FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES (DCF)
http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/ess
Title: FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES (DCF)
Category: GOVERNMENT BENEFITS & PROGRAMS / GENERAL INFORMATION
Listing added: May 21, 2010
The Florida Department of Children & Families (DCF) is statewide agency that provides a broad range of services and government assistance.
The following information will help you navigate the system when applying for government benefits provided by DCF.
“ACCESS Florida” is the name of the DCF Telephone Information Line & Website where you can do the following:
Prescreen to see if you apply for benefits
Apply for/Complete a recertification review for / or Report changes to your case for Food Stamps, Temporary Cash Assistance, Assistance for Pregnant Women, or Medicaid (applications are available online in English, Spanish, and Creole)
Check status of a reported change
View current benefits
View date benefits will be available
Print a temporary Medicaid card
See when you next review is due
See when an appointment is scheduled
View benefit account history
View list of verification needed
Access other Florida information & services
DCF CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTERS
DCF ACCESS COMMUNITY PARTNERS
In addition to applying for benefits or getting information online or at one of the local DCF Customer Service Centers, several community agencies are partnering with DCF to provide access to public assistance services. All of these locations have applications on hand, but some also have computer,
printer, telephone, and fax machine access along with customer service representatives who can assist.
Visit this page for a list of DCF Community ACCESS Partners: www.dcf.state.fl.us/access/CPSLookup/search.aspx
ACCESS Florida Telephone Information Line
866.76ACCESS (866.762.2237) / TTY 711
General information: 24/7
Speak with a live representative: 8AM-5PM Mon-Fri
DCF / ACCESS Florida Website
Publisher’s Note: As consumers, caregivers, and health and social service professionals, we need to keep abreast of the available government services, benefits, and programs and how they affect ourselves, our
loved ones, and our clients.
Eligibility for benefits and programs are always changing. Some programs change in January, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security eligibility criteria. SSI-Medicaid Related, other Medicaid programs, and WIC change in March or April. Some federal programs change in October. This year, there is no cost of living increase.
Subsequently, the state Legislature could impose additional limitations on Medicaid eligibility, which would become effective in April. Confused? So are the rest of us.That’s why it’s important to pay close attention to the legislative process and stay abreast on any changes in eligibility for these programs.
Tips to remember: Some programs (such as certain Medicaid Waiver programs) often sound better in writing than they are in practice.
Not all services are offered in each community. Funds are exhausted quickly in some programs and not everyone gets to benefit. Many programs and services, such as services for people with Developmental
Disabilities, have long waiting lists. The government benefits and programs information in this publication provide only a brief summary of services/coverage and is not to be relied on for specifics on recipient eligibility, service reimbursement, or service limitation.
Visit the websites or call the agency numbers listed throughout this chapter to learn about specific details and any updates. Although much of the information is accurate as of January 1, 2010, information is subject to change without notice. I will try to keep you posted of changes in our Health & Social Services Advocate E-Newsletter and/or on our website.
– R.G.
GENERAL INFORMATION
www.state.fl.us/cf_web
www.dcf.state.fl.us/ess
www.myflorida.com/accessflorida