The ACCESS Florida Program is responsible for public assistance eligibility determination and ongoing case management of Food Assistance, Temporary Cash Assistance and Medicaid.
The Food Assistance Program helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need for good health. The Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Program provides short-term cash benefits to families with children under the age of 18, or under age 19 if full time secondary school students, as well as pregnant women during in their last trimester. Medicaid provides medical coverage to low income individuals and families through a variety of eligibility categories. Income and asset limits vary based on the eligibility category.
ACCESS Florida is the service delivery model for economic self-sufficiency services. It is based on streamlined workflows, policy simplification and technology innovations. ACCESS Florida provides enhanced access to services through a combination of Department staff and community providers.
Recognized as a national model, this service delivery system offers eligible clients a self-directed path to economic services seven days a week, 24-hours a day through a web application and an integrated voice response system. This system makes it easier and faster for clients and potential clients to apply and access information about their accounts. DCF was recognized in 2009 for for excellence in service to those facing economic crisis. The USDA awarded the state of Florida a $7,179,612 bonus for achieving the best payment accuracy rate in the country for food assistance program benefits.
