The Cap on Kids – sometimes called the Family Cap – denies welfare benefits to children conceived while – or soon after – the family received Temporary Assistance for Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC). Massachusetts is one of only 17 states that still have a Cap on Kids or similar policy.

Children’s HealthWatch research shows TAFDC family cap rule continues to put our children’s health at risk.

From 2010-2016, almost one-third of 1,358 caregivers receiving TAFDC with children under the age of 4 interviewed at Boston Medical Center reported a child not supported on the families TAFDC  budget because of the family cap rule.

Families of infant, toddlers, and preschoolers subject to the TAFDC  family cap compared to other TAFDC families report more:

• Household and child food insecurity
• Poor/fair child health

Our research found that the TAFDC family cap may also have a negative impact on early childhood development.