The Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) program is designed to help families in need by providing cash benefits to support their basic needs. It specifically aids families with children under 18 or under 19 if they are full-time high school students.
The program ensures children can remain in their homes while encouraging families to achieve self-sufficiency. Here’s a detailed look at what TCA offers and how it works in Florida.
Table of Contents
Eligibility
To qualify for TCA, applicants must meet specific technical, income, and asset requirements. They must also:
- Be residents of Florida.
- Have a Social Security number or provide proof of applying for one.
Special Provisions
- Pregnant women: TCA is available for women in the third trimester of pregnancy if they cannot work or during the ninth month of pregnancy.
- Household applications: Parents, children, and younger siblings living together are required to apply as a single unit.
Time Limit
TCA benefits have a lifetime limit of 48 months for adults. However, there’s a significant exception:
- Child-only cases: These cases have no time limit, addressing the unique needs of children in situations where adult caregivers are not the direct recipients.
Work Participation
Most adult beneficiaries are required to participate in work-related activities unless they qualify for an exemption. Regional workforce boards facilitate these services, helping recipients gain or maintain employment.
Payment Schedule
TCA payments are distributed through Florida’s Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system. Payments are staggered from the 1st to the 28th of the month based on the case number assigned by the state.
| Case Number | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 00-03 | January 1 |
| 04-06 | January 2 |
| 07-10 | January 3 |
| 11-13 | January 4 |
| 14-17 | January 5 |
| 18-20 | January 6 |
| 21-24 | January 7 |
| 25-27 | January 8 |
| 28-31 | January 9 |
| 32-34 | January 10 |
| 35-38 | January 11 |
| 39-41 | January 12 |
| 42-45 | January 13 |
| 46-48 | January 14 |
| 49-53 | January 15 |
| 54-57 | January 16 |
| 58-60 | January 17 |
| 61-64 | January 18 |
| 65-67 | January 19 |
| 68-71 | January 20 |
| 72-74 | January 21 |
| 75-78 | January 22 |
| 79-81 | January 23 |
| 82-85 | January 24 |
| 86-88 | January 25 |
| 89-92 | January 26 |
| 93-95 | January 27 |
| 96-99 | January 28 |
Why It Matters
TCA ensures families have a steady flow of financial support, allowing them to budget for necessities like housing, food, and childcare. Its flexibility and focus on children’s well-being make it an essential program for Florida families in need.
FAQs
What is Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)?
TCA provides financial help to low-income families with children.
Who is eligible for TCA?
Florida residents meeting income and asset limits are eligible.
Are there time limits for TCA?
Yes, adults have a 48-month lifetime limit; child-only cases do not.
When will I receive my TCA payment in January 2025?
Payments are based on your case number, from the 1st to the 28th.
Do I need to work to get TCA?
Most adults must participate in work activities unless exempt.
