Bill expanding TANF eligibility in Indiana passes House

Posted Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at 11:07 AM

Ford: Bill expanding TANF eligibility in Indiana passes House

STATEHOUSE (April 4, 2023) — A bill authored by State Sen. Jon Ford (R-Terre Haute) that would expand the income eligibility for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program in Indiana passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 93 to 4.

TANF is a short-term assistance program providing cash and non-cash services so families can become more self-sufficient.

Senate Bill 265 would change the income eligibility for a family of three to participate in the TANF program from 16% of the federal poverty rate to 50% by the end of 2027.

In Indiana, cash assistance has not increased since 1988.

According to the Indiana Institute for Working Families, the cost for a 66-count box of diapers had increased from $9.99 in 1988 to $24.99 in 2021, and the cost of a gallon of gas had increased from $0.90 per gallon to $2.80.

"This bill will expand the eligibility for thousands of Hoosier families in need and offer a way out of poverty," Ford said. "Along with financial assistance, TANF provides job training, child care and transportation so that many of the hurdles folks face when looking for higher paying jobs are eliminated."

The Center on Budget Policy and Priorities reported 56,412 families received TANF in 1995/96 with 92,933 families in poverty and 25,012 in deep poverty. By 2019/20, only 6,338 Hoosier families received TANF despite an increase in the number of families in poverty to 117,085 and 50,584 in deep poverty.

Expanding eligibility guidelines would not cost Hoosier taxpayers any more money because Indiana currently doesn't spend its full allotment of federal funding on the TANF program.

"I am happy to see SB 265 pass the House of Representatives and will continue to help it progress through this legislative process," Ford added.

SB 265 was amended in the House and will now return to the Senate for further consideration.

That amendment would allow a pregnant woman who is at least six months pregnant and meets income requirements to be eligible for TANF benefits.

Legislative calendars, agendas, vote tallies, livestreams and proposed legislation can be viewed online by visiting iga.in.gov.