Maryland Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)

Last Updated on January 16, 2024 by Lori Pace

The Maryland Temporary Cash Assistance is temporary cash assistance and work opportunity that aims to support low-income families with children. They require those who are qualified for cooperation with child support, participation in work activities, and compliance with substance abuse provisions

Maryland requires work-eligible recipients to participate in work activities for 30 hours a week. Where most of the time they do job searching and job readiness training.

FAQ’s About Maryland Temporary Cash Assistance


What Are The Qualifications For Maryland Temporary Cash Assistance? 

  • U.S. national, citizen, legal alien or permanent resident
  • Unemployed or underemployed (working for very low wages)
  • Resident of the state of Maryland.

How Do I Get Cash Assistance In Maryland? 

Application in person is available at your local DSS office in your county

Application online through Maryland’s web-based screening and application tool, myDHR.

Maryland requires all work-eligible applicants to seek employment and participate in work requirement activities from the day of the application of benefits

How Do I Get Cash Assistance In Maryland

How Much Cash Assistance Will I Get In MD? 

The benefits you receive from TCA largely depend on your family’s income and size. A family of three receives monthly $727 for up to 60 months. 

Starting from January 2021, families under the program receive an additional monthly $100 per person for six months. This is done to help families make ends meet.

How Much Cash Assistance Will I Get In Md

How Long Can You Get TCA In Maryland?

The TCA only runs for 60 months or 5 years in the lifetime of its recipients. Those under the program may go on and off of TCA but should not exceed the limits. However, exceptions may be made to those with hardships


The Welfare Avoidance Grant (WAG) provides short-term assistance by giving qualified families a lump sum payment that equates to three months or more of TCA benefits. They limit this assistance to one payment a year.

Learn more about the TCA in Maryland through 1-800-332-6347

Updated: Governor Hogan extended the Emergency SNAP Benefits and added $40 Million funding for TCA starting January 2021. 

Lori Pace
Lori Pace

Lori Pace is a single mother of three daughters ages 7 and under. As a working mom from home, she balances kids, work and two crazy dogs with humor and love. Follow Lori as she honestly gives tips and advice based on her own experiences as a single mom!