September TAFDC Clothing Allowances

Could you use $150 for each child in September?

Each September, the Department of Transitional Assistance is required to provide, by law, a $150 payment for for each child receiving TAFDC benefits. This is known as the TAFDC clothing allowance. This benefit is provided automatically to families receiving TAFDC cash assistance. It is also provided to families who apply in September and who meet the financial and other rules. Because the gross income and grant levels go up each September, low wage families whose income may be over the income tests in other months may be eligible in September.

Families whose 24 month time limits have expired can also apply for an extension from the time limit. If approved for an extension, the family will get the benefit of the clothing allowance.

The clothing allowance is only available to children receiving or eligible for TAFDC cash assistance. It is NOT available to children who are receiving SSI or who are not eligible for TAFDC (for example, because of the family cap rules). It is available to teen parents under age 18 who are receiving TAFDC for themselves, as well as their babies.

Once a family is on TAFDC, they are also automatically eligible for a DTA child care authorization (not only for September, but for 12 months from September). A DTA child care authorization makes the family automatically eligible for EECC income eligible child care without the wait list. So, receiving TAFDC in September may be especially important to families with high child care expenses.

If you are NOT on TAFDC, be sure you apply by September 1 of each year to get the maximum help! You can still apply after September 1st, but the amount will be less because it is prorated based on the date you apply in September. 

For more information, contact your local Legal Services program.