Above and beyond helping families find child care, Indiana provides services that support families facing specific challenges.

What is TANF? Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides cash assistance and supportive services to assist families with children under age 18. The goal of TANF is to help families achieve economic self-sufficiency.

Who is eligible for TANF cash assistance? Children under 18 who are living with their parent(s) or relative such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, etc., who meet specific nonfinancial criteria and whose countable family monthly income meets the income guidelines.

What is SNAP? The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to individuals and families. It enables low- and no-income families to buy nutritious food through electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards.

Who is eligible for SNAP? To qualify for SNAP, people and families must meet certain non-financial and financial requirements. See if you’re eligible by using the state’s online screening tool.

What is WIC? Women, Infants and Children (WIC) improves access to nutritious foods. It also promotes healthier eating and lifestyles among low- and no-income families with children. WIC provides nutrition and health screening, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, links to other services and supplemental healthy foods to meet special nutrition needs.

Who is eligible for WIC? To qualify for WIC, mothers and children must meet specific age, pregnancy-related and/or income guidelines. See if you’re eligible by using the WIC pre-screening tool.

What is Hoosier Healthwise? In Indiana, families and individuals can apply for Hoosier Healthwise, a health insurance service funded by the federal Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) programs. Hoosier Healthwise serves a variety of populations, including some of the most vulnerable, such as children, pregnant women and people with disabilities.

Want to learn more about Hoosier Healthwise? The state offers a comprehensive website to explore Hoosier Healthwise, eligibility, providers and more. Visit it online to find out more.

What is EAP? The Low‑Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. LIHEAP assists low-income families with the high cost of home energy. Throughout Indiana, this program is known as the Energy Assistance Program (EAP). The program is managed by the local community action programs known as Local Service Provicers (LSPs).

How Do I Apply for EAP? Energy assistance is determined on income. Households may qualify if their income does not exceed 150 percent of federal poverty. Homeowners and renters, even renters with utilities included in rent, may be eligible.

What is CACFP? The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) s a federally funded program offered by the USDA and coordinated in our state through the Indiana Department of Education. Your child’s meals may be supported through CACFP payments at child care or after-school programs.

By providing support for nutritious meals and snacks to providers, CACFP seeks to improve the quality of programs and making them more affordable for families.