Applying for Assistance

Understanding the process of getting assistance through FSSA can be helpful in getting what you need.

posted in: Resources

Everyone needs help sometimes, luckily there are many options for receiving support out there if you need it, whether it is short or long term. The State of Indiana offers assistance for those who need the support through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). FSSA offers services, including but not limited to financial and food assistance.

Applying for assistance can be confusing with all the different rules and standards in place. Understanding the process of getting assistance through FSSA can be helpful in getting what you need.

The first thing to do is know what assistance is out available through FSSA.

What assistance is available through FSSA?

  • SNAP (Food Assistance)
  • TANF (Cash Assistance)
  • Health Coverage

After looking at the options, it is important to find out if you are eligible for the different forms of support. You can find out if you’re eligible for assistance through FSSA with a screening tool on their portal. The portal allows you to fill out forms to see if you meet the requirements for the different types of assistance.  If you are eligible, you should make sure you have all the information necessary for the applications.

Make sure to provide as accurate and complete information as you can on your situation as possible when applying for assistance.

If you provide inaccurate or wrong information, you may be denied assistance or not receive as much as you need!

Common Application Information Requirements include:

  • Assets – Income and Possessions (Click here for specific household sizes)
  • Household Size
  • Employment Status
  • Age
  • Social Security Number
  • Citizenship/Immigration Status
  • Any Child Support information
  • Disability Status

These requirements will determine if you are eligible as well as how much assistance you are eligible for. Once you know if you are eligible for support you can apply directly on the FSSA portal online. The portal allows to you apply online or you can print and fill out the application. Once you’ve applied, you can check the status of your application or case on the portal itself!

The Indiana FSSA website if full of great information for this process and any other forms of support available. There are local offices available throughout Indiana that make it easy to get the support you need.
You can also take an assessment online of your needs to see what program would best fit your needs. This helps make sure you don’t miss out on assistance that you may not know is out there!

To fill out the assessment click here: https://secure.in.gov/apps/fssa/providersearch/home

Don’t be afraid to get the assistance you need, there are many resources out there to help you get the support you need both from the state and from the financial coaches here at Mary Rigg!

 

 

Some helpful FSSA resources:  

Andrea DeCamp