INDIANA

What benefits can a single mother get in Indiana?

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A single mother with two children in Indiana with no income may qualify for up to $513 a month in cash assistance (TANF) and up to $808 a month in food benefits (SNAP). A one-time utility payment (LIHEAP) may add up to $625. Child care assistance and Medicaid coverage may also be available.

Indiana Benefits Overview

Last updated: November 12, 2026

Benefit amounts and eligibility requirements are subject to change. Always verify current program requirements with the administering agency.

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Estimated benefits for a single mother in Indiana

Program	Estimated maximum amount
Cash Aid Short-term cash assistance for basic needs, rent, and utility bills.
TANF	$513a month
Food & Nutrition Grocery and nutrition assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Summer EBT, and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.
SNAP	$808a month
WIC	$52a month
Housing & Utilities Assistance with rent, home repairs, or heating/cooling bills.
LIHEAP	$625one time
Section 8	Check eligibility
Education & Training Tuition, books, and school expenses for single mothers returning to college or vocational training. Apply through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Pell Grant	$7,395a year
For the 2027—2028 academic year, a single mother in a household of 3 in Indiana can earn up to $59,963 and still qualify for the maximum Pell grant of $7,395.
Frank O’Bannon Grant	$10,600a year
Other financial assistance programs Copay
Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)	$0at this income
Medicaid	Check eligibility
If help is urgent
Indiana 211 covers the urgent stuff: food, a place to stay, eviction help, and utility shutoffs.

This is an unofficial benefits estimator. No personal data is collected or stored. Actual amounts may vary based on individual circumstances, location, eligibility criteria, and recent data updates at the time of application. The federal programs available in every state are described in the guide to grants for single mothers.

Indiana Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Indiana 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.

Apart from cash aid, benefits include vouchers for child care and transportation assistance, “employment support”, intended to meet the basic needs of families.

As a condition of eligibility, non-exempt adults are required to participate in job search services available through IMPACT, Indiana’s employment and training program.

How much TANF for a family of 4 in Indiana?

Payments vary based on the family’s countable income up to the maximum allowable amount of $617 for a family of 4 with little or no income.

How do I apply for TANF in Indiana?

To apply for TANF in Indiana, visit FSSA Benefits Portal or find your nearest Division of Family Resources (DFR) office to submit your application in person.

Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
Division of Family Resources
(800) 403-0864

Indiana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Indiana SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps, is a 100% federally-funded program that provides food assistance to very low income individuals and families in Indiana.

Most families must meet both gross and net income limits to qualify for SNAP. For example, a family of three qualifies for the program if it has a gross monthly income of $2,960 or less.

In Indiana, participants in SNAP access their EBT benefits using the “Hoosier Works” card that works like a bank debit card used for purchases at any participating store that accepts EBT.

How do I sign up for food stamps in Indiana?

You can apply for SNAP online through the Benefits Portal, by mail, by fax, or in person at your county Division of Family Resources (DFR) office.

Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
Division of Family Resources
(800) 403-0864

Indiana Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Indiana WIC provides supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care to pregnant women, infants, and children under the age of 5 who are determined to be at “nutritional risk”.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, families receiving Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or TANF automatically meet the income requirement for the Indiana WIC Program.¹

If you are not a recipient of these other programs, check the monthly income chart below to see if your family might qualify for WIC.

Benefits are loaded onto a card to buy specific nutritious foods, including milk, cheese, eggs, iron-fortified cereals, juice, fruits, vegetables, and, if not breastfeeding, iron-fortified formula.

How do I apply for WIC in Indiana?

If you believe you or your children are at nutritional risk, you can contact your local county health department or WIC clinic to schedule an appointment.

Indiana Department of Health
Indiana WIC
(800) 522-0874

Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP)

The Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) is Indiana’s Medicaid coverage pathway for many adults ages 19–64. Under the Affordable Care Act expansion, adults in this age group may qualify with household income up to 138% of the federal poverty level, or about $3,142 per month for a family of three.

HIP uses Personal Wellness and Responsibility (POWER) accounts, and its coverage options differ in benefits and member payments. Other Medicaid pathways cover children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with disabilities.

How do I apply for Indiana Medicaid?

Applications for Medicaid are available online through FSSA Benefits Portal, or in person at a local Division of Family Resources (DFR) office.

Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
Medicaid Member Services / Eligibility
(800) 403-0864

Indiana Hoosier Healthwise (HHW)

Hoosier Healthwise is a health insurance program for eligible Indiana children up to age 19, and pregnant women who are not covered by Medicaid.

Chidren from families with income up to 255% of the federal poverty level can qualify for CHIP through Hoosier Healthwise (Package C). Pregnant women are covered under Package A with incomes up to 213% of the federal poverty level, with no premiums or copayments.

Families can apply online through FSSA Benefits Portal or in person at a local Division of Family Resources (DFR) office. Applications are typically processed within 45 business days.

Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
Hoosier Healthwise Helpline
(800) 889-9949

Presumptive Eligibility for Pregnant Women

Pregnant women who are not currently receiving Medicaid and need immediate medical attention may apply for Presumptive Eligibility for Pregnant Women that covers doctor visits, tests, lab work and other care for your pregnancy.

The income requirements for temporary PE coverage are the same as those for Medicaid or Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) coverage.

If you need immediate medical assistance, call (800) 889-9949 to find a designated clinic that offers Presumptive Eligibility to start coverage immediately.

Indiana Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)

According to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, new child care vouchers resumed in May 2026 after a 15-month freeze, with enrollment continuing through the fall. Thousands of children remain on the waitlist, and the added funding is set to last until mid-2027.²

The purpose of the Indiana’s Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is to provide financial assistance with child care costs to eligible working families.

Families who qualify will receive a voucher from the local department of social services to take to the provider of their choice.

Priority is first assigned to On My Way Pre-K applicants, families earning below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), and children of child care workers.

What is the income limit for child care assistance in Indiana?

Initial income eligibility for CCDF is currently set at 135% of the federal poverty level, or about $3,074 in monthly income for a family of three.

Once approved, a family can stay on CCDF until its gross monthly income goes over 85% of the State Median Income (SMI), which is about $6,605 a month for a family of three.³

How do I apply for child care assistance in Indiana?

Families can now apply for CCDF or On My Way Pre-K using a new, easier-to-use online application called “Early Ed Connect” where you can now apply for multiple children in one application.

Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)
(877) 511-1144

Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R)
(800) 299-1627

Indiana On My Way Pre-K

The On My Way Pre-K program for 4-year-olds remains active but is capped at 2,500 children for the 2026–2027 year. The maximum voucher amount is capped at $6,800 per year.

Indiana’s On My Way Pre-K provides access to FREE pre-kindergarten education for Indiana’s Pre-K to 4-year-old children from low-income families who are either working, going to school, or attending job training.

For each school year from August through June, a child in Indiana may qualify for an On My Way Pre-K voucher if:

• They turn 4 years old by August 1 of the current year and will start kindergarten the following year.
• Their household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty level.
• Their parent or guardian is working, in school, in job training, or actively seeking employment.

Eligible families may choose any of the approved On My Way Pre-K program providers located across the state, which may include public or private schools, licensed child care centers, licensed family homes, or registered ministries.

What is the income limit for On My Way Pre-K in Indiana?

Family income eligibility is now set at 135% of the federal poverty level, with priority is given to families whose income falls below 100% of the federal poverty line, and children of child care workers.

Families who are income eligible may apply online via Early Ed Connect or in person at their local intake agent in which they reside.

As slots are limited in each county, families will be chosen on a first come-first served basis in the order in which applications are received.

Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
Office of Early Childhood and Out of School Learning
(800) 299-1627

Indiana National School Lunch Program (NSLP)

Indiana’s National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a meal program that provides free or discounted school meals to eligible children from families with incomes that fall below certain “poverty guidelines”.

Under federal guidelines, ⁴ only students from families whose incomes are at or below 130% of the poverty line are eligible for free breakfast and lunch at school. Families with incomes between 130% and 185% of the poverty line pay a reduced price for meals.

How to apply for free lunch in Indiana?

You may apply for free school meals any time during the school year by submitting an application directly to your school or district.

Indiana Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)

The Indiana SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) program is closed because Indiana opted out again and will not be operating in summer 2026.

Indiana’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) ensures all children in low-income area receive proper nutrition during the months of June, July, and August when school is not in session.

Children 18 and younger may receive free, nutritious meals and snacks at more than 1,000 SFSP Meal Sites throughout Indiana.

Meals and snacks are also available to persons with disabilities, over age 18, who participate in school programs for people who are mentally or physically disabled.

For additional information about SFSPC, you may text “summer meals” or “verano” to (914) 342-7744 or call the National Hunger Hotline at (866)-3-HUNGRY.

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP)

LIHEAP is a federally-funded program that helps qualifying households with the costs for heating during the winter months, with cooling assistance offered when funding is available. Throughout Indiana, LIHEAP is known as the Energy Assistance Program (EAP).

To qualify for Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP), you must be an Indiana resident with a household income at or below 60% of the State Median Income (SMI).

Eligible households may receive a one-time credit of up to $625. If you are facing a utility shut-off or have already been disconnected, you may be eligible for an additional crisis benefit of up to $800.

How do I apply for energy assistance in Indiana?

Applications for EAP can be submitted through your local Community Action Agency, known as a Local Service Provider (LSP) ⁵, or through the Indiana EAP Client Portal.

Applications are accepted from October 1, 2026 until April 30, 2027, or until available funds are depleted.

Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority
Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
(317) 232-7777

Frank O’Bannon Grant

Frank O’Bannon Grant, formerly known as the Indiana Higher Education Grant, Indiana’s primary need-based program for in-state students attending in-state colleges.

The grant is awarded on a “need-based” basis, with a maximum of $10,600 for private institutions or $5,300 for public institutions.

Students receiving the Frank O’Bannon Grant are subject to credit completion requirements. To renew the full on-time award, you must complete at least 30 credit hours during the 12-month award year. Completing 24 to 29 credit hours may qualify you for a lower full-time award amount.

To be considered for this grant, you must submit a valid FAFSA by April 15 of the year preceding the academic year in which you plan to enroll.

Indiana Commission for Higher Education
Financial Aid Support Center
(888) 528-4719

Adult Student Grant

As part of Indiana’s “You Can Go Back” campaign, eligible working adults without a college degree may receive up to $2,000 per academic year to continue their education.

How much aid a student can receive in one academic year depends on their financial need as calculated using the Student Aid Index (SAI).

To be considered, students must submit both the FAFSA and the Adult Student Grant Application as soon as possible, as awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

Indiana Commission for Higher Education
Financial Aid Support Center
(888) 528-4719

Indiana Earned Income Tax Credit

Indiana piggybacks onto the federal EITC by adding an additional 10% to the federal allocation and it’s fully refundable. However, Indiana has separated itself from the federal guidelines by adopting different income thresholds.

According to the Indiana Department of Revenue, you must enclose Schedule IN-EIC with your Indiana tax return (Form IT-40 or IT-40PNR) to claim the credit. Unlike the federal credit, Indiana requires a qualifying child, and you must have claimed the federal earned income credit.⁶

Indiana Department of Revenue
(317) 232-2240