Massachusetts TAFDC (Cash Assistance)
Last updated August 2026
TAFDC is the Massachusetts cash assistance program run by the DTA for pregnant people, families with children, and caregivers of related children. Recipients get two cash payments a month for basic needs. Apply online through DTA Connect, or by phone on the DTA Assistance Line at 877-382-2363.
You may qualify if you have children 18 or younger, are pregnant at any stage, or care for a related child, live in Massachusetts, you or a family member is a citizen or eligible immigrant, and your income is under the limits. Those limits, after deductions, depend on family size and housing type: for a family of three, $861 a month in public or subsidized housing and $901 in private housing.
Deductions help you qualify. DTA subtracts $200 from your monthly gross earnings, and if you got TAFDC in the last four months, subtracts half of the remaining earnings before comparing to the limit. So a working parent can still qualify above the bare income line.
The extra benefits are where TAFDC quietly shines. There is a September clothing allowance of $500 for each eligible child, paid automatically in late August or September. There is a one-time $300 infant allowance for babies under six months, an $80 monthly transportation allowance for those working or in training, a $40 monthly rent allowance for private housing, and up to $1,000 in relocation help.
Know the clock and its exits. TAFDC has a 24-month time limit within every five-year period, but many people are exempt and have no limit, and extensions exist for training 20-plus hours a week, working 35-plus hours, disability, domestic violence, or pregnancy. Ask your worker where you stand.
TAFDC opens other doors automatically. Recipients are automatically eligible for MassHealth and SNAP, and if TAFDC closes because your income rose, MassHealth continues for 12 months and childcare help up to 24. Caregivers can apply for a child-only grant, where the caregiver's income is not counted.
Phone 1-877-382-2363
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Families with children, and pregnant people in the last 120 days of pregnancy, who are Massachusetts residents with little or no income or assets
- Most adults take part in a work program, and federal and state time limits apply to how long you can receive cash
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online at DTA Connect, or call the DTA Assistance Line at 877-382-2363.
- 2
Provide proof of income, your children's information, and your housing type.
- 3
Ask about the September clothing allowance, infant, transportation, and rent allowances.
- 4
MassHealth and SNAP come automatically; caregivers can ask about a child-only grant.
What to have ready
- ID and Social Security numbers for the adults applying
- Proof of income and housing type
- Proof that a child lives with you, or of pregnancy. DTA confirms the full list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How much does TAFDC pay?
The grant matches the payment standard for your family size and housing. For a family of three that is $901 a month in private housing and $861 in public or subsidized housing.
Is there help buying school clothes?
Yes. TAFDC includes a September clothing allowance of $500 for each eligible child, paid automatically in late August or September.
How long can I get TAFDC?
There is a 24-month limit within every five-year period, but many people are exempt with no limit, and extensions exist for work, training, disability, domestic violence, or pregnancy.
Do I get other benefits with TAFDC?
Yes. Recipients are automatically eligible for MassHealth and SNAP. If TAFDC closes because income rose, MassHealth continues 12 months and childcare help up to 24.
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