Florida Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)

Florida’s Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) program, the state’s cash assistance program funded by TANF, 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:

1. Be a U.S. citizen, a legal immigrant or a qualified alien.
2. Be a resident of the state of Florida.
3. Be either unemployed, working part time or making a very modest salary.
4. Have a child under age 19 who lives with them. A child who is 18 must be a full-time high school student.
5. 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.

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.

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

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

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in Florida, 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 MyACCESS (DCF) at (850) 300-4323 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.

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.