First: it is free, and the name changed
Applying for Florida benefits costs nothing. The application, renewal, and help understanding the process are free. MyACCESS is the current Florida Department of Children and Families portal for programs many people still know as ACCESS Florida.
What MyACCESS is
MyACCESS is the Florida Department of Children and Families self-service portal for applying for, maintaining, or checking public-assistance programs. One application can include several programs, and your account can be used to check a case, upload documents, report changes, or renew benefits.
MyACCESS
Programs you can explore
Each program has its own requirements, and the Florida Department of Children and Families makes eligibility decisions.
Monthly food assistance through an EBT card.
Health coverage for people who meet program requirements.
Temporary cash assistance for families with minor children.
Optional State Supplementation for certain older adults or people with disabilities in assisted settings.
If you have Medicare, start here
- You can have Medicare and Medicaid at the same time.
- If you do not qualify for Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program may have different criteria.
- If you receive SSI, you may receive food assistance through SUNCAP without an additional application.
SUNCAP: food assistance without another application
People who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may receive food assistance through SUNCAP without an additional application, paperwork, or interview. If moving to SUNCAP would reduce food assistance, the person may choose to remain in the regular program.
Who may qualify for SNAP
Eligibility depends on household income, household members, and certain expenses. When a household includes someone age 60 or older or someone with a disability, medical expenses can affect the eligibility review. We do not publish income limits because they change; use official sources for current requirements.
What to gather before you start
Having documents ready can help avoid delays. If something is missing, the official portal and our resource team can help you identify a next step.
- Photo identification
- Social Security numbers for household members
- Proof of where you live
- Proof of income
- Housing expenses
- Medical expenses, when applicable
- Your Medicare card and plan card, if you have them
- An email address and password to create the account
MyACCESS
How to apply, step by step
- 01
Visit the official portal
Type myaccess.myflfamilies.com into your phone or computer browser.
- 02
Create an account or sign in
Use an email address and password, and keep your password in a safe place.
- 03
Choose programs
You can select food assistance, Medicaid, and cash assistance in the same application.
- 04
Complete household details
Review income and expense information carefully with the documents you have.
- 05
Upload documents
Use the MyACCESS document-upload feature before submitting when possible.
- 06
Submit and save confirmation
Keep the receipt and any confirmation number you receive.
- 07
Watch for an interview
Some cases need a phone interview; review portal notices and mail.
- 08
Respond to additional requests
Additional information requests are handled through the same MyACCESS account.
What may happen next
- Approved food assistance is provided through an EBT card sent by mail.
- Medicaid decisions and plan guidance are communicated by the appropriate agencies.
- If you receive a denial notice, read it fully; it can sometimes relate to missing documentation.
What EBT can and cannot buy
Examples that can
Bread, cereal, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, and seeds or plants to grow food.
Examples that cannot
Hot food for in-store eating, medicines, vitamins, soap, cleaning supplies, personal-care items, alcohol, tobacco, or pet food.
Two helpful things to know
- Some participating retailers accept EBT online. EBT may cover eligible food, but not the delivery cost.
- Fresh Access Bucks can help stretch purchases of fruits and vegetables at participating markets.
Watch out for websites that charge
Applying, renewing, and receiving help from a DCF Community Partner are free. If a site promises to process, speed up, or review an application for a fee, it is not the state. Protect yourself by typing the official portal address into your browser.
CareVantage
How CareVantage can help
Our team can sit with you to review the documents you already have, help create an account when appropriate, and guide you through the application in English or Spanish.
This help is for the community, not only for our patients. You do not need to be a CareVantage patient or become one afterward to request a social-services conversation.
We help you understand the application and process. We do not decide whether you qualify, cannot guarantee approval, and are not a government agency. The Department of Children and Families decides benefits.
Social-services appointment
Schedule a 30-minute conversation
Use the calendar to request a conversation about social-service resources and your next step with MyACCESS.
Calendly provides this calendar. When you load it, Calendly may process information you enter under its own privacy practices.
Use this calendar only to schedule. Do not enter symptoms, diagnoses, coverage or Medicare information, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, income, immigration status, or documents.
MyACCESS
Official numbers and links
For program details, eligibility, or an application status, use the official portal or contact the Economic Self Sufficiency Customer Call Center directly.
Florida Department of Children and FamiliesImportant information
CareVantage does not determine eligibility, guarantee benefits, or replace the Florida Department of Children and Families. The appropriate agency manages applications and benefit decisions.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Are ACCESS Florida and MyACCESS the same thing?+
Yes. MyACCESS is the current DCF portal for public-assistance information and services that many people knew as ACCESS Florida.
Is there a MyACCESS phone app?+
There is no official app to download. Use your phone browser and go to myaccess.myflfamilies.com.
How much does it cost to apply?+
Applying for and renewing Florida public benefits is free. Always use the official portal.
Can I have Medicare and food assistance at the same time?+
Medicare and SNAP are different programs. The appropriate agency decides individual eligibility rules.
Do I need a separate application for every program?+
Florida uses one application for several public-assistance programs, and the portal explains which programs can be selected.
I receive SSI. Do I need to apply separately for food assistance?+
SUNCAP may apply to people who receive SSI. Consult MyACCESS or DCF about your specific situation.
How long does it take?+
It depends on the case and documentation. The official portal and DCF are the appropriate sources to check an application status.
What if I missed an interview call?+
Contact DCF or review your MyACCESS account as soon as possible.
What if I was denied?+
Read the notice fully and consult the portal or DCF to understand available next steps for your case.
Can I buy groceries online with EBT?+
Some participating retailers accept EBT online. EBT may not cover delivery costs.
Can I buy vitamins or medicines with EBT?+
No. Vitamins and medicines are not EBT-eligible purchases.
Are you the government?+
No. CareVantage is a medical practice that shares resource guidance; DCF decides cases and benefits.
Is this calendar for medical care?+
No. This calendar is for social-services conversations. For medical care or a clinical appointment, use CareVantage’s new-patient path.
Last reviewed: August 2026