Helping Families Get The TAFDC Children's Clothing Allowance

Good news for families participating in the Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) program! For the month of September, the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) increases the income eligibility limits and payment standards for the TAFDC program. This increase in the payment standard is known as the clothing allowance benefit, and occurs only in September.

In September 2024, families participating in the TAFDC program received an additional $500/eligible child. 

Who gets the Clothing Allowance?

Each child who is eligible for TAFDC in September. 
 
Ineligible children include children who are: 

• Age 19 and older;
• Receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI); and/or
• Are undocumented immigrants.

Clothing Allowance Benefit Amount

Families receive $500/child if they are participating in the TAFDC program as of September 1st or if they apply and become eligible at any point during September.  The benefit amount will be pain on or close to August 30.

TAFDC Income Eligibility Limit Increase: Benefits Extended to Some Working Families Not Receiving TAFDC

The TAFDC income eligibility limits increase in September. The amount of the increase depends on the number of children who qualify for the clothing allowance. The increase is the amount of the amount of the clothing allowance, times the number of children who are eligible for the clothing allowance in the case. For example, for a family with 2 children, the increase would be $1,000. 
 
This means that many low-income working families that normally have income that is too high for monthly TAFDC benefits may become eligible in September for the clothing allowance.