Help for Single Mothers in INDIANA

Indiana, IN

It’s a fact that parenting a child is no easy feat. And this becomes increasingly difficult when done alone. To support single mothers in their plight, the state of Indiana offers assistance that eases their financial and emotional stresses.
$288
$740
$800
$390
255%
138%
150%
10%

Indiana Earned Income Tax Credit #

The EITC is often cited as one of the most effective anti-poverty programs, lifting more children out of poverty than any other programs in the nation.

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.

As a result, married couples who jointly file their taxes will have a higher income limit, while taxpayers with three or more dependents are eligible for greater credit. 1


How much is Indiana Earned Income Credit?

  • NO. OF CHILD Maximum EIC
  • 0 $60
  • 1 $399
  • 2 $660
  • 3 or more $743

To claim Indiana’s EIC, you must complete and attach Schedule IN-EIC to your Indiana tax return. If you have a qualifying child, you must file using Form 1040 or 1040-SR, and attach Schedule EIC.



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 for TANF cash assistance, you're required to participate in job search services available through IMPACT, a component of Indiana's Welfare-to-Work program.


How much do I get for TANF in Indiana?

Benefits vary based on the family’s countable income up to the maximum allowable amount of $288 for a family of three.

To see if you qualify for benefits, call 1-800-403-0864.



Indiana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) #

Indiana SNAP, formally known as food stamps, is a 100% federally-funded program that provides food assistance to very low income people and families in Indiana.

Most families must meet both gross and net income limits to qualify for SNAP. Those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or TANF are automatically eligible for SNAP.

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 store that accepts food assistance.


How do I sign up for food stamps in Indiana?

To apply for benefits, visit the FSSA Benefits Portal and file your application online. If you don’t already have an account, create one.



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

Indiana WIC provides supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care to low-income, nutritionally at risk: pregnant women, infants, and children under the age of 5.

Families receiving Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or TANF are automatically income eligible for the Indiana WIC Program.

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

  • Family Size Income Limit
  • 1 $2,248
  • 2 $3,040
  • 3 $3,833
  • 4 $4,625
  • 5 $5,418
  • 6 $6,210
  • 7 $7,003
  • 8 $7,795

How do I apply for WIC in Indiana?

If you think you qualify for WIC assistance, call toll-free 1-800-522-0874 to find the WIC clinic nearest you and set up a certification appointment.



Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) #

Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) 2.0 — the State's alternative to traditional Medicaid, provides health insurance for uninsured adult Hoosiers with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level.

There are two HIP plans. Each plan has different benefits.

  1. HIP Plus
  2. HIP Basic
HIP Plus #

HIP Plus provides the best value coverage, including dental, vision and chiropractic services. HIP Plus provides health coverage for a low, predictable monthly cost, as low as $1 a month for those earning less than $456 per month.

In the HIP program, the first $2,500 of medical expenses for covered services are paid with the contribution you've made to your POWER Account, which is a special savings account set up in your name.

HIP Basic #

HIP Basic has no premiums but offers limited benefits. Unlike HIP Plus, you have to make a payment every time you receive a health care service.

Copayments can cost between $4 to $8 per doctor visit or prescription filled and may be as high as $75 per hospital stay.

What is the income limit for Medicaid in Indiana? #

Individual adults age 19-64 with annual income of up to $20,120 may qualify for the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP). Income limits are higher for families. Pregnant women and newborns qualify with income up to 213%.

Healthy Indiana Plan 2.0 163% 213% 138%
1 $23,770 $31,060 $20,120
2 $32,140 $42,000 $27,210
3 $40,520 $52,950 $34,310
4 $48,900 $63,900 $41,400
5 $57,280 $74,850 $48,490
6 $65,660 $85,800 $55,590
7 $74,030 $96,740 $62,680
8 $82,410 $107,690 $69,770

A 5% disregard based on the federal poverty level (FPL) for the household size is applied and is reflected in the amounts shown above.

How do I apply for Indiana Medicaid?

Applications are available online, by mail or by visiting your local Division of Family Resources (DFR) office. Call 1-877-GET-HIP-9 to find more information about the application process.


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.

Please call 800-889-9949 to find a designated clinic or doctor your area. The Presumptive Eligibility page provides you with more information about the program.



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.

The program covers medical care like doctor visits, prescription medicine, mental health care, dental care, hospitalizations, surgeries, and family planning, at little or no cost.

There are two benefit packages within Hoosier Healthwise:

  1. Package A. For children and pregnant women. Members do not have any cost sharing obligations.
  2. Package C. For children enrolled in CHIP. There is a small monthly premium payment and co-pay for some services based on family income.

What is the income limit for Hoosier Healthwise?

Chidren from families with income up to 255% of the federal poverty level can qualify for CHIP through Hoosier Healthwise. Pregnant women who meet the income guidelines are also eligible for benefits.

  • Family Size Income Limit
  • 1 $37,180
  • 2 $50,290
  • 3 $63,390
  • 4 $76,500
  • 5 $89,610
  • 6 $102,710
  • 7 $115,820
  • 8 $128,930

A 5% disregard based on the federal poverty level (FPL) for the household size is applied and is reflected in the amounts shown above.



Indiana Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) #

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.


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

Effective July 1, 2023, initial income eligibility for CCDF is set at 150% of the federal poverty level, or about $3,108 in monthly income for a family of three.

  • Family Size Income Limit
  • 2 $2,465
  • 3 $3,108
  • 4 $3,750
  • 5 $4,393
  • 6 $5,035
  • 7 $5,678
  • 8 $6,320

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.

If you need help locating a CCDF eligible provider, please call
1-800-299-1627



Indiana On My Way Pre-K #

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

Eligible families may choose any of the approved On My Way Pre-K program providers located across the state.

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.


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

Starting July 1, the income limit has increased from 127% of the federal poverty level to 150%, meaning the annual income limit for a family of three is now $37,290 instead of $31,570. 1

  • Family Size Income Limit
  • 1 $21,870
  • 2 $29,580
  • 3 $37,290
  • 4 $45,000
  • 5 $52,710
  • 6 $60,420
  • 7 $68,130
  • 8 $75,840

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



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”.

For two years during the pandemic, federal waivers allowed every Indiana student to receive free school meals, regardless of family income. Such program was sunsetted in 2022.

Under current federal law, only students with families who have incomes at 130% of the poverty line or below are eligible for free breakfast and lunch in school. Families with an income between 130% and 185% pay a reduced price for meals.

Family 130% 185%
1 $1,579 $2,248
2 $2,137 $3,040
3 $2,693 $3,833
4 $3,250 $4,625
5 $3,807 $5,418
6 $4,363 $6,210
7 $4,921 $7,003
8 $5,478 $7,795

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) #

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 1-866-3-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 and cooling during the summer season. Throughout Indiana, LIHEAP is known as the Energy Assistance Program (EAP).

Eligible households may receive a one-time credit of up to $800. Priority is given to the elderly, disabled and households with small children.

To qualify for the EAP, you must be a resident of the state of Indiana and have an income not exceeding 150% of the federal poverty level.


What is the income limit for energy assistance in Indiana?

  • Family Size Income Limit
  • 1 $1,823
  • 2 $2,465
  • 3 $3,108
  • 4 $3,750
  • 5 $4,393
  • 6 $5,035
  • 7 $5,678
  • 8 $6,320

How do I apply for energy assistance in Indiana?

Applications for EAP can be made through a local Community Action Agency, known as Local Service Provider (LSP) 2 or you may also now apply online at Indiana EAP Client Portal.


When funding is available, Summer Cool Program will be offered during the period from June through August of any year to eligible households served during the winter months to use towards their electric bill.



Indiana Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) #

Indiana LIHWAP is a temporary emergency program designed to help low-income households and families who have fallen behind on their water and wastewater bills.

Households that meet the EAP income eligibility requirements are also deemed as categorically income-eligible for LIHWAP assistance. Priority is given to households with the elderly, disabled or a young child under age 6.


How can I get help with my water bill in Indiana?

LIHWAP can only be applied through the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) application. When completing the EAP application, simply check a box to apply for water assistance and submit your most recent bill.



Indiana Unemployment Insurance #

Indiana Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary income replacement to Indiana workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

Depending on how much you have earned in your qualifying period, you may receive up to $390 per week for a maximum of 26 weeks of unemployment benefits per year.

As a condition of eligibility, you are required by the law to be registered with Indiana's job matching service, Indiana Career Connect within ten (10) days of filing your claim.


How do I apply for unemployment benefits in Indiana?

All claims for unemployment benefits in Indiana must be filed through Uplink CSS, the automated self-service system for unemployment insurance claims or alternatively, you may go to your nearest WorkOne Center as soon as you become unemployed.



Frank O'Bannon Grant #

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.

The grant is given on a "need-based" basis — up to a maximum of $12,400. Students receiving the Frank O'Bannon Grant are subject to credit completion requirements.

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



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.

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.

References

  1. wfyi, Indiana earned income tax credit increase unanimously clears House.
  2. If funding is available, there may be a limited number of vouchers available for children who lives in a household with incomes up to 185% of the federal poverty level.
  3. For a list of local service providers, please click here.



If this is not your state, please select yours here.
Share this article