Cash Assistance Programs in Florida

Financial freedom is difficult to attain nowadays. Often, people struggle when it comes to the financial aspects of their life, and it can be become a constant source of stress.

With the COVID pandemic, prices have been hiked in stores, at gas stations almost everywhere you go. We' re lucky that there are numerous Government cash assistance programs to help us out. If you live in Florida and may need some financial help, you should know that cash assistance programs in Florida exist. If you want to know more, here are some crucial things you need to know about these programs.

Financial Aid Programs in Florida

First, let us identify the financial aid programs available in Florida:

Temporary Cash Assistance also known as TCA

Many programs in Florida seek to help people with their financial burdens. TCA provides financial grants to those with a low income. This grant focuses on families with children under the age of 19 years old. If a beneficiary decides to terminate their TCA benefits, they could receive a cash severance benefit of about $1000. However, they must be employed and expected to maintain this employment for 6 months. Additionally, the individual will sign an agreement stating that they will not apply again for TCA in the next six months.

Eligibility Requirements

• Work: Most of the people applying for TCA must work or register with Regional Workforce Boards. The exceptions to this rule are pregnant people who receive benefits under the Social Security Disability. They fall under the category of work ineligibility
• Income: Applicants should not have a gross income of more than 185% of the federal poverty level
• Citizenship: Applicants must be US citizens.
• Resources: Family applicants should not have resources below or equal to $2000. Applicants with vehicles should not have a vehicle worth more than $8500
• Social Security Number: Applicants must have a social security number. For underage children, they must show proof that they applied for a social security number
• Relationship: A child applying for TCA must be living in their parent's household or any blood relative
• Child Support: Parent applicants should cooperate with child support in all affairs
• School: Applicants within the age range of 6 to 18 should be attending school. Parents with children who wish to apply for the TCA should show that their children are attending school

How do I apply?

You can apply online or in person by contacting the social security service. If you want to apply online, visit the Department of Children and Families Access Florida. To see if you are eligible for the program, you can go through their pre-screening online.

If you wish to apply in person, you can simply go to the social security service or contact 1-866-762-2237 to request a snail mail application. When you get the form, following the process will be easy.

How long does it take?

Once your application is received, it usually takes about 5 days for them to contact you about your eligibility and details on the interview.

Do I have to repay the money back?

No. Only those who have breached the agreement of abstaining from applying within 6 months will have to pay the entire severance payment. This can be through eight months of deduction to their TCA payment

Supplemental Security Income

This income is available for those in need, such as those with disabilities, the elderly, and those with limited income. It provides monthly cash assistance to provide necessities such as food, shelter, and clothing. What an eligible individual gets depends on their living arrangement and countable income. It varies from person to person.

Eligibility Requirements

Health Conditions: Those with disabilities are eligible Low Financial Income: Applicants with income and resources below specific financial limits. Those whose income only comes from pensions, wages, etc. Citizenship: Applicants should be U.S. citizens, nationals of the US, and only selected noncitizens will be eligible Location: Applicants should reside in one of the 50 states. There is an exception for children of military parents that are assigned to permanent duty out of the US

How do I apply?

You can apply in two ways: via phone or online. You can contact 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment and file your application. If you have auditory impairment conditions, you can call 1-800-325-0778. If you want to apply online, you can start a disability claim through this link. If you're under 18, this link is your alternative.

How long does it take?

Usually, after submitting your application, it takes about 3-5 months to receive a decision. One factor contributing to its longevity is how long it takes to get your medical records or other requirements.

Do I have to pay the money back?

No. There is no need for qualified individuals to repay the money as it is their means to live day by day.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or TANF

TANF is a financial assistance program by the government that offers assistance for families with children over 19 years and who are attending college. It is designed to help financially struggling families meet their everyday living expenses. The purpose of TANF is to assist families so children can have a sustainable living, reduce the dependency of parents through helping with work, job preparation and marriage, prevent and decrease out-of-wedlock pregnancies, and to encourage the preservation of two-parent families.

Eligibility Requirements

• Residency: Applicants should be a resident of Florida
• Citizenship: Applicants should be US citizens or legal aliens
• Income: Applicants must either be unemployed, underemployed or have a meager income
• Family: Applicants should have a child not older than 18 years old. An individual who is 18 years old and younger but is the head of the household is also eligible for this program
• Pregnancy: You may also apply for this if you are pregnant

How do I apply?

You can apply online in Florida's online application portal. You can also find a service center near you on the Office Locator Map. You can also call (850) 300-4323 to inquire.

How long does it take?

Approval for the assistance can take up to about 30 days. Once you get approved, food stamps and TANF cash benefits will be processed within 30 days. For pregnancy medical, it usually takes 15 days to process. In cases where specific information is needed from doctors, this can take about 45 days. Do I have to pay the money back? No. You only pay the money back when there is an overpayment in the assistance. If you are a beneficiary currently receiving benefits, a portion of what you get will be retained to repay the TANF overpayment.

Cash Assistance Programs for Immigrants or CAPI

The Cash Assistance Programs for Immigrants help non-US citizens elderlies and disabled individuals. These people may be not eligible for Supplemental Security Income/State Supplemental Payment (SSI/SSP) because of their immigration status. The financial assistance can be used for everyday expenses such as food, rental, etc.

Eligibility Requirements

• Residency: Applicants must be Florida residents
• Age: Applicants should be in the age range of 65 or above. They should also be blind or disabled
• Immigration Status: Applicants should be able to meet the immigration status for SSIP/SSP
• Ineligibility for SSIP/SSP: Applicants should be ineligible for SSI/SSP due to their immigration status. They must apply for SSI/SSP and submit evidence of their ineligibility from the SSA or Social Security Administration
• Resources: Applicants should not have resources over $2000 for an individual. For a couple, their resources should not exceed $3000
• Income: Applicants should have an income less than the CAPI payment standard

How do I apply?

There are 3 ways to apply. First, you can apply through mail or fax. You can print and access the application here. Once done, you can fax it to 213-368-7959. Another way is by phone. Contact 866-613-3777 and speak to a representative to help you throughout your application. Lastly, you can apply in person at any DPSS District Office.

How long does it take?

The applications will be reviewed and processed for 30 days starting from the date the Social Services Agency stamped the SOC 814. You may wait up to 30 days before receiving news about approval.

Do I have to pay the money back?

No. There is no need to pay the money back; it is given to sustain the everyday living of those eligible.