Florida Benefits


Food Assistance Program and SUNCAP

Low-income people can buy food with the help of Florida Food Assistance Program. People unable to buy healthy food can use this program to purchase food necessary for good health. Typically, food assistance program helps families living and cooking meals together. Once a household has qualified for Food Assistance Program, it will receive food assistance based on number of people living in the household and the amount of money household has after subtracting certain expenses.


Food Stamps

There are two programs in Florida for providing food assistance. The primary program is Florida Food Assistance Program, which is part of the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) federal program. The other food assistance program is called SUNCAP which provides food assistance for those who are already receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from Social Security.


KidCare Health Insurance

Florida KidCare is a health insurance plan created for children and young adults under the age of 19. It covers wide range of medical services, specifically created for different age groups.


LIHEAP

Florida LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps low-income households in Florida pay their heating and cooling costs. The program provides home energy costs, crisis assistance, as well as help when a household is running out fuel but can't afford it anymore.


Medicaid

Low-income Families living in Florida can get free medical coverage for basic medical cover through Medicaid program. The insurance program doesn't only cover U.S citizens but also provides medical cover for aliens.


SSDI

In Florida, residents can receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if they meet specific eligibility criteria. These benefits are available for those who are unable to work due to a qualifying disability.


TANF

Florida's Welfare Transition Program emphasizes job training and employment. Eligible families receive cash assistance, but adults must work or participate in work-related activities. Health benefits through Medicaid and assistance with child care costs are also provided for qualifying families.


TEFAP

Florida's TEFAP, supported by the USDA, offers food such as canned fruits, lean meats, and dairy products. This emergency aid is distributed through local organizations, including food pantries, helping residents in need across Florida.


Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA & TANF)

Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) program helps low-income families with cash assistance. The program focuses on families with children under 18 or 19, in case of high school students, so that these children can stay at home while their families have enough cash to support them. Pregnant women unable to work will also be able to apply for TCA in their 3rd trimester. In order to apply for TCA, all members of the household will have to apply together.


Unemployment

Reemployment Assistance is a part of Florida Unemployment Compensation Services Program which provides temporary financial help to workers who lost their job through no fault on their own and which are eligible for this type of financial assistance.


Veterans Disability

In Florida, Veterans Disability Benefits are offered to veterans who incurred injuries or developed a medical condition during their active military service. This financial compensation is a sign of gratitude for their sacrifice and service. Alongside disability benefits, Florida veterans can take advantage of VA healthcare, VetSuccess on Campus, VA Burial Benefits, and much more.


WAP

Florida Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides aid to low-income families for energy saving repairs. The program aims to reduce cost of energy for qualified households by reducing consumption of fuel.


WIC

Florida WIC is a special food program meant for low income Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) living in the Sunshine State of Florida. The program is fully funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. In the state of Florida, WIC is administered by the Department of Health through the County Health Department. It is a short-term program and therefore participants graduate at the end of one or more certification periods. A certification period is the length of time a WIC participant is eligible to receive benefits.