The Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) program provides essential financial support to pregnant women and families with children in Florida, helping them achieve self reliance while keeping their children in their homes.
Eligible applicants including those in their ninth month of pregnancy, can receive cash assistance based on specific requirements such as income limits, asset restrictions, and cooperation with child support enforcement.
If you’re looking for more information on government assistance programs, check out our guide on SNAP Benefits Are Increasing From 1 Jan 2025 in All States and Territories. This article dives deeper into the changes in food assistance that could benefit your family alongside TCA.
Table of Contents
Who Can Apply for TCA?
To qualify you must
- Live in Florida.
- Have a Social Security Number
- Meet income and asset limits
- Have children under the age of 18 or under 19 if enrolled full time in high school.
Pregnant women may also qualify in these cases
- They are in their ninth month of pregnancy.
- They are in their third trimester and unable to work.
Families applying for TCA must include parents, children, and younger siblings living together in the application.
Key rules for TCA eligibility
- Time Limits– Adults can receive cash assistance for a total of 48 months in their lifetime. child only cases are not subject to this limit.
- Work Requirements: Some applicants must participate in work related activities. Local workforce boards provide services to help with finding or keeping a job.
- Income Limits: The family’s income must not exceed the payment standard for the family size. Gross income cannot exceed 185% of the federal poverty level. A $90 deduction is allowed from gross earned income.
- Assets: Families can have up to $2,000 in countable assets. Licensed vehicles needed for work or medical reasons must be worth less than $8,500.
- Citizenship: Applicants must be US citizens or eligible non citizens.
- Child Support Cooperation: Parents must cooperate with child support enforcement to establish legal relationships and secure support payments.
- Vaccinations and Education: Children under five must be vaccinated. School aged children (6–18 years old) must attend school and parents need to attend school conferences.
How payments are made
TCA benefits are paid through the EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) program. Payments are made between the 1st and 28th of each month
Payments are made according to the case number assigned by the state.
detailed in the schedule below-
Case Number Ends With | Payment Date |
00–03 | 1st of the month |
04–06 | 2nd of the month |
07–10 | 3rd of the month |
11–13 | 4th of the month |
14–17 | 5th of the month |
18–20 | 6th of the month |
21–24 | 7th of the month |
25–27 | 8th of the month |
28–31 | 9th of the month |
32–34 | 10th of the month |
35–38 | 11th of the month |
39–41 | 12th of the month |
42–45 | 13th of the month |
46–48 | 14th of the month |
49–53 | 15th of the month |
54–57 | 16th of the month |
58–60 | 17th of the month |
61–64 | 18th of the month |
65–67 | 19th of the month |
68–71 | 20th of the month |
72–74 | 21st of the month |
75–78 | 22nd of the month |
79–81 | 23rd of the month |
82–85 | 24th of the month |
86–88 | 25th of the month |
89–92 | 26th of the month |
93–95 | 27th of the month |
96–99 | 28th of the month |
For additional support options, you might want to explore Social Security $5,108 Monthly Checks in 2025: What You Need to Know. It highlights how Social Security benefits can supplement the financial help offered by programs like TCA
FAQs
1. How long can I receive TCA benefits?
You can receive benefits for up to 48 months in your lifetime, unless it’s a child only case, which has no time limit.
2. Do I need to work to get TCA?
Most adults must participate in work related activities unless they qualify for an exemption.
3. Can pregnant women get TCA?
Yes, pregnant women can qualify if they are in their ninth month or third trimester and unable to work.
4. What happens if my child is not vaccinated?
Children under five must be vaccinated to qualify for TCA benefits.
5. What if I don’t have a Social Security Number yet?
You can still apply as long as you provide proof that you have applied for a social security number.
Conclusion
The Temporary Cash Assistance program is here to support pregnant women and families in Florida during tough times. By following the rules and meeting the requirements, eligible families can receive the help they need while working towards a more stable future. If you think you qualify, consider applying today to get the support your family deserves.