TANF Assistance for Single Mothers in Indiana

Where to start

Start with DFR if your child lives with you and your income is very low. TANF is for families with a child under 18 who lives with a parent or certain relative caregiver. Indiana also lists children under 18 living with a parent or relative, such as a grandparent, aunt, or uncle, as the main family group for TANF cash assistance.

Keep copies of everything you send. If you upload documents, take a screenshot of the confirmation page. If you fax or mail papers, save the receipt.

Indiana TANF quick reference

Who may qualify for TANF in Indiana

Indiana TANF is for families with children. A single mother may apply if she lives in Indiana, has a child in the home, and her household meets the income, resource, and other program rules. A relative caregiver, such as a grandparent or aunt, may also ask DFR about TANF for a child in the home.

DFR says applicants and recipients must give complete and accurate information about the children, parents, and household members whose income and needs count. The household must also meet state residency, Social Security number, citizenship or immigration status, employment, and child support assignment rules.

Income limits and payment amounts

Indiana publishes TANF income standards and maximum payment amounts by assistance group size. The figures below are from the Indiana FSSA TANF page reviewed on May 20, 2026. Your actual payment can be lower if your family has countable income.

Indiana also says a family may not have assets valued over $1,000 when applying. The home where the family usually lives is exempt, and Indiana lists a vehicle equity exclusion. Ask DFR how your car, bank balance, tax refund, child support, wages, unemployment, or Social Security income will be counted before you assume you are over or under the limit.

How to apply for TANF in Indiana

1. Start the application. Use the Benefits Portal, a local DFR office, or the paper application from the DFR forms page.
2. Apply for other help too. If you need food or medical coverage, ask about SNAP and Medicaid in the same system. You can also read our Indiana guides to Indiana SNAP and health care.
3. Watch for your interview or notice. DFR may ask for more information. Missing a notice is one of the fastest ways to get denied.
4. Send documents fast. Upload, fax, mail, or take documents to the office. If you cannot get something in time, tell DFR and ask what other proof they can accept.
5. Keep checking your case. Use the portal, call DFR, and save copies of notices.

Documents and information to gather

You may not need every item below, but gathering them early can prevent delays.

Work rules and the IMPACT program

Most adults who get TANF should expect work-related steps. Indiana’s program is called IMPACT, which stands for Indiana Manpower Placement and Comprehensive Training. IMPACT serves Hoosiers who receive SNAP or TANF. It can help with job search, job readiness, training, work experience, high school equivalency, English classes, and job retention.

IMPACT also lists support services such as transportation assistance, child care assistance, high school equivalency exam fees, and vouchers for work clothes, uniforms, or shoes. Supports can vary, so ask what is available in your area. You can call 800-403-0864 and press 3 for IMPACT.

Indiana’s TANF FAQ says some adult applicants who are mandatory for IMPACT must attend Applicant Job Search Orientation and complete job search steps. If you miss a requirement without good cause, your application or benefits may be denied or reduced. If your child is sick, you lose child care, you have a medical issue, or you cannot safely contact the other parent, tell DFR or IMPACT right away and ask how to document the problem.

For more job resources, see our guide to job training or use the state’s WorkOne locator.

Child support rules can affect TANF

Child support is a major part of TANF. Indiana says TANF recipients must assign certain child support owed during TANF months to the state. In simple terms, if child support is collected while you receive TANF, the state may keep support to repay TANF benefits, based on the rules. This can surprise families who expected both TANF and the full child support payment.

You can read the state explanation on TANF and support. For general support services, Indiana’s child support program can help locate parents, establish paternity, establish or change support orders, and enforce payments. See the state child support page or our guide to child support.

How to keep your case from closing

• Read every notice. DFR notices may list deadlines, interview times, missing documents, appeal rights, or change-reporting rules.
• Report changes. Indiana says TANF applicants or recipients must report changes in circumstances to DFR within 10 days of the change.
• Do not skip IMPACT. Call before the appointment if you cannot attend. Ask how to prove the reason.
• Keep your address updated. If notices go to an old address, you can miss a deadline.
• Protect your EBT card. The Indiana EBT site lets cardholders check balances and report card issues. Never share your PIN.

If your TANF is denied, delayed, reduced, or stopped

Do not ignore a denial or sanction notice. Read it the same day if you can. The notice should explain the reason, the deadline, and how to appeal. Indiana’s TANF page says applicants or recipients can appeal actions on their case and have a fair hearing. The state appeals page says you should carefully review your written notice to see where to send your appeal and the deadline.

1. Circle the deadline on the notice.
2. Write down the reason DFR gave.
3. Send missing documents if that is the issue.
4. Ask for a supervisor if you cannot get a clear answer.
5. File an appeal on time if you disagree.
6. Call legal aid if the issue involves benefits, housing, child support, disability, safety, or a hearing.

For appeal forms and representative forms, use the DFR forms page. For free legal help options, see our Indiana legal help guide.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting to apply. Apply even if one document is missing. Then ask DFR how to send the proof.
• Using old payment numbers. Indiana changed posted TANF standards compared with some older articles. Use the current FSSA page and your notice.
• Missing job search steps. IMPACT requirements can affect approval or ongoing benefits.
• Assuming child support goes to you. TANF child support assignment rules can change where collected support goes while you receive TANF.
• Not asking for help with barriers. If child care, transportation, illness, disability, domestic violence, or school hours get in the way, tell DFR or IMPACT and ask what proof is needed.