Indiana Benefits: SNAP, Medicaid and HIP, Heating Help, and More, With Official Income Limits

Key facts

1Who may qualify for SNAP in Indiana?

SNAP helps Hoosiers with low incomes buy food. DFR's income page lists a gross and a net monthly income limit by household size; for 1 person the official limits are $1,729 gross and $1,330 net a month. (Indiana FSSA, SNAP income) USDA says its SNAP income figures apply "for Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027." (USDA FNA, SNAP Eligibility)

For every household size, deductions, and work rules, see our Indiana SNAP income limits guide.

To apply or ask about a case, DFR says to contact the DFR office in your county "or call 800-403-0864." (Indiana FSSA, SNAP) If you have very little money this month, ask about faster help: see emergency food stamps. To keep SNAP once you have it, see SNAP recertification in Indiana.

2Who may qualify for Indiana Medicaid and HIP?

The Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) covers most adults 19 to 64. FSSA's HIP income chart "is based on the 2026 Federal Poverty Level" and lists $1,835.50 a month for 1 person and $3,795.50 for a family of 4 as the HIP Plus income limits (official limits). (Indiana FSSA, HIP income chart) Children, pregnant people, and people who are aged, blind, or disabled use other Indiana Medicaid programs with different limits.

For limits by group and household size, see our Indiana Medicaid income limits guide.

Health coverage applications are processed by DFR. "You can apply in person, online, by mail, or by phone," and "it can take up to 90 days to determine if you are eligible" once your application is complete. To apply by phone, call DFR at 1-800-403-0864. (Indiana Medicaid, Apply for Coverage) Coverage has renewals; see Medicaid renewal in Indiana.

3What are the HIP work requirements starting January 1, 2027?

FSSA says: "Beginning January 1, 2027, Indiana Medicaid will begin enforcing work requirements for new applicants and existing Medicaid members eligible under the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP)." Requirements begin for new applicants and renewals started on or after that date, and "For applicants in January, this means that requirements must be fulfilled for October, November, and December." (Indiana FSSA, HIP Work Requirements)

You can meet the rule "by working/volunteering/training for 80 hours, earning enough money, or being in school at least half time." (Indiana FSSA, HIP Work Requirements) FSSA's member FAQ says income of $580 a month or more meets the requirement in place of the 80 hours (official threshold), that "The state checks every three months," and that you renew HIP every six months. (Indiana FSSA, Information for HIP Members)

Exemptions, the medical frailty list, and what to do if you get a notice are in our full guide: Indiana HIP work requirements. For the national rule behind it, see Medicaid work requirements. This section reflects FSSA's pages as of November 3, 2026.

4How does Indiana's Energy Assistance Program help with heating bills?

IHCDA runs the Energy Assistance Program (EAP), Indiana's version of the federal LIHEAP program, with Local Service Providers in each county. "Indiana households that make 60% of the state median income (60 SMI) or less may qualify," and "Income eligibility is based on the most recent three months of income." (IHCDA, Energy Assistance Program)

For every household size and how the benefit works, see our Indiana Energy Assistance Program guide.

The Program Year 2027 application "opens October 1, 2026, at 8:00 AM EST, and closes April 30, 2027, at 5:00 PM EST." You can apply online through the LITT portal, by mail, or in person; for a paper form or an in-person visit, contact your Local Service Provider. (IHCDA, Energy Assistance Program) If heat is included in your rent, see heat included in rent; for repairs that cut energy use, see weatherization in Indiana.

5Can Indiana help pay your Medicare costs?

Yes. Indiana's Medicare Savings Programs, called Medicare Buy-In, use limits above the federal floor. FSSA's policy manual sets the QMB standard at 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, $1,995 a month for 1 person, "effective March 1, 2026" (official net income standard). (Indiana FSSA, IHCPPM Chapter 3000)

For QMB, SLMB, and QI limits, the resource limit, and how to apply, see our Medicare Savings Programs guide. For help with drug costs, see Medicare Extra Help.

6What other help is there in Indiana?

Cash help for families (TANF). Indiana TANF "provides cash assistance and supportive services to assist families with children under age 18." FSSA says "The gross income limit is 35% of the federal poverty level," and lists a gross income standard of $457 a month for an assistance group of 1 (official limit). You can apply online through the FSSA Benefits Portal or at a local DFR office. (Indiana FSSA, About TANF)

Child care (CCDF). CCDF "is a federal program that helps low-income families pay for child care so parents can work, go to school, or attend training." In Indiana, "A family's gross monthly income before taxes and deductions must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty level," and the child must be under 13, or older with documented special needs until their 19th birthday. (Indiana FSSA, Child Care Assistance) FSSA "has re-implemented a waitlist for new applicants," with priority for On My Way Pre-K applicants, families below 100 percent of the poverty level, and children of child care workers. You apply through Early Ed Connect. (Indiana FSSA, Child Care Assistance)

FSSA publishes a separate, higher limit to stay on the program once you are enrolled. (Indiana FSSA, Income Eligibility (to stay on)) Families on the waitlist "will be asked to confirm their contact information, employment status, and income every 90 days to remain eligible." (Indiana FSSA, Child Care Assistance)

7How do you apply, and what does it cost?

1. Food, cash, and health coverage: apply online through the FSSA Benefits Portal, at your county DFR office, or by phone at 1-800-403-0864. (Indiana Medicaid, Apply for Coverage) (Indiana FSSA, About TANF)
2. Heating help: apply through the LITT portal or with your Local Service Provider between October 1, 2026, and April 30, 2027. (IHCDA, Energy Assistance Program)
3. Child care: apply through Early Ed Connect; new applicants go on the waitlist. (Indiana FSSA, Child Care Assistance)
4. Medicare Buy-In: apply through DFR, the same office that handles health coverage. (Indiana Medicaid, Apply for Coverage)
5. Get help if you want it: FSSA describes trained helpers who "are trained and available to assist members of the public with completing Indiana Health Coverage Program applications." (Indiana FSSA, Information for HIP Members)

You submit each application yourself on the official site. Benefit Bull is free, always. Benefit Bull never files for you.