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Grants for Single Mothers in Indiana

Indiana Single Mother’s Guide to Benefits, Assistance Programs, and Support (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

If you’re facing an immediate crisis, here are three steps you can take right now:


  1. Call 2-1-1 – Free 24/7 help finding emergency assistance for housing, food, utilities, and more
  2. Apply for Emergency SNAP at Indiana Family and Social Services Administration – you can get benefits within 7 days if you qualify for expedited service
  3. Contact your local food bank through the Indiana Food Bank Network for immediate food assistance

Main Points

Single mothers in Indiana face significant financial challenges. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Indiana increased its TANF benefit level from $288 to $320 in recent years, marking the first increase since the program’s creation. However, this still places Indiana among states with lower benefit levels relative to the cost of living.

What you need to know:

  • Government assistance is available – Programs like SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid provide monthly support for basic needs
  • Healthcare coverage is accessible – Indiana’s Medicaid expansion means more single mothers qualify for health insurance
  • Educational support exists – The Frank O’Bannon Grant provides up to $6,200 for public institutions annually
  • Emergency help is available – You can get food assistance within days and utility help within weeks
  • The system requires persistence – Applications take time, and you may need to reapply or appeal decisions

Reality Check: Indiana’s benefit levels are lower than many other states, and waiting lists exist for some programs. Apply for multiple programs and don’t rely on just one source of assistance.

Emergency Cash and Basic Needs

When you need help paying bills or buying food, these programs can provide relief within days or weeks.

TANF (Cash Assistance)

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

Current benefit amounts:

  • Maximum $320 per month for a family with one child
  • Average one-parent family received $195.59 per month as of recent data
  • Benefits vary based on family income and size

Income limits (2025):

Family Size Monthly Gross Income Limit Annual Income Limit
1 parent, 1 child $307 $3,684
1 parent, 2 children $372 $4,464
1 parent, 3 children $437 $5,244

Requirements:

  • Must be U.S. citizen or qualified legal resident
  • Must live in Indiana
  • Must have children under 19 (or under 20 if in school)
  • Must participate in IMPACT (Indiana’s employment and training program) unless exempt
  • Must have assets under $1,000

How to apply:

  1. Apply online at Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
  2. Call 1-800-403-0864
  3. Visit your local FSSA office

Processing time: Up to 45 days from application date

Reality Check: Indiana approves just 7% of TANF applications, down from 14.3% in 2016. The program has strict income limits and work requirements.

SNAP (Food Assistance)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has two income limits: gross income and net income. This program provides monthly food benefits to help families buy nutritious food.

Maximum benefit amounts (2025):

Family Size Maximum Monthly Benefit Income Limit (130% FPL)
1 person $292 $1,580
2 people $536 $2,137
3 people $768 $2,694
4 people $975 $3,250

Who qualifies:

  • Most households have to meet both gross and net income limits to qualify for SNAP
  • Families with elderly (60+) or disabled members may have higher limits
  • If everyone in your household receives Supplemental Security Income or TANF, income limits do not apply

How to apply:

Emergency SNAP: If you qualify for expedited service, you can get benefits within 7 days if you have very low income and resources.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

The Indiana WIC Program currently works with 34 non-profit agencies to host WIC services in all 92 counties. This program provides nutrition assistance to pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5.

Who qualifies:

  • Pregnant women
  • Breastfeeding women (up to baby’s 1st birthday)
  • Non-breastfeeding postpartum women (up to 6 months)
  • Infants (up to 1st birthday)
  • Children (up to 5th birthday)
  • Families already receiving Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF are income eligible for the WIC program

Income limits (2025-2026):

Family Size Monthly Income Limit (185% FPL)
1 person $2,414
2 people $3,260
3 people $4,108
4 people $4,956

Benefits include:

  • Monthly food packages (milk, eggs, cereal, peanut butter, baby formula)
  • Nutrition education and counseling
  • Breastfeeding support and breast pump loans
  • Referrals to healthcare and social services

How to apply:

  • Contact your local WIC clinic at WIC clinic locations
  • Call 1-800-522-0874 for information
  • Must apply in person for health screening

Healthcare Coverage

Indiana’s Medicaid expansion means more single mothers can access comprehensive healthcare.

Hoosier Healthwise (Medicaid for Families)

Hoosier Healthwise is a health care program for children up to age 19 and pregnant women. The program covers medical care at little or no cost.

Income limits (2025):

Category Income Limit (% of FPL) Monthly Limit (family of 3)
Pregnant women 213% FPL $4,597
Children under 1 213% FPL $4,597
Children 1-5 years 163% FPL $3,518
Children 6-18 years 163% FPL $3,518

Coverage includes:

  • Doctor visits and specialist care
  • Prescription medications
  • Mental health and dental care
  • Hospital stays and surgeries
  • Preventive care including immunizations

Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP)

The Healthy Indiana Plan is a health insurance program for adults ages 19 through 64 who are not disabled.

Income limits:

  • 138% of Federal Poverty Level
  • For single person: $1,731 per month
  • For family of 3: $2,964 per month

Monthly contributions required:

  • 2% of family income for HIP Plus benefits
  • Lower contributions for lower incomes

How to apply for all Medicaid programs:

Educational Assistance and Grants

These are actual grants and assistance programs that can help single mothers pursue education and career training.

Frank O’Bannon Grant

The Frank O’Bannon Grant, formerly known as the Indiana Higher Education Grant, is designed to provide access for needy Indiana students to attend eligible postsecondary institutions.

Benefits:

  • Up to $6,200 for public institutions
  • Up to $12,400 for private institutions
  • No repayment required

Requirements:

  • Must be Indiana resident
  • Must submit a valid FAFSA by April 15 of the academic year preceding the academic year you plan to enroll
  • Must demonstrate financial need
  • Must meet credit completion requirements

How to apply:

  1. Complete FAFSA at studentaid.gov by April 15
  2. Apply to participating Indiana colleges and universities
  3. Schools automatically consider you for the grant

Adult Student Grant

As part of the You Can. Go Back. campaign, adults with college credits but without a college degree can receive a $2,000 grant to continue their education.

Benefits:

  • $2,000 grant for continuing education
  • Available for adults returning to school
  • Can be used at participating Indiana institutions

Requirements:

  • Must have some college credits but no degree
  • Must be Indiana resident
  • Submit the FAFSA and the Adult Student Grant Application as soon after October 1st as possible, as the awards are given on a first-come, first-served basis

Federal Education Grants

Pell Grant:

  • Up to $7,395 for 2024-2025 academic year
  • Based on financial need
  • No repayment required
  • Apply through FAFSA

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG):

  • Up to $4,000 per year
  • For students with exceptional financial need
  • Limited funding – apply early

Housing Assistance

Finding affordable housing is challenging for single mothers. These programs can help reduce housing costs.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

The Housing Choice Voucher program helps low-income families afford decent, safe housing in the private market.

How it works:

  • You find your own rental housing
  • Voucher pays portion of rent directly to landlord
  • You typically pay 30% of your income toward rent

Income limits (based on Area Median Income):

Family Size Maximum Annual Income (typical Indiana area)
1 person $28,850
2 people $32,950
3 people $37,050
4 people $41,150

How to apply:

  • Contact your local public housing authority
  • Indianapolis: Indianapolis Housing Agency at (317) 226-7817
  • Fort Wayne: Fort Wayne Housing Authority at (260) 422-2553
  • Find others at HUD’s PHA directory

Reality Check: Most housing authorities have waiting lists of 1-3 years. Apply as soon as possible and to multiple authorities if eligible.

Emergency Rental Assistance

The Indiana Housing and Community Authority has stopped accepting applications for emergency rental assistance. Sign up on the IERA waitlist to be notified of any openings.

Current status:

  • Emergency rental assistance funding exhausted
  • Can sign up for waitlist notifications
  • Contact local community action agencies for alternative help

Alternative emergency housing help:

  • Call 2-1-1 for local emergency assistance programs
  • Contact local Community Action Programs
  • Reach out to churches and faith-based organizations

Childcare Assistance

Reliable childcare is essential for single mothers to work or attend school.

Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) can help single mothers obtain child care services for their children while they are working or studying.

Who qualifies:

  • Working parents (minimum 20 hours/week)
  • Parents in approved education/training programs
  • Income up to 165% of Federal Poverty Level

Income limits (2025):

Family Size Monthly Income Limit
1 parent, 1 child $2,518
1 parent, 2 children $3,150
1 parent, 3 children $3,781

How much you pay:

  • Co-payments range from $15-200+ per month based on income
  • Lower income families pay less
  • State pays remainder directly to childcare provider

How to apply:

  • Apply online through Indiana FSSA
  • Call 1-800-403-0864
  • Visit local FSSA office

Processing time: 30-45 days if all documents provided

Head Start and Early Head Start

Free comprehensive early childhood programs for low-income families.

Head Start (Ages 3-5):

  • Free preschool education
  • Full-day and part-day options available
  • Meals and snacks included
  • Health and dental screenings

Early Head Start (Birth to 3):

  • Childcare for infants and toddlers
  • Home visiting programs
  • Pregnant women services

Income requirements:

  • Family income at or below 130% of Federal Poverty Level
  • Automatic qualification for families receiving TANF, SNAP, or SSI

How to apply:

  • Contact Indiana Head Start Association: (317) 396-1219
  • Use the national Head Start locator: 1-866-763-6481
  • Applications typically open in spring for fall enrollment

Utility Assistance

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

To qualify for the EAP, you must be a resident of the state of Indiana and have an income not exceeding 60% of the State Median Income.

Benefits available:

  • Assistance with electric and gas bills
  • Emergency help for disconnection notices
  • Weatherization services

Income limits (60% State Median Income):

Household Size Monthly Income Limit
1 person $3,208
2 people $4,196
3 people $5,184
4 people $6,172

How to apply:

  • Applications for EAP can be made through a local Community Action Agency
  • Apply online at Indiana EAP Client Portal
  • Call 211 for local assistance

Reality Check: Funding is limited and available first-come, first-served. Apply early in the program year (typically starts October 1st).

Child Support Services

Don’t overlook this important source of financial support.

Indiana Child Support Bureau

What they provide:

  • Locate absent parents using federal databases
  • Establish paternity through genetic testing
  • Establish and modify support orders
  • Collect and distribute support payments automatically
  • Enforce support orders through wage garnishment

Who qualifies:

  • Any parent or caregiver who has custody of a child
  • No income requirements or restrictions
  • Available regardless of marital status

How to apply:

Costs:

  • $25 application fee for families not receiving TANF
  • Fee waived for TANF recipients

What to expect:

  • Case opening: 1-2 weeks
  • Locating absent parent: 30-90 days
  • Establishing support order: 90-180 days

Tax Credits (Often Overlooked!)

These programs provide significant annual income through tax refunds.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Indiana piggybacks onto the federal EITC by adding an additional 10% to the federal allocation and it’s fully refundable.

Federal EITC amounts (2025 tax year):

Number of Children Maximum Credit Income Limit (single filer)
1 child $4,213 $47,915
2 children $6,960 $53,057
3+ children $8,046 $59,899

Indiana EITC:

  • Additional 10% of federal credit amount
  • Fully refundable
  • No application needed beyond filing tax return

Child Tax Credit

  • Up to $2,000 per child under 17
  • Up to $1,700 refundable per child
  • Single mothers with income under $200,000 qualify

How to claim:

  • File tax return even if you don’t owe taxes
  • Use IRS Form 1040
  • Keep records of children’s Social Security numbers

Contact for free tax help:

  • IRS VITA Program: 1-800-906-9887
  • Find local free tax preparation sites

Support for All Types of Single Parent Families

Single Fathers

Most programs in this guide also serve single fathers raising children alone:

Available programs:

  • SNAP (food assistance) – same eligibility and benefits
  • TANF (cash assistance) – same income limits and requirements
  • Medicaid/Hoosier Healthwise – full family coverage available
  • Child support services – help collecting from other parent
  • Housing assistance – Section 8 and emergency rental help
  • Childcare assistance – same work/school requirements

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Special considerations for kinship families:

  • May qualify for TANF even if receiving Social Security
  • Grandparent’s needs not always included in benefit calculation
  • Contact Indiana Kinship Care at (800) 545-7763

LGBTQ+ Single Parents

All Indiana state programs serve LGBTQ+ parents without discrimination.

Support organizations:

  • Indiana Equality Action: (317) 644-6944
  • LGBT Resource Center of North Central Indiana: (260) 744-1199

Legal protections:

  • Indiana law prohibits discrimination in state programs
  • Same-sex couples eligible for all family programs

Rural Single Mother Families

Additional challenges in rural areas:

  • Limited public transportation
  • Fewer service providers
  • Longer travel distances to offices

Rural-specific resources:

  • Mobile WIC services available in some areas
  • Telehealth covered by Medicaid
  • 2-1-1 especially important for finding local resources
  • Some programs offer home visits for qualifying families

Common Questions Single Mothers in Indiana Ask (FAQs)

Q: Can I get help if I’m working? A: Yes! Most programs allow working families to qualify:

  • SNAP: Up to 130% of poverty level ($2,694/month for family of 3)
  • Medicaid: Up to 138% of poverty level for adults, higher for children
  • Childcare assistance: Up to 165% of poverty level
  • LIHEAP: Up to 60% of state median income

Q: How long do applications take to process in Indiana? A: Processing times vary by program:

  • SNAP: 7-30 days (7 days if emergency)
  • TANF: Up to 45 days
  • Medicaid: Usually 30 days or less
  • Childcare assistance: 30-45 days
  • Housing vouchers: Years due to waiting lists

Q: What if I get denied? A: You have the right to appeal any denial within 30 days. Contact Indiana Legal Aid at (866) 637-5341 for help with appeals. Common reasons for denial include missing documents or income calculation errors.

Q: Can I apply for multiple programs at once? A: Yes! You can apply for SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid through one application at the Indiana FSSA website. You can also apply for other programs separately at the same time.

Q: What if I have a criminal record? A: Indiana maintains restrictions on people with drug felony convictions from receiving TANF, but you can still qualify for:

  • SNAP (food assistance)
  • Medicaid (healthcare)
  • Housing assistance
  • WIC
  • Most other programs

Q: Do I have to pay anything back? A: Most programs don’t require repayment:

  • Never repay: SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, LIHEAP, tax credits
  • Educational grants: May have requirements like staying in Indiana after graduation
  • Overpayments: If you receive too much due to unreported income changes, you may need to repay the difference

Q: What if my English is limited? A: Language assistance is available:

  • All state programs provide free interpreters
  • Request interpreter when scheduling appointments
  • Many forms available in Spanish
  • Call 2-1-1 for bilingual assistance

Q: How do I get help filling out applications? A: Free application assistance available:

  • FSSA offices provide in-person help
  • 2-1-1 can connect you with local navigators
  • Indiana Legal Aid: (866) 637-5341
  • Local Community Action Programs often help with applications

Appeals Process Step-by-Step

If you’re denied benefits, don’t give up. Most denials can be resolved through the appeals process.

Step 1: Request Appeal (Within 30 Days)

How to request:

  • Online: Through Indiana FSSA website
  • Phone: Call the number on your denial letter
  • In writing: Send letter to address on denial notice
  • In person: Visit local FSSA office

What to include:

  • Your name and case number
  • Date of denial decision
  • Specific reasons you disagree
  • Any new information or documents

Step 2: Prepare for Your Hearing

Gather evidence:

  • Copy of original application
  • All documents you submitted
  • Denial letter with reasons
  • New documents that support your case

Step 3: Attend Your Hearing

Hearing format:

  • Usually by phone (can request in-person)
  • Informal proceedings
  • You can bring representative or advocate
  • Hearing usually lasts 30-60 minutes

Step 4: Receive Decision

Timeline:

  • Decision issued within 60 days of hearing
  • Written decision sent by mail
  • Decision explains reasons and next steps

If you need help with appeals:

  • Indiana Legal Aid: (866) 637-5341
  • Local Community Action Programs
  • 2-1-1 can connect you with advocates

Warning Signs and Red Flags

Scams to Avoid

Grant scams:

  • Red flag: Requests upfront fees for “guaranteed grants”
  • Reality: Legitimate government programs never charge application fees (except $25 for child support)
  • Action: Report to Indiana Attorney General: (317) 232-6201

Benefits card scams:

  • Red flag: Calls asking for your EBT card number or PIN
  • Reality: FSSA will never call asking for your card information
  • Action: Never give card information over phone; call FSSA directly

Program Warnings

TANF limitations:

  • Very strict income limits (only $307/month for family of 2)
  • Work requirements begin immediately
  • Limited time on program
  • Low approval rates

Waiting lists reality:

  • Section 8 housing: Often 1-3 year waits
  • Childcare assistance: May have waiting lists in urban areas
  • Apply early and to multiple programs

Emergency Resources and Crisis Numbers

Immediate Crisis Help

Food emergency:

  • 2-1-1: Find local food pantries and soup kitchens
  • Emergency SNAP: Apply at Indiana FSSA or call 1-800-403-0864
  • Indiana Food Bank Network: Visit indianafoodbank.org for locations

Housing emergency (eviction/homelessness):

  • 2-1-1: Emergency shelter and rental assistance
  • Indiana 211: Call or visit indiana211.org

Utilities shut-off:

  • LIHEAP Emergency: Contact local Community Action Program
  • Utility company hardship programs: Call your utility provider directly
  • Salvation Army: May provide emergency utility assistance

Medical emergency:

  • 911: Life-threatening emergencies
  • Emergency Medicaid: Available regardless of immigration status
  • Community health centers: Call 2-1-1 for locations

Crisis and Mental Health Support

Crisis intervention:

  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • Indiana Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-800-382-9842

Domestic violence:

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
  • Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence: (317) 917-3685

Resources and Important Phone Numbers

Statewide Resources

Primary contact numbers:

  • 2-1-1: Information and referral service (24/7)
  • Indiana Family and Social Services Administration: 1-800-403-0864
  • Indiana WIC Hotline: 1-800-522-0874
  • Indiana Child Support: 1-800-840-8757

Application websites:

  • SNAP/TANF/Medicaid: Indiana FSSA
  • Head Start locator: 1-866-763-6481
  • Housing assistance: Contact local housing authority

Legal and Advocacy Help

Free legal assistance:

  • Indiana Legal Aid: (866) 637-5341
  • Indiana Legal Services: (317) 631-9410
  • Pro Bono Indiana: (317) 269-2652

Benefits advocacy:

  • Indiana Institute for Working Families: Contact through local Community Action Programs
  • Local Community Action Programs: Call 2-1-1 for referrals

Disclaimer

Important Notice About Information Currency

Program details, eligibility requirements, and benefit amounts change frequently due to federal and state policy updates, funding changes, and legislative action. All information in this guide was compiled and verified using official government sources as of August 2025, but policies may have changed since publication.

Verification Requirements:

  • Always verify current information directly with the relevant agency before making decisions
  • Contact program offices for the most up-to-date eligibility requirements and benefit amounts
  • Check official websites for any recent policy changes or updates

Limitations:

  • This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, or benefits counseling advice
  • Individual circumstances vary and may affect program eligibility
  • Processing times and benefit amounts may differ from those listed
  • Some programs may have waiting lists or limited funding not reflected in this guide

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This Indiana guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, USDA, IRS, and local nonprofits to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, USDA, HHS, and Indiana state government sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

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