Last Updated on January 17, 2024 by Lori Pace
Indiana is 29th for Poverty Rate with 14.6%. Indiana’s Poverty rate is the same as that of the nation, making it one of those states where poverty isn’t a major problem. Single mothers can get help from a number of programs designed for low-income families in Indiana.
Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)
WIC is a nutrition program that has been recognized nationally as an effective way to improve access to healthy foods, promote healthier eating habits, and encourage a healthier lifestyle. Indiana Woman, Infants, and Children Program:
- Screening and assessment of nutrition and health
- Nutrition Education and Counseling
- Breastfeeding Promotion and Support
- Referrals for other Indiana family and health services
- Healthy foods to supplement your diet when you have a special nutritional need
Indiana WIC Program serves 145,000 women and children on average each month via a network of 140 WIC Clinics located throughout the state. They are responsible for $105 million worth of food sales in more than 600 Indiana WIC-authorized grocery stores and pharmacies.
A health professional will perform a health assessment and determine if the applicant is “at nutritional risk”. A candidate must meet the “income eligibility” requirement. Families who receive Medicaid, Food Stamps, and TANF are eligible for Indiana WIC.
Childcare and Development Fund
The Child Care and Development Fund is a federally funded program that assists low-income families in obtaining childcare so they can work, go to training, or further their education. CCDF’s purpose is to increase childcare availability, affordability, and quality.
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning administers the CCDF. The CCDF State Plan outlines parameters at the state and local levels, including program outcomes, system development, and eligibility requirements. Contact your local intake agent to apply for the CCDF Voucher Program. Visit their website to search for childcare in Indiana. You will find all the information you need about the best place for your child.
Medicaid
Medicaid is available in Indiana, just like in the rest of the United States. You can apply on the Indiana Medicaid Website. You can find detailed information on eligibility, how to apply, providers, and other Medicaid-related topics.
Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP)
Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) is a health insurance program for adults who meet certain requirements. The State of Indiana offers the plan. The plan pays for members’ medical expenses and may even cover vision and dental care. Members are rewarded for improving their health. Healthy Indiana Plan is for Indiana residents from ages 19 to 64 who have a family income of less than 138 percent of federal poverty and are not eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or other categories.
Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) is Indiana’s plan to:
- Provide quality coverage choices for Hoosiers
- Add more substance abuse disorder treatment services to combat the opioid crisis
- Hoosiers’ health is improving
- Health coverage for low-income Hoosiers, and a provider network that is adequate for HIP and Medicaid.
- Participants will be empowered to make quality and cost-conscious decisions about their health care.
- Work to promote independence and create pathways for employment
- Make sure that HIP is fiscally viable
If you have any questions, or to find out if you may be eligible to participate in the Healthy Indiana Plan, please visit the website, or contact 877-GET-HIP 9 (877-438-4479).
Housing Choice Voucher Program
Indiana Housing Choice Voucher Program enables low-income single parents or single mothers and families with children to get help and afford the housing they choose on the housing market. This is done by reducing rent costs. This program allows you to select your home or apartment. The program allows people to purchase larger and higher-quality apartments.
The Housing Agency will provide your landlord with vouchers that cover a large portion of the rent. Single mothers will benefit from only paying a small portion of their total rent, typically between 30-40%.
Indiana Hoosier Healthwise (HHW)
Hoosier Healthwise provides health insurance for Indiana children under 19 years of age and pregnant women not covered by Medicaid. The program offers medical services like hospitalizations, surgery, mental health, dental, and prescription medicines at a low or no cost. Hoosier Healthwise offers two different benefits packages:
- Package A – For children and pregnant women. Cost sharing is not a requirement for the members.
- Package C – For Children enrolled in the CHIP. The family’s income determines the amount of the monthly premium and any co-payment for certain services.
Hoosier Healthwise offers CHIP to children from families earning up to 255% of the federal poverty line. Benefits are available to pregnant women who meet the guidelines for Indiana Medicaid.
Indiana On My Way Pre-K
On My Way PreK provides grants to 4-year-olds from low-income families to ensure that they have access to high-quality programs the year before entering kindergarten.
Families who are eligible may use their grant to attend any On My Way PreK-approved program in certain counties. Slots are limited and families are chosen in order of receipt. Families with incomes below 127% of the federal poverty level can apply online through the Government of Idianna website, or personally at their local intake agent.
Frank O’Bannon Grant Program
The Frank O’Bannon Grant program aims to give Indiana students in need access to postsecondary education. They award the grant on the basis of “need” and can reach a maximum amount of $9,200.
You must submit your FAFSA before April 15th of the previous academic year to the one you intend to enroll in. The Frank O’Bannon grant is subject to certain credit requirements.
Bottom Line: Help For Single Mothers In Indiana
There is an extensive variety to choose from when it comes to asking for assistance. The federal government and nonprofits work hard to support the community they are in, the best that they can. To learn more about other assistance offered to help single mothers in the state of Indiana, visit these articles:
