Indiana offers a wide range of government benefits and public assistance programs for low-income individuals, families, children, older adults, people with disabilities, and residents who are temporarily unemployed or facing financial hardship.
Most major benefit programs are administered by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), while other programs are handled by agencies such as the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA), Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD), and Indiana Department of Health.
Below is a practical guide based on official Indiana government information.
1. Indiana SNAP Food Assistance
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps eligible low-income households purchase food. In Indiana, SNAP benefits are administered by FSSA’s Division of Family Resources (DFR) and are provided through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.
Eligibility depends on factors such as household income, household size, residency, and other program requirements. Indiana also has income and resource rules for SNAP applicants.
How to apply
You can apply through the official Indiana FSSA Benefits Portal. You can also apply through a local DFR office if you do not have internet access.
2. TANF Cash Assistance
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides cash assistance and supportive services to qualifying families with children.
Indiana’s TANF program is designed to help families with children under 18 move toward economic self-sufficiency. Eligibility is based on household circumstances and income.
TANF may help eligible families with basic expenses while they work toward greater financial independence.
How to apply
TANF applications can be made through the Indiana FSSA Benefits Portal or through a local DFR office.
3. Indiana Medicaid
Indiana Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families. Indiana has several Medicaid-related programs serving different groups, including children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities.
Indiana’s Medicaid eligibility rules vary by program, household circumstances, income, age, disability status, and other factors.
Applications can be submitted online, by mail, by phone, or in person at a DFR office.
Indiana Medicaid official website
Indiana Medicaid eligibility guide
4. Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP)
The Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) is Indiana’s health coverage program for eligible adults ages 19–64 who meet the program’s requirements.
HIP has different coverage levels, including HIP Plus and HIP Basic. HIP Plus can include benefits such as vision, dental and chiropractic services, while HIP Basic has different cost-sharing and coverage rules.
The income limits and eligibility requirements can change, so applicants should check the current official Indiana Medicaid information before applying.
5. Hoosier Healthwise
Hoosier Healthwise is an Indiana Medicaid program that provides health coverage to eligible children, pregnant women and families.
Coverage can include doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions and other health services, depending on the individual’s eligibility category and plan.
Applications for Indiana health coverage can be made through the FSSA Benefits Portal.
Indiana Medicaid and health coverage
6. WIC — Women, Infants and Children
The Indiana WIC Program provides nutrition assistance to eligible pregnant women, breastfeeding women, postpartum women, infants and children under age five.
WIC can provide:
- Supplemental nutritious foods
- Nutrition education
- Breastfeeding support
- Nutrition and health screening
- Referrals to health and social services
For 2026, Indiana publishes specific WIC income guidelines. Families already receiving Medicaid, SNAP or TANF may be income-eligible for WIC.
Indiana WIC eligibility requirements
7. Child Care Assistance — CCDF
The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) helps eligible low-income families pay for child care so parents can work, attend school or participate in training.
Indiana says eligible families generally must meet income requirements, have a qualifying service need and use an eligible child-care provider. Children generally must be under age 13, with certain exceptions for children with special needs.
Important 2026 update
Indiana currently has a waitlist for new CCDF applicants. Priority is given to certain groups, including On My Way Pre-K applicants, families below 100% of the federal poverty level and children of child-care workers.
Applications are handled through Early Ed Connect.
8. On My Way Pre-K
On My Way Pre-K (OMWPK) helps eligible Indiana families access high-quality preschool for qualifying children.
It is administered through Indiana’s early childhood system along with other child-care assistance programs. New applicants may currently be subject to the state’s child-care assistance waitlist.
On My Way Pre-K and Child Care Assistance
9. Energy Assistance Program (EAP/LIHEAP)
Indiana’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps qualifying households with heating and electric costs.
The benefit is generally a one-time annual payment made directly to the utility provider. It can also help households facing utility disconnection.
2026 application status
Indiana’s 2025–2026 EAP application period closed on April 20, 2026. The state says the program is expected to reopen in fall 2026.
Eligibility is based on household income and other requirements. Indiana’s EAP is funded through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Indiana Energy Assistance Program
10. Housing Choice Voucher / Section 8
Low-income Indiana households may also qualify for Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8).
The program helps eligible households pay part of their rent. Housing Choice Vouchers are federally funded and administered through public housing agencies. Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) administers the program in many Indiana counties, along with local agencies.
Availability and waiting lists vary by location. Being eligible does not necessarily mean a household will immediately receive a voucher.
Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority
11. Unemployment Insurance
Indiana’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) program provides temporary payments to eligible workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own.
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development says unemployment claims must be filed through its Uplink online system. Claimants may also have work-search and other ongoing requirements.
Indiana Unemployment Insurance
12. IMPACT Employment and Training
IMPACT provides employment and training services to certain Indiana SNAP and TANF recipients.
Services can help participants develop job skills, find employment and work toward self-sufficiency.
For questions about IMPACT and DFR benefits, Indiana lists 800-403-0864 as the benefits information number.
13. Burial Assistance
Indiana FSSA also operates a Burial Assistance Program for qualifying individuals and families.
The program is listed among the services administered by the Division of Family Resources. Eligibility and the amount of assistance depend on program rules and the circumstances of the deceased person and responsible family members.
Indiana DFR Programs and Services
14. Indiana 211
Indiana 211 is a free information and referral service that can connect residents with local health and human-service resources.
It can be useful when you need help with:
- Food
- Housing
- Utility bills
- Emergency assistance
- Transportation
- Health services
- Child-care resources
- Local nonprofit programs
Indiana FSSA identifies Indiana 211 as a resource for connecting Hoosiers with services in their communities.
How to Apply for Indiana Government Benefits
For many major Indiana benefits, the easiest starting point is the FSSA Benefits Portal. It allows residents to screen for eligibility and apply for or manage SNAP, TANF and health coverage benefits.
Apply through the Indiana FSSA Benefits Portal
Depending on the program, you may need information such as:
- Names and dates of birth of household members
- Indiana residency information
- Household income
- Employment information
- Bank or financial information when required
- Rent or housing information
- Utility bills
- Child-care information
- Proof of eligibility for certain programs
The exact documents depend on the program.
Indiana Benefits Contact Information
For SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, Hoosier Healthwise and HIP-related benefits, Indiana’s DFR lists:
FSSA Benefits Information: 1-800-403-0864
Local DFR offices are generally open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time.
Find Indiana DFR contact information
Quick Guide to Indiana Assistance Programs
| Program | Main Help Provided | Who It May Help |
|---|---|---|
| SNAP | Food benefits | Eligible low-income households |
| TANF | Cash assistance | Qualifying families with children |
| Medicaid | Health coverage | Eligible low-income residents |
| HIP | Health coverage | Eligible adults 19–64 |
| Hoosier Healthwise | Health coverage | Eligible children and pregnant women |
| WIC | Food and nutrition support | Pregnant women, infants and young children |
| CCDF | Child-care assistance | Eligible working/studying families |
| On My Way Pre-K | Preschool assistance | Eligible young children |
| EAP/LIHEAP | Energy-bill assistance | Eligible low-income households |
| Housing Choice Voucher | Rental assistance | Eligible low-income households |
| Unemployment Insurance | Temporary income | Eligible unemployed workers |
| IMPACT | Employment/training | Certain SNAP/TANF recipients |
| Burial Assistance | Burial-related assistance | Qualifying households |
| Indiana 211 | Local resource referrals | Indiana residents needing assistance |
Final Thoughts
Indiana residents should check official eligibility rules before applying, because income limits, waiting lists, work requirements and program policies can change. The Indiana FSSA Benefits Portal is a good starting point for SNAP, TANF and health coverage, while other programs such as WIC, child-care assistance, energy assistance, housing and unemployment have separate application systems.
