In Florida, Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) provides critical financial support to low-income families with children, helping them cover basic needs such as food, housing, transportation, and clothing. Administered through the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), TCA ensures that qualifying households receive monthly benefits to maintain a minimal standard of living while working toward self-sufficiency.
As May begins, many recipients are asking a key question: When will their TCA benefits arrive? Here’s what you need to know about the May TCA payment schedule, eligibility, how the funds are distributed, and what to do if there’s a delay.
What Is TCA, and Who Qualifies?
Temporary Cash Assistance in Florida is part of the broader federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. It provides cash aid to eligible families with children under the age of 18 (or under 19 if still in high school). Pregnant women in their third trimester may also qualify.
To receive TCA, applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Be a Florida resident
- Meet income and asset limits
- Comply with work requirements or participate in approved job training
- Cooperate with child support enforcement (if applicable)
The assistance is time-limited, with most families receiving aid for a maximum of 48 months over their lifetime.
How Much Do Recipients Get?
Benefit amounts vary based on family size, income, and housing costs. For example:
- A family of three may receive approximately $303 per month
- A single parent with one child might get around $241 per month
The benefit is not intended to cover all living expenses but to help meet the most basic needs while the family works toward financial independence.
When Will TCA Payments Be Sent in May?
In Florida, TCA benefits are typically issued based on the recipient’s case number, not on a fixed date for everyone. Here’s how the timing works:
TCA Deposit Dates for May 2025
- Benefits are issued on a staggered schedule between May 1 and May 28
- The last two digits of your case number determine the day your benefits are loaded onto your EBT card
For example:
- Case numbers ending in 00–09 might receive benefits on May 1
- Case numbers ending in 90–99 might see deposits around May 28
The full calendar is typically available on the Florida DCF website or through the ACCESS Florida portal.
Where Do Benefits Appear?
TCA payments are loaded onto the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which is the same card used for SNAP (food stamps). You can use the EBT card at ATMs, stores, and for certain online purchases, just like a debit card.
To check your balance or confirm your deposit:
- Call the EBT Customer Service number at 1-888-356-3281
- Use the EBT Edge app or website
- Log into your ACCESS Florida account
What If Your Payment Is Late or Missing?
If you haven’t received your TCA benefits by the expected date:
- Double-check your case number and assigned payment date
- Log into ACCESS Florida to verify your eligibility status
- Ensure your renewal paperwork or reporting requirements were completed on time
- Call DCF Customer Call Center at 1-850-300-4323 for assistance
Sometimes delays are caused by incomplete documentation, missed interviews, or technical issues. Resolving these early can help ensure your benefits are reinstated quickly.
How to Stay Eligible and Avoid Disruptions
To continue receiving TCA without interruption, recipients must:
- Report any changes in income, employment, or household size
- Complete work activity requirements, unless exempt
- Submit regular re-certification paperwork as required
- Cooperate with child support enforcement
Failure to meet these conditions could result in benefit reductions or termination.
Additional Resources for TCA Recipients
Along with financial aid, TCA recipients are often enrolled in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) or similar programs through CareerSource Florida. These programs offer:
- Job training and placement
- Resume and interview support
- Childcare subsidies
- Transportation assistance
These supportive services aim to help families become self-reliant and transition off assistance.
Conclusion
For Florida families relying on TCA to bridge the gap, knowing when the monthly benefits will arrive is crucial. With May underway, it’s important to check your case number, understand the payment schedule, and ensure your information is up to date in the ACCESS system. Whether you’re using the funds for rent, childcare, or other urgent needs, timely access to your benefits can make a major difference.
Florida’s TCA program is more than just a financial lifeline—it’s a stepping stone toward long-term stability and independence. By staying informed, meeting eligibility requirements, and utilizing available workforce programs, families can maximize the support they receive on their path to self-sufficiency.