Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) is a government-funded program designed to provide financial assistance to families with children in the state of Florida.
The program aims to help these families meet their basic needs and promote self-sufficiency by helping them find employment and other supportive services.
In this article, we will discuss the details of TCA in Florida, including eligibility requirements, and benefits provided.
We will also touch on some common misconceptions about the program and address frequently asked questions to provide a better understanding of how TCA operates in the state.
So let’s dive in and learn more about Florida Temporary Cash Assistance.
What is Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)?
Florida’s Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) program offers financial aid to families with children under the age of 18, or under age 19 if they are full-time secondary (high school) students.
The program aims to help families achieve self-sufficiency while allowing children to stay in their homes.
Pregnant women in their third trimester or in their 9th month may also be eligible for TCA. This assistance is temporary and intended to provide support until families can become self-sufficient.
Eligibility Criteria
- Time Limits: Adults can receive cash assistance for a maximum of 48 months in their lifetime. Child-only cases don’t have this time limit.
- Work Rules: Certain individuals must engage in work activities unless they qualify for an exemption. The Regional Workforce Boards offer work-related activities and services.
- Income and Deductions: Gross income should be less than 185% of the Federal Poverty level, and countable income shouldn’t exceed the payment standard for the family size. A $90 deduction is applied to gross earned income.
- Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens.
- Residency: Applicants must be Florida residents.
- Social Security Number (SSN): Applicants must provide an SSN or proof of application for one.
- Assets: A family’s countable assets shouldn’t exceed $2,000. Licensed vehicles, essential for work, shouldn’t surpass a combined value of $8,500.
- Relationship: Children should live in a home maintained by a parent or a blood relative.
- Child Support Cooperation: Parents or caretaker relatives must cooperate with child support enforcement.
- Immunization: Children under age 5 should have up-to-date immunizations.
- Learnfare: Children between ages 6 to 18 must attend school, and parents/caretakers should attend school conferences. For noncompliance, a portion of the payment may be withheld.
- Substance Abuse: Anyone who abuses drugs is disqualified from receiving cash assistance.
TCA – Relative Caregiver Program
This program offers monthly cash assistance to relatives who have custody of a child under age 18, are court-ordered dependent by a Florida court, and are placed in their home by the Department of Children and Families Child Welfare/Community Based Care.
The monthly cash assistance is higher than the standard TCA for one child but less than the foster care program amount. Payments vary based on the child’s age and any countable income.
Optional State Supplementation (OSS) Program
The OSS Program provides monthly cash payments to indigent elderly or disabled individuals living in specific non-institutional, residential living facilities.
To qualify, an individual must need assistance with daily living activities due to physical and/or mental conditions. The program supplements the individual’s income to pay the facility a provider rate set by the Department.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Maintenance of Effort (MOE) Resources
This section provides resources for agencies required to report state expenditures that count towards the TANF Maintenance of Effort requirement. It includes an overview of the TANF program, MOE resource material, the annual TANF report for 2021-2022, and instructions for completing the TANF MOE report.
Temporary Cash Assistance Benefit Chart
The Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) program in Florida has a structured benefit system. The amount a family receives is contingent on two main factors: the size of the family and their shelter expenses.
However, it’s essential to note that the actual benefit amount can vary depending on the household’s total countable income.
Temporary Cash Assistance Monthly Payment Maximums
| Shelter Obligation $50.01 and up | Shelter Obligation $0.01- $50.00 | Shelter Obligation $0 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Size | Payment Standard | Payment Standard | Payment Standard |
| 1 | $180 | $153 | $95 |
| 2 | $241 | $205 | $158 |
| 3 | $303 | $258 | $198 |
| 4 | $364 | $309 | $254 |
| 5 | $426 | $362 | $289 |
| 6 | $487 | $414 | $346 |
| 7 | $549 | $467 | $392 |
| 8 | $610 | $519 | $438 |
| Additional Person | +$62 | +$52 | +$48 |
Relative/Nonrelative Caregiver Program
Florida recognizes the challenges faced by caregivers, especially those who’ve taken in children deemed dependent by the state. The Relative/Nonrelative Caregiver Program is designed to offer financial assistance to such caregivers.
The amount they receive is based on the age of the child in their care. For instance, caregivers of children aged 0-5 receive $242, those with children aged 6-12 get $249, and those caring for teenagers between 13 and 17 receive $298 per child.
It’s worth noting that this program has specific eligibility criteria. For the Relative Caregiver segment, the caregiver must be related to the child up to the fifth degree. This includes half-siblings of the child who aren’t directly related.
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card
Beneficiaries of the TCA program receive their benefits electronically through the EBT card. These funds are typically available within the first three days of each month.
If beneficiaries encounter issues with their cards, such as not receiving them or needing replacements due to damage or loss, they can easily address these concerns through the Customer Call Center Hotline or their MYACCESS account.
However, a crucial point to remember is that if a beneficiary uses their TCA benefits outside Florida for over a month without any in-state usage, their benefits might be halted unless they plan to return.
Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP)
The Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP) is a specialized initiative for caregivers of children removed by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). This program offers a more substantial financial support than the standard TCA or caregiver programs.
To qualify, caregivers must be licensed foster parents, and the child should have been eligible for foster care payments for a minimum of six months. The GAP program is flexible, with payments tailored to the child’s needs. The baseline payment starts at $333 per child.
This program also provides additional financial assistance for the child’s health, dental, and educational expenses. Caregivers are eligible to receive these benefits until the child turns 18 or when DCF terminates their guardianship due to reunification with a parent or adoption.
Employment Services
Florida encourages self-sufficiency among TCA beneficiaries through its employment services programs. These initiatives provide essential skills training, education, and employment opportunities for beneficiaries.
Some of the programs under this category include job search assistance, vocational training, apprenticeships, work experience programs, and on-the-job training. Beneficiaries can access these services through their local Department of Children and Families office or by using the online portal MYACCESS Florida.
Conclusion
The Temporary Cash Assistance program in Florida provides vital support to families and caregivers in need.
Through its various initiatives, the state aims to promote self-sufficiency, help children thrive, and provide essential resources for vulnerable populations.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, make sure to check with your local Department of Children and Families office for more information on eligibility and how to apply. Remember, you are not alone, and help is available.
So reach out today and start your journey towards a brighter future. No one should have to struggle alone. Let Florida’s TCA program be the support system that helps you thrive.
Stay informed and stay empowered! The future is in your hands. Let us help guide it to success!
FAQs – People Also Ask
How long can you receive TCA in Florida?
In Florida, eligible families can receive TCA for a maximum of 48 cumulative months. However, there are specific exemptions to this time limit based on hardship situations.
Do you have to pay back TCA in Florida?
No, recipients of TCA in Florida do not have to pay back the assistance they receive. TCA is designed to provide temporary financial support to eligible families to help them get back on their feet. However, it’s essential to use the funds appropriately and report any changes in circumstances to ensure continued eligibility.
How is the TCA benefit amount determined?
The TCA benefit amount is determined based on the family’s size, shelter obligation, and countable income. Florida has a chart that provides maximum payment amounts based on these factors.
Can non-relatives apply for the Caregiver Program?
Yes, both relatives and non-relatives who meet specific “child-only” TCA eligibility requirements can apply for the Caregiver Program. They should have custody of a child adjudicated dependent by a Florida court and placed in their home by the Department of Children and Families.
What happens if a recipient doesn’t meet the work requirements?
If a TCA recipient fails to meet the work requirements without a valid reason, they may face sanctions, which could include a reduction or termination of their benefits.
Yo tengo 2 niños una de 2 años y otro de 8 no tengo trabajo acabo de llegar hase un mes y me denegaron el efectivo y la tarjeta de la comida no ha yegado tampoco