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Chapter: 2000 Coverage Groups Program: TCA 6 $242 for children age zero through five $249 for children age six through 12 $298 for children age 13 to 18 2020.0402 Eligibility Requirements for Relative Caregiver Program (TCA) In order for the child to be eligible for a relative caregiver payment, the child must:

1. reside in the State of Florida; 2. be under 18 years old and adjudicated dependent by the court and either be placed in the relative's legal custody by a Florida court, or placed in the relative's home by Florida court under protective supervision by the Department; 3. live in an approved home based on a home study completed by a representative of the Family Safety Program; 4. meet specified technical and financial requirements; 5. not be included in a TCA benefit; 6. reside with a relative who is within the fifth degree of relationship by blood or marriage to the parent or stepparent of the child for whom assistance is being requested;

Exception: Children unrelated to their caregiver who are in the same placement with their half-sibling, who is related to the caregiver are eligible for the relative caregiver payment if the:

1. non-related half-sibling meets all eligibility factors for the Relative Caregiver Program. 2. related half-sibling in the home is under age 18 and continues to meet the placement criteria for the Relative Caregiver Program. It is not necessary for the related half- sibling to meet the technical or financial requirements of the TCA Program or to actually receive a Relative Caregiver payment in order for the non-related half-sibling to qualify for a Relative Caregiver payment.

7. not reside in the same home with their parent(s). If the parent is in the home 30 consecutive days or longer the relative caregiver payment must be terminated.

Exception: A relative may receive a Relative Caregiver payment for both the teen parent and their minor child when both have been adjudicated dependent by a court and placed in the home of a relative.

A child placed with relatives in Florida by an out-of-state court is not eligible for a relative caregiver payment.