Page 16

July 1, 2026 | 16

3. Learnfare (section 414.1251, F.S.): Florida reduces TCA benefits when a participant’s dependent school-age child(ren) becomes habitually truant or a school dropout, or if the parent or caretaker relative whose needs are included in the TCA assistance group fails to attend a school conference each semester without good cause. 4. Family Cap (section 414.115, F.S.): Florida limits assistance to recipients who give birth to a child either while receiving assistance or if the family's case was closed for more than six continuous months when the family reapplies for assistance. Families receive only 50 percent of the maximum incremental increase for the first child born more than ten months after the initial date of application and no additional benefits for additional children. 5. Immunizations (section 414.13, F.S.): Applicants and participants with a child between the ages of zero to five must begin and complete childhood immunizations. DCF advises them of the availability of childhood immunizations through the county health department. Failure to meet the immunization requirement results in the removal of the child from the benefit until the family meets immunization requirements, unless the failure to immunize is due to religious reasons or other good cause. 6. Child Support Enforcement (section 414.095(6) and (14)(d), F.S): The parent or caretaker relative or teen parent must cooperate with child support enforcement (CSE) in establishing paternity, modifying or enforcing a support order unless CSE determines good cause. The entire family would lose Temporary Cash Assistance until it satisfies the requirement of cooperation. 7. Felony Drug Conviction (section 414.095(1), F.S.): Florida does not deny eligibility for Temporary Cash Assistance to individuals convicted of a drug felony unless the conviction is for trafficking including agreeing, conspiring, or confederating with another person to commit felony drug trafficking if the illegal behavior or offense that led to the conviction occurred on or after Aug. 22, 1996. To be eligible under this provision, the individual must meet the requirements of the TCA program, including any substance abuse testing or treatment requirements.

2.7 TEEN PARENT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS (SECTION 414.095(2)(A) 4 AND (14)(B), F.S.)

TCA, at the no shelter expense level, is available for a teen parent who is less than 19 years old and their child(ren). The following requirements apply to teen parent eligibility: 1. An alternative payee must receive the assistance on behalf of the teen parent and child(ren). The alternative payee may use the TCA only for paying for food, shelter, medical care, and other necessities required by the teen, so the teen parent may attend school or a training program. 2. The teen parent must: Attend school or an approved alternative training program, unless the teen parent’s child is less than 12 weeks old or the teen parent has completed high school; Reside with a parent, legal guardian, or other adult caretaker relative. If the teen parent has suffered or might suffer harm in the home