Florida Welfare Guidelines

Only 79,243 Floridians received TANF in 2008.

In 1996, Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) became Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF. Along with the name change, new limits and guidelines were put into place. TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government, and individual states administer it in their areas. Florida's TANF is part of ACCESS, a group of public assistance programs that help low-income families with food, cash and medical treatment.

Application

If you think you may be eligible for TANF, apply through the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). You can do this online at DCF's website or in person through a DCF partner site, which includes churches, libraries, crisis centers, markets and even medical centers. A list of all partner sites is available through the Florida ACCESS website. The ACCESS site also offers a prescreening tool to determine eligibility.

Work Requirements

Adult TANF participants must meet work requirements to receive benefits. The number of hours a parent must work depends on the ages of his children and whether he is a single parent or part of a two-parent household. Single parents with children under the age of six or two-parent households where at least one parent is disabled must work at least 20 hours per week. Teenage parents who are married or head of household must attend school or job training a minimum of 20 hours weekly. Two-parent families must work at least 35 hours per week between the two of them, and 55 hours if they also receive child care subsidies.

Time Limit

TANF is not designed to be a long-term solution to financial difficulties. Federal law dictates that participants cannot receive benefits for more than a total of 60 months during the course of a lifetime. Florida law further stipulates that you cannot draw TANF benefits for more than 48 cumulative months. Exceptions are made for hardships, such as caring for a disabled family member and for individuals who receive Social Security.

Income Level

To participate in Florida TANF, you must be considered needy by the state. You cannot have more than $2,000 is assets, such as money in the bank, real estate or vehicles. You must also make less than a certain amount per month. This calculation is made based on how much money you make compared to the federal poverty level. Most families cannot have a gross income of more than 185 percent of the federal poverty level, or 100 percent of the federal poverty level after standard deductions and deductions for child care, housing or medical expenses.

References

• Florida Department of Children and Families: ACCESS Florida Food, Medical Assistance and Cash
• Florida Department of Children and Families: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Maintenance of Effort (MOE) Resources
• Urban Institute: Welfare Rules Databook: State TANF Policies as of July 2009

Resources

• National Center for Children in Poverty: Florida Temporary Assistance for Needy Families