When Ricketts lost her job unexpectedly, she struggled to provide for her two young children in Florida. The letters and bills kept coming, but getting enough food for her kids every day became hard.
A friend told Ricketts about a program in Florida called Temporary Cash Assistance, which can help families with children when they’re going through a tough time. Even though Ricketts was a little worried, she filled out an application online for this help.
Luckily, they approved her request, which was a big weight off her shoulders.
This is Ricketts’s story, but many people who need help can’t get it through Florida TANF. Here’s how to find out if you qualify for Florida TANF.
What is Florida Temporary Assistance for Needy Families?
The Florida Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, also called TANF, helps families in tough times get back on their feet. The government gives money to states so they can run programs that help families reach these goals.
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, or TANF for short, started in 1996. It replaced an older program called Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). TANF aims to help families in need get back on their feet, and each state runs their own TANF program under a different name.
Who is Eligible for Florida temporary assistance to needy families Program in 2024
To be eligible for Florida TANF, you must meet several criteria:
- Residency: You must be a resident of Florida.
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen, legal alien, or qualified alien.
- Employment Status: You must be unemployed or underemployed and have low or very low income.
Additionally, you must meet one of the following conditions:
- Have a child 18 years of age or younger, or
- Be pregnant, or
- Be 18 years of age or younger and the head of your household.
You can also check: Florida Food Stamps Eligibility
Who Qualifies for Florida Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Time Limits: There’s a limit on how long you can get cash help as an adult – 48 months total. This doesn’t apply if you only have children on the application.
Work Stuff: Most grown-ups gotta participate in job training or search activities. There are exceptions, though. Local Workforce Boards can help you find a job.
Money: Your family’s income can’t be too high. There’s a specific limit based on family size, and you get a small deduction for your earnings.
Citizenship: You gotta be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident.
Living in Florida: This program is for folks living in the Sunshine State.
Social Security Number: You’ll need this or proof you’re applying for one.
Things You Own: The total value of most of your belongings can’t be more than $2,000. Cars you need for work can’t be worth more than $8,500 together.
Family: The child must live with a parent or close blood relative.
Resources: Florida Department of Children and Families
Florida Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA):
Need Help?
Call the General Information Line: (850) 300-4323
Department of Children and Families
Department of Children and Families: Address: 2415 North Monroe Street, Suite 400, Tallahassee, FL 32303-4190