Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Close to one million Hoosiers experienced poverty in 2016. Indiana’s cash assistance program for families experiencing poverty - Temporary Assistance to Needy Families or TANF - is meant to be a lifeline for those who have fallen upon hard times. It has two main purposes: to provide a cash benefit so that families can meet their basic needs until their situation improves and to offer non-cash support through programs and case management that help parents find and keep jobs. But TANF isn't working well in Indiana. Find out why, then learn what you can do to transform TANF!

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TANF Resources 

Indiana TANF Grant Has not Increased to Meet the Growing Cost of Basic Needs

Cash assistance benefits have far less purchasing power than in 1988, as the cost of basic items have increased and benefits have lost more than half of their value to inflation.

MARCH 2021

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TANF: 10 Critical Things to Know

TANF needs an update if it's going to be a viable source of support for Hoosiers. Here are ten things you need to know.

Update: JANUARY 2021

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TANF: It's Time for Change

The last time we increased TANF benefits in Indiana, a two-bedroom apartment cost $357/month and the walkman was a hot item. It's time to update TANF.

JANUARY 2019

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TANF in Indiana 2017

2017 summary statistics on access to TANF suggest that the program needs major reform to reach more Hoosiers in poverty.

JANUARY 2019

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TANF in Indiana: Its Purposes, Its Problems, and What Lawmakers Can Do to Improve It

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is meant to be a lifeline for those who have fallen upon hard times. But in Indiana, the eligibility standards and value of the benefits have eroded, leaving the program in need of reform. Find out what Hoosier lawmakers need to do to fix TANF so that it actually lifts Hoosier families out of poverty.

MAY 2018

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Welfare Myths: Busted!

When it comes to programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, myths abound. Learn the facts about how many people receive cash support in Indiana, what it takes to qualify for the program, and how much cash the typical program participant actually receives. Then, share them with others!

DECEMBER 2017

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