STATEHOUSE (Feb. 25, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jon Ford (R-Terre Haute) that would add new income eligibility requirements to the existing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program today passed the Senate unanimously.
Senate Bill 440 would modify the TANF program to assist the dependent child of a person whose income is less than or equal to 35 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for fiscal year 2021 or less than or equal to 50 percent of the FPL starting July 1, 2021, and beyond.
Additionally, this legislation would increase the maximum total non-medical expense TANF payments for an eligible dependent child and for the person essential to the child’s well-being from $155 monthly to $248 monthly. This measure would only utilize federal money and would not cost Hoosier taxpayers.
“This bill would encourage more people to get back to work and support their families,” Ford said. “Indiana hasn’t changed our TANF requirements since 1988. It’s important we make sure our requirements are updated so every Hoosier child is cared for and Indiana families are given the opportunity to be financially independent.”
Under the bill, the Indiana Division of Family Resources would be tasked with amending the state TANF plan, which would require approval from the federal government.
SB 440 will now move to the Indiana House of Representatives for consideration.
For more information on this legislation, visit iga.in.gov.
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A high-resolution photo of State Sen. Jon Ford is available by clicking here.
