Public Assistance Programs (TCA)

The Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) program provides benefits, cash assistance and employment resources to people with low income. The Temporary Cash Assistance Program is for families with children.

Location(s):

How to Apply

The orientation process for Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) is now online. You can view the DHHS Orientation video and download the DHHS Packet.  

Prior to receiving TCA benefit:

  • You must apply for Child Support within 30 calendar days of your application date. 
  • Failure to cooperate with the Child Support program will lead to denial of your TCA application. 
  • You are required to continue to cooperate with the Child Support program as long as you receive TCA benefit. Failure to continue to cooperate will lead to reduction of your TCA benefit amount. 
  • You must also cooperate with the Substance Abuse Screening program within 30 calendar days of your application date.  
  • Failure to cooperate with the Substance Abuse program will lead to denial of your TCA application. 
After approval of your TCA case, you are required to participate in the Work Program. See below for details:
  • If you have received TCA for more than 6 months, you must complete the DHHS and Equus TCA Orientations & submit packets within 30 days of your TCA case approval.  
  • If you have not received TCA for more than 6 months including in another state, you must comply with the work program within 6 months from the date of case approval. However, voluntary participation is encouraged.

Please note the following: 

For DHHS:

After you have attended the orientation and submitted your packet, you may be contacted by Employment Services staff if correction or further information is needed.

​For Equus:

  • You must attend the above DHHS TCA Orientation and submit your orientation packets before you contact Equus to register for the Work Program.
  • To register for the program please contact Equus at: 
  • Email: [email protected] or;
  • Call: 301-740-7700

For Child Support:

You will now be able to apply for Child Support Enforcement Services using the Department of Human Services (DHS) online Child Support Application.

To apply, visit DHS Website. 

For questions or for assistance regarding your Child Support application, please send an email to: [email protected].

Documents to Bring

In general, the following documents are needed:

  • Proof of identity
  • Social Security number (not the Social Security Card)
  • Proof of residence
  • Proof of income
  • Proof of citizenship or immigration status for non-U.S. born applicants
  • TCA 269 Form - Customer must apply for SSI if disability is 12 months or more.
  • TCA 500 Form - Doctors must complete disability with a beginning and end date.

Other information may be required once the interview has been completed

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility is based upon household size and income. U.S. citizenship is a requirement of the programs but non-citizens with “qualified immigrant” status may also meet eligibility requirements. Specific information on eligibility is available at the local offices.


Information for Current TCA Customers

Questions:
Work Program Inquiries [email protected] 
For TCA new customer orientation & Childcare Scholarship Julia Feaster at 240-777-3811 or Jordyn Cooke at 240-777-1116
For TCA Hardship Assessment/Determination & PA2E  Jean-Marie Benishay at 240-777-1192 
For Work Program exemptions & Vehicle for Change Stephanie Paulino at 240-777-3488
For general questions or concerns 240-777-1003 or [email protected] 
 

Fees and Payments

N/A

FAQ's

1. If approved, how will I receive my benefits?

Cash benefits are issued through the Electronic Benefit Transfer System (EBT) plastic card known as the Independence Card.  You can withdraw money from automatic teller machines (ATM) or buy things at participating stores.  Cash benefits are made available from the 2nd to the 4th of every month, based on the first letter of your last name.

Additional Information

No additional Information at this time.

 

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