Florida Law Help

Cash Assistance Benefits

Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), also known as TANF, provides financial support to low-income families in Florida to help cover essential needs like food, rent, and clothing. Eligibility is based on income, household size, and work requirements. This program offers temporary relief to families as they work toward financial stability. This guide will cover what you need to know about how to qualify and apply for TCA benefits.

Temporary Cash Assistance

Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), also called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), gives low-income families money for basic needs like food, rent, and clothes.  

Eligibility

To qualify, you must:

  • Live in Florida,
  • Be U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens,
  • Have a Social Security Number,
  • Have income below 185% the Federal Poverty Level,
  • Have less than $2,000 in assets,  
  • Have a child living with you, and  

  • Cooperate with Child Support Enforcement.

     

Other Requirements

  • Children under 5 must have their required shots,
  • Children aged 6 -18 must go to school.
  • Adults only get help for 48 months total, and

  • Adults must work or be enrolled in job training (unless they meet an exemption).  

     

TCA for Relative Caregivers

Relatives who take care of a child under 18 placed in their home by a Florida court can get TCA if the child:

  • Lives in Florida,
  • Is a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen,
  • Has a Social Security Number,
  • Have income less than the standard TCA payment for their age group, and

  • Have less than $2,000 in assets.

     

 

 

Caregivers must also:

  • Have a specific relationship with the child’s parent,
  • Cooperate with Child Support Enforcement,
  • Make sure children under 5 have their required shots, and
  • Make sure children aged 6 -18 go to school. 

How to Apply

You can apply online on the Access Florida website.  

 

How to Appeal a Denial, Reduction, or Termination of Your TCA

If your TCA benefits are denied, reduced, or stopped you will get a notice explaining why and how to ask for a hearing. You have 90 days to ask for a hearing if you believe the decision is incorrect. If you were getting benefits before you received the notice, appeal within 10 days to continue receiving benefits while you wait for the hearing.  

Request a hearing online or by mail to: Appeals Hearings Section, 2415 North Monroe Street, Suite 400, Tallahassee, FL 32303-4190. DCF lets you request a hearing by phone but it is best to appeal in writing so you can keep a copy as proof that you sent the request.  

Once your hearing request is processed, you will receive a letter with the date, time, and location of your hearing.  

 

Additional Resources