$298 TCA Payment in September 2025 – Eligibility & Payment Schedule

In Florida, the Relative Caregiver Program, part of the Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) scheme, offers monthly support payments for relatives or approved caregivers taking care of children placed with them by the Department of Children and Families (DCF).

As of September 2025, older children aged 13-17 with no countable income under this program are eligible for $298 per child per month. This article details who qualifies, how much the payments are, and when you’ll receive them.

What Is the Relative Caregiver Program?

The Relative Caregiver Program is a component of Florida’s TCA that provides rent, food, clothing, and other care-related financial help for children placed with relatives (or non-relatives under certain rules) through the child dependency system.

Only the child’s income/assets are counted for determining eligibility and payment; the caregiver’s income is generally not. The idea is to keep children in family-based, stable homes rather than placing them in the traditional foster care system.

Payment Amounts: $298 for September 2025

Child’s Age Group	Payment per Child under Relative Caregiver Program if no countable income
0-5 years	$242 per child per month
6-12 years	$249 per child per month
13-17 years	$298 per child per month

• The $298 rate applies for children aged 13-17 with no countable income.
• The other age tiers receive lower amounts as shown.

Key Eligibility Requirements

To receive the $298 (or other age-appropriate payment) under the Relative Caregiver Program, several conditions must be met:

• Child’s Status: The child must be under 18 (or under 19 if full-time in high school), placed in the caregiver’s home by DCF via dependency adjudication.
• Residency & Citizenship: The child must be a Florida resident, a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen, and must have a Social Security Number (or proof of application).
• Assets & Income: The child’s countable income/assets must be low. Assets typically must not exceed $2,000. Vehicles used by caregivers under work requirement must have equity value under certain limits (≈ $8,500). Only the child’s income is considered for the Relative Caregiver payment, not the caregiver’s household income.
• Other Conditions: School attendance, up-to-date immunizations for young children, cooperation with child support enforcement (when applicable).

When & How Payments Are Made

• Payments are made monthly under the TCA Relative Caregiver Program.
• For children aged 13-17 with no countable income, you should expect $298 per child in September 2025.
• The assistance is provided through Florida’s system, often via Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) or other standard state benefit disbursement methods.
• Caregivers should ensure their applications are up to date and meet all program requirements well before the payment period to avoid delays.

Why This Payment Matters

• Supports Family-Based Care: By giving financial support to relatives, this program enables children to stay in familial environments instead of foster care, which often leads to better long-term outcomes.
• Helps with Costs: Teenagers (13-17) generally incur higher costs: bedding, school supplies, clothing, food, and personal expenses. The higher payment reflects that increased financial burden.
• Reduces Strain: Many caregivers are themselves low income. This payment offers relief to juggling increased expenses.

The Relative Caregiver Program under Florida’s TCA offers critical monthly payments, up to $298 per child for teens aged 13-17 in September 2025, when the child has no countable income. These payments help caregivers manage costs and support children’s well-being.

If you are a relative caregiver (or planning to become one), make sure your eligibility is up to date, documentation is complete, and your child meets the program rules so you can receive payments without delay.

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