While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides financial assistance to low-income families. The goal of TANF is to help families become financially self-sufficient. States and U.S. Territories receive block grants from the federal government, which are used to fund each state and territory’s specific TANF program.
Learn more about the TANF program and its primary purposes here.
To learn more about Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Indiana and the assistance benefits it provides, visit the Indiana TANF website here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Indiana provides temporary assistance to financially support families in need. The TANF program also provides eligible families with work preparation services to help them re-enter the workforce or find more stable employment. Likewise, the program helps with childcare costs.
For more information on the services, the TANF program provides to participating families, review the Indiana TANF PDF found here.
TANF and Food Assistance are both assistance programs administered by the Indiana Human Services. While Food Assistance benefits can only be used to purchase foods that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, TANF benefits are money that can be used however the participant sees fit, with some restrictions.
To learn more about the restrictions on TANF expenditures, visit the TANF website here.
Both TANF and Food Assistance benefits can be given to participants on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. However, TANF benefits can be transferred directly into a participant’s bank account or withdrawn from an approved ATM. Food Assistance benefits cannot.
Many TANF participants also qualify for Needy Food Assistance due to the low-income requirement of both programs. For more information about Food Assistance, click here.
To apply for Needy Food Assistance and/or TANF, visit the Indiana Benefit Portal here.
If you have questions about TANF or Food Assistance, call the Family and Social Services Administration at (800) 972-2017.
The exact benefit amount a family will receive each month will depend on their household income, size and resources.
Eligible families of three can receive a maximum of $288 per month. Families can receive these benefits for up to 24 months throughout their lifetime.
Learn more information about TANF and benefit amounts in Indiana here.
To qualify for TANF in Indiana, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about income requirements and work and training requirements here.
Caretakers of children who cannot be taken care of by their immediate family may also qualify for benefits under the Caretaker Relative Grant or Child-Only TANF Grant. This grant takes into consideration the situation of emergency caregivers and will only count the resources and the income of the child (if any) and not those of the caretaker.
To learn more about who can receive TANF benefits, click here.
Before you apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Indiana, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the TANF eligibility requirements here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration website here.
To apply for TANF online, create an account on the Indiana Benefit Portal here and fill out the virtual application form.
To apply for TANF in person, by fax or by mail, click here to find the nearest Indiana FSSA office location and contact information. You can complete the Indiana Application for SNAP and Cash Assistance here to apply by fax or mail.
If you have any further questions about the application process, call the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration at (800) 972-2017.
If you need an application in Spanish, click here.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
You should receive a notice in the mail from the Family and Social Services Administration within 60 days of receiving your application with your determination. If you're approved for benefits, you should also receive your benefit amount and an EBT card.
You will receive your benefit amount on the first of the month. Once you receive your benefits, you can use them to support your family as you see fit, while following the restrictions.
Note that if you receive an EBT card, you will only be allowed to purchase items at stores that display the Quest Logo, and you can only withdraw cash from ATMs that display the Quest Logo.
Learn more information about how to use your EBT card and how benefits will be distributed here.
If you require additional assistance or have questions about your determination call (800) 972-2017.
If you do not agree with the TANF benefit decision given to you by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, you can appeal your decision in writing or by phone within 33 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal in writing, complete the Administrative Appeal and Hearing Request Form here and submit it in person, by fax or by mail to the local FSSA office. Find office contact information here.
To file an appeal by phone, call (800) 403-0864. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination along with the following information:
For more information on the appeal process, visit the Indiana TANF website here.
For help with obtaining Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Indiana, or for any further questions about your application, call the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration at (800) 972-2017.
To send the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration information physically, you can mail documents or questions to the following address:
FSSA Document CenterP.O. Box 1810Marion, IN 46952
You can also visit or call a local FSSA Office for Needy Further assistance. Find your nearest location here and on the PDF list here.
Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free TANF Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.