STATEHOUSE (May 24, 2021) – A bill breaking down barriers for young, low-income workers looking to obtain in-demand job skills is now law, according to State Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Logansport).
Currently, all money earned in a household is used to determine eligibility for Temporary Assistance For Needy Families benefits. TANF is a program that provides cash assistance and supportive services to families with children under age 18, helping them achieve economic self-sufficiency.
Starting in July, House Enrolled Act 1009 will allow a Hoosier who is 24 years old or younger and resides in a home receiving TANF, to earn up to $15,000 and not impact their family's TANF eligibility. Manning said this will incentivize students from low-income families to pursue a college degree or workforce certificate, or participate in a pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship program.
"Right now, earning extra income through an internship or apprenticeship can push a family's TANF eligibility requirements over the edge, causing them to lose their assistance altogether," Manning said. "The last thing anyone wants is for Hoosiers to worsen their financial situation as they work to gain valuable skills to launch their careers."
He said the law also increases the state's Earned Income Tax Credit to 10% at the start of 2022, which could put more than $11 million back into the hands of low-income working families each year.
To learn more about this new law, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Logansport) represents House District 23,
which includes portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
