Apply For Indiana TANF

This page provides the Indiana TANF eligibility requirements. Applicants must meet both state and federal guidelines for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Individuals who apply for TANF must meet the monetary and non-monetary state guidelines, complete work-related activities, provide paternity information about the children in the household and report as required by the state.

Indiana residents who qualify for welfare are required to furnish information such as citizenship, income, resources, and age. Only household members who are eligible can receive Indiana welfare benefits. Read on for more information about applying for TANF. If you have additional questions or issues about this program, then contact TANF Indiana.

What is TANF?

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a program that provides cash assistance and supportive services to assist families with children under age 18, helping them achieve economic self-sufficiency.


Who is eligible for TANF cash assistance?

Children under 18 who are living with their parent(s) or relative such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle etc., who meet specific nonfinancial criteria and whose countable family income meets the following income guidelines.

Assistance Group Size Gross Income Standard Net Income Standard
1 $286.75 $139.50
2 471.75 229.50
3 592.00 288.00
4 712.25 346.50
5 832.50 405.00
6 952.75 463.50
7 1073.00 522.00
8 1193.25 580.50
9 1313.50 639.00
10 1433.75 697.50
Each Additional Member
+120.25 +58.50

See if you qualify, apply for, and manage current TANF benefits:


What are the responsibilities of the applicant for or recipient of TANF cash assistance?
The applicant or recipient must provide the Division of Family Resources (DFR) with accurate and complete information regarding the child(ren), parent(s) and all other household members whose income and needs are to be assessed in order to determine eligibility.


How does the Division of Family Resources determine the amount of cash assistance?
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.

May a family have any 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.

What happens after the application is filed?
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.

How much is the TANF cash assistance payment?

Payments vary based on the family's countable 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
10 697 666

Applicant/recipient is not satisfied with an action taken on their case

The applicant or recipient has the right to appeal any action on his or her case and have a fair hearing. An applicant or recipient may appeal by sending a written request to the local DFR office or to the Hearings and Appeals Section of DFR within 33 days of the date of the action or issue being appealed.


Indiana Employment Search

Part of the requirement, while on the TANF program, is finding a job to help sustain your financial needs. Indiana provides an online job site for you to search for employment. You can view the job site by clicking here.


Apply Online For Indiana TANF

If you have questions about applying for TANF benefits, or you want to see if you can apply for TANF Georgia online, then visit the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families website here.