for free school meals.
You may apply for school meals at any time throughout the school year by submitting a household application directly to your school.
Florida Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) #
Florida’s LIHEAP assist eligible low-income Florida households in meeting the costs of home heating and cooling. Eligibility is determined by the local agency providing LIHEAP services in the county in which you live.
In Florida, LIHEAP assistance is not a monthly benefit. Depending on the availability of fund in your county, you may receive assistance up to three times a year — but not every month.
How do I apply for LIHEAP in Florida?
You must contact your local LIHEAP provider to find out if money is available, how to apply, and how to get an application. No web-based application available at this time.
Families with income up to 200% of the poverty level may also be eligible for Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).
Preference is given to elderly or physically disabled residents, and families with children.
Florida Reemployment Assistance Program #
Reemployment Assistance Program provides temporary wage replacement benefits to qualified individuals who are out of work through no fault of their own that meet Florida’s eligibility requirements.
Florida provides up to 12 weeks of UI for new claimants — adjusted every year based on changes in the state’s current unemployment rate. The maximum weekly benefit amount remains at $275.
For the week beginning June 27, 2021, eligible Reemployment Assistance claimants will no longer receive the supplemental $300 weekly payment.
Where do I file for unemployment in Florida?
All claimants filing a new claim are required by law to register for work through Employ Florida Marketplace before claiming benefits. Unless otherwise exempt, all reemployment assistance claims must be filed online.
Reemployment Assistance Hotline
1-833-352-7759
Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) #
FSAG, Florida’s largest need-based grant program, provides assistance to degree-seeking, resident, undergraduate students who demonstrate “exceptional” financial need and meet other eligibility criteria.
How much is the FSAG grant? The annual award amount may vary each academic year. The minimum annual award amount is $200 and up to a maximum of $2,610 for those with the lowest EPC.
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after October 1st each year. Funds are limited and awards are made based on the priority consideration deadline.
Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG) #
This need-based grant provides approximately $3,000 per academic year, subject to state budget appropriations. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 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 prior to May 15th.
- To find a LWDA near you, visit http://www.floridajobs.org/