Florida Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)

Florida’s Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) program is designed to provide temporary financial assistance to eligible families with children under age 18.

Pregnant women in their third trimester may also be eligible to receive TCA if unable to work. Otherwise, eligibility is available in the 9th month of pregnancy.

As a condition of eligibility, Florida requires all work-eligible TCA participants to register for work or participate in work-related activities through Welfare Transition Program. ¹

FAQ

Who is eligible for cash assistance in Florida?

To qualify for cash assistance in Florida, you must:

Be a U.S. citizen, a legal immigrant or a qualified alien.
Be a resident of the state of Florida.
Be either unemployed, working part time or making a very modest salary.
Have a child under age 19 who lives with them. A child who is 18 must be a full-time high school student.
Have countable assets of less than 2,000.

What is the income limit for TANF in Florida?

In Florida, TANF income limits are tied to family size . For example, a family of three is considered “needy” if its net countable income is less than $303 per month.

Household Size	Income Limit
1	$180
2	$241
3	$303
4	$364
5	$426
6	$487
7	$549
8	$610

The amounts shown represent income eligibility thresholds by household size. Families with income at or below these limits may be eligible for TANF benefits.

How much do I get for TANF in Florida?

In Florida, a family of three with no income may receive a maximum of $303 per month.² Benefit amounts vary based on family size and household circumstances.

The chart reflects the maximum amounts for households with shelter costs over $50. Benefits are lower for those with no shelter obligation.

Household Size	Payment
1	$180
2	$241
3	$303
4	$364
5	$426
6	$487
7	$549
8	$610

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.

Is there a time limit for TANF in Florida?

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

Exceptions may apply in cases of severe hardship or when a family member has a medically verifiable disability.

How can I get cash assistance in Florida?

Applications for cash assistance can be submitted online through ACCESS Florida , the state’s self-service benefits portal, or in person at a local Department of Children and Families (DCF) office. ³

Eligibility is determined through the ACCESS Florida which has automated eligibility processes. 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

How do I get a one-time TANF payment in Florida?

If you need short-term help rather than long-term ongoing cash assistance, you may request for assistance through the Up-front Diversion program.

Up-front “cash” diversion is a one-time payment of up to $1,000 to help families facing an unexpected emergency in place of ongoing TCA payments.

The maximum benefit payment for a family of three (the average size of a TANF assistance unit in Florida) has remained fixed at $303 since 1992. ↩
Through an array of support services and programs, Welfare Transition Program helps families “transition from welfare to work” by emphasizing self-sufficiency and personal responsibility. ↩
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) operates regional offices across Florida. Use the office locator to find your local DCF office. ↩