Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) replaces the AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children), formerly known as "welfare". Welfare Reform efforts in Indiana have placed an emphasis on "work first" and "personal responsibility," replacing cash assistance with transitional services that help people gain employment and depend less on public aid.
What is TANF?
TANF is a program that provides cash assistance and supportive services to assist the family, helping them achieve economic self-sufficiency.
The Proposed Indiana's State Plan for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Block Grant is currently being reviewed. Please direct E-mail comments to James Dunn, Project Manager, James.Dunn@fssa.in.gov or send comments to his mailing address at 402 W. Washington Street, MS 09, Indianapolis, IN 46204. The deadline for submitting comments is November 30, 2007.
Who is eligible for TANF?
Families with children under the age of 18, that are deprived of financial support from a parent by reason of death, absence from the home, unemployment, or physical or mental incapacity.
To see if you might qualify for Cash Assistance (TANF), click here to find out.
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.
Where do I apply?
To apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, contact your local Division of Family Resources Office in your county of residence. The local Office of Family Resources in each of the ninety-two Indiana counties has the responsibility of processing applications, certifying eligible applicants for participation, and issuing benefits. Applications may be taken to the local DFR office, mailed or faxed.
What happens after the application is filed?
A decision will be made to grant or deny assistance within 30 days of the date of application, unless there is a valid reason that prevents the local office from making a decision.
How does the county DFR office determine the amount of cash payment?
Financial eligibility initially is determined by the number of eligible family members and their total income. The income is compared to a set standard based upon family size. The standard for a family including children and their caretaker is reflected in the chart below.
Income Standard
| Family Size | Gross Income Limit | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $286.75 | $139.00 |
| 2 | $471.75 | $229.00 |
| 3 | $592.00 | $288.00 |
| 4 | $712.25 | $346.00 |
| 5 | $832.50 | $405.00 |
| 6 | $952.75 | $463.00 |
| 7 | $1073.00 | $522.00 |
| 8 | $1193.25 | $580.00 |
| 9 | $1313.50 | $639.00 |
| 10 | $1433.75 | $697.00 |
What are the responsibilities of the applicant or recipient of TANF?
The applicant or recipient must provide the Office 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. In addition, individual members must provide their Social Security numbers, meet state residency, citizenship/alien requirements, employment and child support assignment requirements.
Changes in circumstances are to be reported by the recipient to the local DFR office within 10 days of the date the change(s) occurred.
What is TANF for Unemployed Parents?
TANF for unemployed parents is a program that provides cash assistance and supportive services for two-parent families, that are unemployed or underemployed, helping them achieve economic self-sufficiency.
Who is eligible for TANF for Unemployed Parents?
Families in which the parent with the most earnings in the past 24 months has:
- been recently unemployed or employed fewer than 100 hours a month
- earned at least $50 in 6 calendar quarters (example January-March) during a 13 quarter period (about 3 years); and
- not recently turned down a job offer
- not refused to apply for or accept unemployment insurance.
What if an applicant or recipient is not satisfied with an action taken on his or her 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 the Division of Family Resources within 30 days of the effective date of the action taken on his or her case.
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