Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Topics on this page
- What is temporary cash assistance?
- Eligibility
- Income and Benefit Amounts
- How Benefits Are Paid
- How to Apply
- Appeals
What is Temporary Cash Assistance?
Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) provides financial assistance to low-income families with children to help them meet basic needs while they work toward self-sufficiency. The program is administered by the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) through local Department of Social Services (DSS) offices. Eligible recipients receive monthly cash benefits and may also qualify for additional support services, such as job training, childcare assistance, and transportation assistance, to help them achieve financial independence. TCA benefits are generally limited to 60 months (5 years) over a lifetime, with some hardship exemptions available.
Read the Law: Maryland Code, Human Services § 5-308, § 5-312, § 5-313, § 5-314.
Eligibility
To qualify for TCA, applicants must meet both general eligibility criteria and specific Family Investment Program (FIP) eligibility requirements.
Key eligibility criteria include:
- Residency and Citizenship:
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens.
- Applicants must be residents of Maryland.
- Read the Law: Maryland Code, Human Services § 5-308.
- Read the Regulations: Code of Maryland Regulations 07.03.03.07
- Income and Asset Limits:
- Household income must be below the state-established threshold. The exact limit varies depending on family size and composition. The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) updates income eligibility levels annually based on federal poverty guidelines.
- A household’s assets are not considered when determining eligibility for TCA.
- Some forms of income, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and certain child support payments, may be excluded or partially counted in determining eligibility.
- Read the Regulations: Code of Maryland Regulations 07.03.03.11, 07.03.03.13
- Household Composition:
- Assistance is available to families with dependent children under 18 (or under 19 if a full-time student).
- Pregnant women may qualify under certain conditions.
- Read the Law: Maryland Code, Human Services § 5-308.
- Read the Regulations: Code of Maryland Regulations 07.03.03.06
- Work Requirements:
- Unless exempt, adults must participate in work activities, including job searches, employment, training, or education programs.
- Applicants must sign a Family Investment Agreement, outlining their plan for self-sufficiency.
- Read the Regulations: Code of Maryland Regulations 07.03.03.07-1
- Read the Law: Maryland Code, Human Services § 5-308.
- Child Support Cooperation:
- Applicants must cooperate with child support enforcement efforts unless they qualify for an exemption.
- Read the Regulations: Code of Maryland Regulations 07.03.03.10
- Read the Law: Maryland Code, Human Services § 5-309.
- Substance Abuse Screening:
- If there is a history of substance abuse, applicants may be required to undergo screening and treatment.
- Read the Regulations: Code of Maryland Regulations 07.03.03.09
- Read the Law: Maryland Code, Human Services § 5-314.
Individuals who fail to meet FIP requirements—such as work participation, child support cooperation, or other program conditions—may face sanctions, including reduced or terminated benefits.
Income and Benefit Amounts
The monthly benefit amount for TCA recipients depends on household size, income, and other factors. TCA benefit payment amounts are calculated by deducting the countable net income of the household (referred to as the “assistance unit”) from the allowable payment amount for household size. An applicant is not eligible for TCA if the household’s total net income is more than the allowable payment amount.
The rules for TCA income calculations are complicated and the only way to be positive whether you are eligible is by filing an application. Countable income can include the income of nonmembers of the household, such as stepparents or illegal or undocumented immigrants. Countable income can also include unearned income such as child support, worker’s compensation, and unemployment insurance benefits, among others. Benefit levels are adjusted based on income deductions, work participation, and other financial resources available to the household. Some families may qualify for additional support services, such as transportation assistance and childcare subsidies, to help facilitate employment and self-sufficiency.
NOTE: DHS will only issue a benefit if the household is determined to be eligible for $10 or more.
How Are Benefits Paid?
TCA benefits are paid through the DHS electronic benefit transfer system (EBT) or by check. Generally, eligible applicants are issued a debit card that can be used to withdraw money from automatic teller machines (ATM) or buy things at participating stores. Recipients can also request direct deposit of their benefits to a checking or savings account. Recipients who are unable to provide checking or savings account information will be issued a paper check.
TCA recipients may not access their TCA benefits through their EBT cards or use their EBT cards at an automated teller machine (ATM) or point of sale (POS) machine in any establishment whose primary purpose is:
- Gambling, including, but not limited to, a casino, a business containing slot machines, race tracks, or off-track betting businesses;
- Adult entertainment in which individuals disrobe for an audience, including, but not limited to, strip clubs, adult clubs, or online pornography; or
- The sale of liquor, wine, and beer, including, but not limited to, liquor stores, bars, or package good stores.
Recipients who violate this requirement can have their benefits temporarily or permanently revoked.
Read the Regulations: Code of Md. Regulations 07.03.03.16
How to Apply
Applying for TCA in Maryland is a straightforward process. Individuals can apply through one of the following methods:
- Online: Applications can be submitted through the Maryland MyDHR portal.
- In Person: Applicants can visit their local Department of Social Services (DSS) office to complete a paper application and submit required documents.
- By Mail: Some DSS offices accept mailed applications. Applicants should contact their local office to confirm mailing procedures.
During the application process, individuals must provide documentation such as proof of income, identification, residency, household composition, and employment status. Once an application is submitted, an interview with a caseworker will be scheduled to verify eligibility.
Appeals
If an applicant is denied TCA benefits or disagrees with a decision made by DHS regarding benefits, they have the right to file an appeal. You can appeal any decision or action taken by DHS that you disagree with. Here are some examples:
- application denial,
- benefit termination or reduction,
- DHS has not decided on an application within 30 days,
- referral to a work program that you disagree with,
- overpayment,
- you receive a sanction but had an excuse or good cause.
The appeals process follows the procedures that govern fair hearings and the right to challenge administrative decisions. The applicant must submit a written request for a hearing within 90 days of receiving the denial or adverse decision notice. The Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) will schedule a hearing where the applicant can present evidence, call witnesses, and explain why they believe the decision was incorrect. After the hearing, an administrative law judge will issue a decision. If the applicant disagrees with the ruling, they may have further appeal rights through the Maryland Circuit Court.
A recipient of unemployment benefits can request an agency conference to obtain an explanation of the reasons for an agency decision and to present information to show why they feel the decision was incorrect.
Read the Regulations: Code of Maryland Regulations 07.01.04, 07.03.03.23
NOTE: If an applicant requests a hearing within 10 days of the adverse action notice, they may continue to receive benefits until a decision is made.
Read the Regulations: Code of Maryland Regulations 07.01.04.05