Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)

Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) is one of Massachusetts’ primary programs that provides cash assistance and employment services to low-income families with children, and pregnant women with little or no income.

Eligible recipients may also receive medical assistance through MassHealth and be eligible to receive food stamps as well as child care referral for those in work or training programs.

Most adult recipients must participate in work-related activities to maintain eligibility. Failure to do so may result in reduced or denied benefits, unless an exemption applies.

FAQ

Who is eligible for TAFDC in Massachusetts??

TAFDC is for families with children under 18, including teen parents. In order to qualify, you must:

Live in Massachusetts.
Be a U.S. national, citizen, legal alien or permanent resident.
Be either pregnant ¹ or be responsible for a child under age 19.
Meet income and asset limits .

What is the income limit for TAFDC in Massachusetts?

The income limit is based upon your family size and the type of housing you live in. Different rules apply if you are a teen parent under age 18 living with your parent(s).

In Massachusetts, a family of three is considered “needy” if its net countable income is less than $861 per month who lives in public housing.

TAFDC Eligibility Chart

The income limits for families in public housing are listed in the table below. The threshold is higher for those who resides in private housing.

Household Size	Income Limit
1	$564
2	$713
3	$861
4	$1,003
5	$1,150
6	$1,301
7	$1,448
8	$1,593

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 is TAFDC in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, TAFDC benefits vary by household size, countable income, and housing type. For example, a family of three with no income may receive up to $861 per month, plus an extra $40 monthly “rent allowance ” if they live in private, unsubsidized housing.²

Household Size	Payment
1	$564
2	$713
3	$861
4	$1,003
5	$1,150
6	$1,301
7	$1,448
8	$1,593

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.

Additional benefits include annual clothing allowance of up to $500 per child under age 19. A one-time payment of $300 is also available for a child under 6 months old.

In Massachusetts, receipt of cash benefits is limited to 24 months only, with some exceptions for older adults, people with disabilities, and children under age 18.

How do I apply for TAFDC in Massachusetts?

To apply for TAFDC, contact the local DTA office in the county where you live or you may apply online through DTA Connect for faster processing.

Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance
DTA Assistance Line
(877) 382-2363

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

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in Massachusetts, 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 DTA Connect (DTA) at (877) 382-2363 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.

How long can I get TAFDC in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts has one of the shortest TANF time limits nationwide. You may only receive a total of 24 months of benefits within a 5-year period.

If you temporarily stop receiving TAFDC benefits and then resume, your eligibility period will continue from where it was paused.

Sources & notes

Data and figures on this page come from the sources and notes below:

If you’re pregnant, you can apply for TAFDC for yourself if your child is due in less than 4 months. ↩
The first state to raise benefits since the onset of COVID-19; its increase (of 10 percent) was the state’s first since 2000. ↩