Florida's Welfare Transition Program—similar to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program in other states—aims to support low-income families with children towards achieving self-sufficiency. This program underscores work, personal responsibility, and self-reliance.

The Florida Welfare Transition Program’s goal is to help families in transition from welfare to self-sufficiency and stability. Its objectives focus on providing support so that children can be nurtured within their own families. The program also emphasizes reducing dependency on governmental aid by promoting job preparation, employment, and marriage.

Florida’s Welfare Transition Program also works to prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and to encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families. These goals are central to the program's mission of fostering a strong foundation for families to become economically independent and stable.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the program, applicants must:

• Be residents of Florida, U.S. citizens, legal aliens, or qualified aliens.
• Be unemployed or underemployed with low or very low income.
• Either have a child under 18 years of age, be pregnant, or be a young head of household (18 years or younger).
• Have a gross family income equal to or less than 185% of the federal poverty level.

Maintaining Eligibility

To maintain eligibility for the Welfare Transition Program, participants must:

• Continue to meet the initial eligibility criteria, including residency, income, and family status.
• Engage in assigned work activities as required by the program. This may include job training, job search assistance, or other employment-related activities.
• Report any significant changes in circumstances, such as changes in income, employment status, or family composition.

One-Time Assistance

In Florida's Welfare Transition Program, there is a special provision for a one-time Cash Assistance Severance Benefit. This benefit is designed as an alternative to ongoing Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) for recipients who meet specific criteria. Eligible TCA recipients can opt for a lump-sum payment of $1,000 instead of continuing to receive regular TCA payments.

TANF Application Instructions

Those interested in applying for the Welfare Transition Program can do so by filing an application online at MyFLFamilies.com. Alternatively, applications can be made in person at local Department of Children and Families offices.

The Florida Welfare Transition Program stands as a vital pathway for low-income families seeking to overcome financial challenges and achieve economic independence. For more information, individuals are encouraged to visit the official websites of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the Department of Children and Families.

Florida TANF Office

Department of Children and Families
2415 North Monroe Street
Suite 400
Tallahassee, FL 32303-4190
(850) 487-1111