Families with children under 18 (or under 19 if they are full-time high school students) who fulfill stringent technical, income, and asset requirements can get crucial financial assistance under Florida’s Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Program.
Designed to promote self-sufficiency while ensuring the stability of children in their own homes, the TCA Program aims to uplift families during challenging times.
The Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Program
Additionally, Florida offers assistance programs tailored to relative caregivers and elderly or disabled individuals living in specific non-institutional settings.
To qualify for Florida’s TCA Program, applicants must meet several key requirements:
- Age and Relationship: Families must include children under 18 (or under 19 if they are full-time high school students) living with a parent or a blood relative.
- Citizenship: Applicants must be US citizens or qualified non-citizens.
- Residency: Eligibility is restricted to Florida residents.
- Social Security Number (SSN): Applicants must provide a valid SSN or proof of application.
- Income and Deductions: Gross income should not exceed 185% of the Federal Poverty level, with a $90 deduction from gross earned income.
- Assets: Countable family assets must not exceed $2,000, with essential work-related vehicles not exceeding a total value of $8,500.
Parents are required to assist with the collection of child support.
With the exception of child-only instances, which have no duration limit, adults can receive cash support through the TCA Program for up to 48 months.
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Florida’s Support Programs: TCA Work, Relative Caregivers, and OSS
Certain individuals may be required to participate in work activities unless they qualify for an exemption.
Regional Workforce Boards offer essential work-related services to help participants prepare for employment opportunities.
The TCA – Relative Caregiver Program extends monthly cash assistance to eligible relatives who have custody of a child under 18 and have been court-ordered as dependents by a Florida court.
These relatives must be placed in their homes by the Department of Children and Families Child Welfare/Community Based Care (CW/CBC) contracted provider.
The amount of assistance provided varies based on the child’s age and any income considerations.
For aged or disabled people staying in particularly non-institutional housing facilities, Florida’s OSS Program provides monthly cash benefits.
Qualifying individuals who need assistance with daily activities due to physical and/or mental conditions may be eligible for support under this program.
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