The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program in Florida, also known as Florida’s Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) program, is an important initiative for eligible low-income families with dependent children in need. Getting approved for TANF in the Sunshine State depends on several factors.
The primary factor that will be considered to allocate TANF benefits is your family’s income. To qualify, your income must fall below a certain threshold set by the state. The specific limit depends on your family size and circumstances. Generally, families with the lower incomes have better chances to get the OK to claim the cash. Also, the family size, some work requirements, as well as citizenship status, and proof of residence will be asked in the application interview.
How does the TANF benefits work in Florida
Other prerequisites for applying families are taken into account to deliver the benefits, such as the family assets. Florida may also consider your family’s assets when determining eligibility. If you have substantial savings or valuable assets, you might not qualify.
If you’re eligible for child support from a noncustodial parent, that will also be factored in. Any child support received will typically reduce the amount of TANF or TCA benefits you can get. Your work history might be considered. If you’ve recently lost a job or have a history of unstable employment, it could work in your favor.
Keep in mind that there are often time limits on how long you can receive TANF benefits. In Florida, the limit is typically 48 months, but there are exceptions for hardship cases.
TANF/TCA in Florida – The maximum amounts you could claim with the Relative Caregiver Program
This program offers monthly financial support to family members who meet specific criteria and are responsible for a child under the age of 18. These children have been legally declared as dependents by a Florida court and have been placed in the care of these relatives by the Department of Children and Families Child Welfare/Community Based Care (CW/CBC) contracted provider. The monthly financial assistance provided is higher than what’s given through Temporary Cash Assistance for a single child but less than the support provided for children in the foster care program.
When determining eligibility and payment amounts, only the income and assets of the child in question are considered. Payments are determined by the child’s age and any income they may have. Here are the monthly payment amounts for children without any countable income:
- Children aged 0 to 5 receive $242 per child.
- Children aged 6 to 12 receive $249 per child.
- Children aged 13 to 17 receive $298 per child.
If you’re looking forward to requesting this benefits, discover how to do it by visiting the official Florida Department of Children and Families website, here.