Cash assistance program, for very low income eligible families provides monthly cash for basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing and employment assistance. Any relative who has a child living with them can receive TFA (Temporary Financial Assistance) for the child only, regardless of the relative's income or assets. The custody arrangement does not have to be legalized. Relatives will need to verify that they are related and that the child resides with them. In addition they will need to verify any income or assets that the child has. Income of a non-parent relative or guardian does not count when the relative or guardian does not receive TFA for themselves. Employable TFA recipients must participate in the Department of Labor-managed, Job's First Employment Services (JFES) program. Exemptions to the time limit and/or to the work requirement are made for certain groups, such as people who are incapacitated, people who are over age 60, people caring for a child under age 1, and other specific circumstances. Individuals involved in a domestic violence situation may also qualify. With this population, there is no income, asset, immigration/citizenship status restrictions to receive the benefit. Individuals applying must be residents of Connecticut. Individuals with or without dependent children may qualify.

**For families with an employable adult, there is a 36-month time limit to receive TFA. Families without an employable adult have no limit to the amount of time they can receive benefits. Families subject to the 36-month time limit may qualify for up to two six-month extensions as long as they continue to remain within the income and asset guidelines. Families may qualify for additional extensions in limited circumstances.