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Ford: Bill expanding TANF eligibility in Indiana passes Senate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lance Gideon, Press Secretary

lance.gideon@iga.in.gov
317-234-9221

Ford: Bill expanding TANF eligibility in Indiana passes Senate

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 31, 2022) — 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 unanimously passed the Senate Monday, Jan. 30, by a vote of 45-0.

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.

Under current law, a family of three making more than $307 per month would not qualify for TANF. SB 265 would increase the monthly income eligibility threshold in Indiana to $959 per month once fully enacted.

In order for adults to participate in the program, they would be required to showcase 20 days of job searches before approval, no more than 24 months of lifetime participation in TANF and a $1,000 asset test.

"Expanding eligibility for families in need will help thousands of Hoosiers make their way out of poverty," Ford said. "The TANF program provides job training, childcare and transportation in order to eliminate many hurdles folks face when looking for higher paying jobs."

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.

SB 265 will now move to the Indiana House of Representatives for further consideration. To learn more about the bill, visit iga.in.gov.

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State Sen. Jon Ford (R-Terre Haute) represents Senate District 38, which
includes Vigo and Clay counties and a portion of Sullivan county.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.