Apply For Indiana TANF Benefits

Learn how to apply for Indiana TANF. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, called Indiana Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, may help you become self-supportive while receiving monthly cash benefits to meet your everyday needs such as rent, utilities, clothes, transportation, or additional expenses.

Sometimes you may not be eligible to receive TANF for yourself, but a child or children in your household may. The TANF program is administered by the Family and Social Services Administration. In most cases, in order to qualify for TANF you must meet both types of eligibility, categorical and financial.

Additionally, to qualify for TANF there are work requirements. The IN TANF program requires most adults be employed or participate in certain work-related activities, which you will be assigned for a certain number of hours on a weekly basis in order to continue receiving TANF benefits.

The total number of hours needed to fulfill your work activity requirement depends on your family composition. Qualified state residents are required to produce information including household income, age, citizenship and resources.

Only household members who are eligible for Indiana TANF can receive welfare benefits. For more information about applying for IN TANF benefits, view the information below. If you still have questions or issues, then contact TANF Indiana.

Indiana TANF eligibility

To be eligible for Indiana TANF benefits, you must have children under 18 who are living with their parent(s) or relative such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle etc., who meet specific non-financial criteria and whose countable family monthly income meets the TANF income guidelines. To see if you qualify for the Indiana TANF program, use their online pre-screening tool at fssabenefits.in.gov.

Apply for Indiana TANF

There are 3 different ways you can apply for TANF benefits. To apply online, go to ifcem.com. To apply by phone, call 800-403-0864. You can also apply in-person at your local DFR office. To view a list of locations, find a DFR office near you. To download a copy of the application form, click here.

The applicant or recipient must provide the Division of Family Resources (DFR) with accurate and complete information regarding the children, parents and all other household members whose income and needs are to be assessed in order to determine eligibility. Individuals must provide Social Security numbers and meet state residency, citizenship/ immigration status, employment and child support assignment requirements.

As a condition of eligibility for Indiana TANF, adult applicants deemed mandatory for IMPACT, Indiana's employment and training program, are required to attend Applicant Job Search Orientation and complete 20 days of Applicant Job Search activities.

Failure to complete the Applicant Job Search program without good cause will result in the denial of the application for cash assistance. The applicant or recipient is responsible to report any changes in circumstances to DFR within 10 days of the date the changes occurred.

How much can I get?

A review is done of all the income available to meet the needs of the family. Some of the types of income considered are wages, unemployment benefits, Social Security benefits and child support. Available income is compared to a need standard. The need standard is based on the family size.

Indiana TANF income guidelines

Assistance Group Size Gross Income Standard Net Income Standard
1 $286.75 $139.50
2 $471.75 $229.50
3 $592 $288
4 $712.25 $346.50
5 $832.50 $405
6 $952.75 $463.50
7 $1,073 $522
8 $1,193.25 $580.50
9 $1,313.50 $639
10 $1,433.75 $697.50
Each Add. +$120.25 +$58.50
I applied for TANF, what's next?

A decision will be made to grant assistance within 60 days of the date of application, unless there is a valid reason that prevents DFR from making a decision. For applicants not meeting all conditions of eligibility, a decision to deny assistance will be made no later than 61 days after the date of application.

TANF cash assistance payment

Payments vary based on the family's countable monthly income up to the maximum allowable amounts listed in the following charts.

Assistance Group Size Recipient Parent and/or Caretaker Children Only
1 $139 $139
2 $229 $198
3 $288 $256
4 $346 $315
5 $405 $373
6 $463 $432
7 $522 $490
8 $580 $549
9 $639 $607
Real or personal property

A family may not possess assets valued in excess of $1,000 at the time application for assistance is made. The house, which is the usual residence, is exempt.

TANF programs available to recipients

The Child Support Program helps to locate absent parents, establish paternity and obtain child support payments. Recipients of TANF cash assistance must cooperate in providing information about the absent parent. All Child Support payments made while receiving TANF cash assistance must go through the Child Support Bureau, Department of Child Services

Indiana Manpower Placement and Comprehensive Training (IMPACT) can help recipients find a job. Recipients who do not meet exemption criteria are required to participate as a condition of eligibility. Child care services are available for recipients who work or are participating in IMPACT.

These child care services are available through the county Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Intake Agent. Additional information is available concerning services provided to assist the TANF cash assistance recipient in becoming self-sufficient.

I was denied TANF benefits. What can I do?

State and local agencies are responsible for establishing the eligibility criteria and procedures that apply in their programs, not the Federal government. If you disagree with a decision regarding welfare benefits, you have the right to file an appeal. For more information about your state's appeals procedures, contact the IN TANF office.