$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
Indiana Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in Indiana
SSDI in Indiana - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in Indiana - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI is a benefit you already paid for through Social Security taxes on every paycheck. If a medical condition now keeps you from working, you may be owed a monthly payment based on your work history, not the severity of your condition.
AVERAGE MONTHLY PAYMENT
$1,630
What the average disabled worker receives each month in 2026
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
HOW OFTEN CLAIMS ARE DENIED
2 in 3
Denied claims have averaged 67 percent of disability applications, which is why getting the application right matters
SSA Annual Statistical Report, 2021
YOU CAN STILL WORK
$1,690/mo
The most you can earn from a job in 2026 and still qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers age 31 and older typically need to have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years and paid Social Security taxes
- People with a condition expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal
- The condition prevents substantial work, defined by the SSA's annual earnings limit (higher for people who are blind)
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. We handle the entire process for you, from the paperwork to every appeal. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does SSDI approval lead to other benefits in Indiana?
Yes. After 24 months on SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare regardless of age. Many Hoosiers with lower SSDI payments also qualify for the Healthy Indiana Plan or other Indiana Medicaid coverage in the meantime.
How long does SSDI take in Indiana?
Indiana processes initial claims through its state Disability Determination Bureau. An initial decision typically takes several months, with appeals taking a year or more if needed. The earlier you apply, the more back pay you may receive.
Can I work while applying?
Yes, as long as you stay under the SSA's monthly limit for substantial gainful activity, which is $1,690 in 2026. Going over that signals to the SSA that you're able to do substantial work.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SSI in Indiana - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI in Indiana - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI is monthly cash for people who are struggling to get by. You can qualify if you're disabled, blind, or 65 or older, and have very little income and few assets. Unlike SSDI, you don't need a work history, it's based on need. In Indiana, getting approved for SSI also automatically enrolls you in Medicaid.
MONTHLY MAXIMUM
$994
The federal SSI payment for one person in 2026. Indiana does not add a general state supplement
SSA, 2026
SAVINGS YOU CAN KEEP
$2,000
The federal SSI resource limit for an individual. Your home and one car never count
SSA, 2026
WHO CAN QUALIFY
No work history
SSI is based on need, not your work record. People 65+, blind, or disabled can qualify
SSA
Who qualifies
- People who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older
- Those with very limited income
- Limited resources, with your home and one car not counting against the limit
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. SSI applications involve detailed financial records that trip people up, and one mistake can delay your case. We handle all of it for you. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get Medicaid with SSI in Indiana?
Yes. Indiana is a "1634 state," which means SSI approval automatically enrolls you in Indiana Medicaid. No separate application is needed.
Does Indiana add to my SSI payment?
Generally no. Indiana does not pay a general state supplement, so most recipients get only the federal amount. A state supplement exists only for adults who need care in certain licensed residential facilities.
Can I receive both SSI and SSDI?
Sometimes. If your SSDI payment is low enough, SSI can fill the gap up to the federal rate. This is called concurrent benefits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Veterans Benefits in Indiana
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
Veterans Benefits in Indiana
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
VA disability is tax-free monthly pay you earned through your service. If you have an injury or condition connected to your military service, you may be owed compensation every month. The VA assigns a rating from 0 to 100 percent that sets your payment, and many veterans are rated too low or denied at first.
MONTHLY PAY AT 100%
$3,938
What a veteran rated 100% with no dependents receives each month in 2026, tax-free
VA.gov, 2026
TAXES YOU OWE ON IT
$0
VA disability pay is never counted as taxable income by the IRS
IRS
ADDED BY THE PACT ACT
20+ conditions
New toxic-exposure conditions the VA now presumes are service connected
VA.gov
Who qualifies
- Veterans who served on active duty or qualifying training (Guard and Reserve can count)
- Those with a current condition connected to their service
- Those discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
How to apply
The fastest way to get what you're owed is through Turnout. Our VA advocates build your claim from the start, catch rating errors, and fight back if the VA gets it wrong. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
How does the VA disability rating work?
The VA rates you from 0 to 100 percent based on how much your condition affects you. That rating sets your monthly payment. If you have more than one condition, they are combined, not simply added.
Does Indiana offer any extra benefits for disabled veterans?
Yes. Indiana waives tuition and regular fees at state public colleges for children of qualifying disabled veterans, and offers property tax relief for veterans with service-connected disabilities. The property tax rules changed in 2026, so check with your county auditor or the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs for the current credit or exemption you qualify for.
Can I get VA disability and Social Security at the same time?
Yes. They are separate programs with separate rules, so receiving VA disability does not reduce your SSDI.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Healthcare Advocacy in Indiana
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare Advocacy in Indiana
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare advocacy is one-on-one help getting the most out of your Medicare. Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and for some younger people on disability, and most plans cover more than people realize. A Turnout advocate works with you to understand your coverage, find the right specialists, manage your prescriptions, and cut your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there is no cost to you.
WHERE TURNOUT HELPS
All 50 states
Turnout's healthcare advocates work with people in every U.S. state
Turnout, 2026
WHAT IT COSTS YOU
$0
Your insurance pays for the advocacy, so there's nothing out of pocket for you
Turnout, 2026
ONE-ON-ONE TIME
Up to 6 hours a month
Free monthly sessions with your own dedicated advocate
Turnout, 2026
Who qualifies
- Anyone with Medicare, including Part B, or approaching eligibility at 65
- People who want help using their coverage, finding care, or cutting costs
- And more, including those reviewing or switching plans
How to apply
The fastest way to get the most from your Medicare is through Turnout. We pair you with a healthcare advocate who helps you understand your coverage, find specialists, manage prescriptions, and lower your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there's no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What does a healthcare advocate do for you in Indiana?
A healthcare advocate helps you understand and use your coverage, from finding specialists to managing prescriptions to lowering what you pay. With Turnout, the advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you.
What's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare is federal health insurance based mainly on age or disability, not income. Medicaid, which includes the Healthy Indiana Plan, is based on income. Some people qualify for both, which covers nearly all of their health costs.
What's the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is the federal program directly. Medicare Advantage bundles everything through a private insurer and often includes dental, vision, and extras. Turnout can help you compare the right option for your situation.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Education Advocacy in Indiana
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education Advocacy in Indiana
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education advocacy is one-on-one help getting your child the school support they're entitled to. Under federal law, a child with a disability has the right to an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, a plan the school must follow and pay for. In Indiana, that plan is written by a case conference committee, and evaluations get delayed and support gets watered down more often than families realize. A Turnout education advocate prepares with you, joins your meetings, reviews the plan, and pushes for everything the law requires.
CONDITIONS THAT QUALIFY
13 categories
From autism to dyslexia to ADHD, federal law covers a wide range
IDEA / U.S. Dept. of Ed
EVALUATION DEADLINE
50 school days
Indiana schools must finish the initial evaluation and hold the eligibility meeting within 50 instructional days of your written consent
Indiana Article 7 (511 IAC 7-40-5), 2024
AN IEP IS
Legally binding
The school must deliver every service written in the plan, by law
IDEA
Who qualifies
- Children ages 3 to 21 enrolled in Indiana public schools
- Have a qualifying disability under IDEA, including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, speech delays, emotional disturbance, and more
- A disability that affects their ability to learn
How to apply
The fastest way to get your child the help they need is through Turnout. Our education advocates prepare with you, join your IEP meetings, and push the school for every service your child is entitled to. Reach out to get started.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services for a child with a disability. A 504 plan provides accommodations, like extra time or seating changes, but not specialized instruction. A child who needs more than accommodations usually needs an IEP.
How fast does the school have to evaluate my child in Indiana?
Indiana's special education rules, called Article 7, require the school to complete the initial evaluation and convene the case conference committee within 50 instructional days of receiving your written consent. After you first request an evaluation, the school has 10 instructional days to respond in writing.
What is a case conference committee?
It's Indiana's name for the IEP team. The committee includes you, your child's teachers, and school staff, and it decides eligibility and writes the IEP. You have the right to bring an advocate with you.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Medicaid in Indiana (Healthy Indiana Plan)
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Hoosiers, including most low-income adults.
Medicaid in Indiana (Healthy Indiana Plan)
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Hoosiers, including most low-income adults.
Indiana Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and more for those who qualify. Indiana expanded Medicaid, so most adults ages 19 to 64 with low income can get coverage through the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP), while children and pregnant women are covered through Hoosier Healthwise. HIP works a little differently than Medicaid elsewhere: most members make a small monthly contribution to a POWER account to unlock the fuller HIP Plus benefits with dental and vision.
ADULT INCOME LIMIT
$22,026/yr
A single adult can earn up to this much in 2026 and qualify for HIP; the limit is $45,546 for a family of four
Indiana FSSA / HIP, 2026
MONTHLY COST (HIP PLUS)
~2% of income
POWER account contributions run about 2 percent of household income, as little as $1 a month at the lowest incomes
healthinsurance.org / Indiana HIP waiver, 2026
WORK RULES BEGIN
Jan 1, 2027
Most HIP members ages 19-64 will need to work, study, or volunteer 80 hours a month (or earn at least $580/mo) to stay covered, with exemptions
Indiana FSSA via Indiana Capital Chronicle, 2026
Who qualifies
- Adults 19 to 64 earning up to about $22,026 a year for one person (138% of the federal poverty level) through HIP
- Children and pregnant women at higher income levels through Hoosier Healthwise, with 12 months of postpartum coverage
- Adults 65 and older, blind, or with a qualifying disability
- SSI recipients are automatically enrolled
How to apply
Apply online through the FSSA Benefits Portal at fssabenefits.in.gov, call 800-403-0864, or visit your local Division of Family Resources office. Have proof of income, identity, and Indiana residency ready. One application screens you for HIP, Hoosier Healthwise, SNAP, and TANF at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medicaid called something different in Indiana?
Yes, mostly. Indiana brands its Medicaid coverage by group: the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) for adults 19-64, Hoosier Healthwise for children and pregnant women, and other programs for seniors and people with disabilities. They are all the same federal Medicaid program underneath.
What is a POWER account and what happens if I miss a payment?
A POWER account is a small health account most HIP members pay into each month, about 2 percent of income. Paying it keeps you in HIP Plus, which includes dental and vision with no copays. Missing payments can drop you to HIP Basic, which has copays and fewer benefits.
Will I have to work to keep HIP?
Starting January 1, 2027, most able-bodied HIP members ages 19-64 must work, attend school at least half-time, or volunteer 80 hours a month, or earn at least $580 a month. Exemptions include pregnancy, caregiving, and medical frailty, and the state checks compliance quarterly.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SNAP in Indiana
Monthly grocery benefits on a Hoosier Works card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP in Indiana
Monthly grocery benefits on a Hoosier Works card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP is a federal program that helps qualifying Indiana households buy groceries. Benefits are loaded each month onto a Hoosier Works EBT card and can be used at most grocery stores, supercenters, and many farmers markets. The program is run by the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) through its Division of Family Resources (DFR).
MAX BENEFIT (FAMILY OF 4)
$994/mo
Federal maximum SNAP allotment for a family of four in FY2026
USDA, FY2026
SAVINGS YOU CAN KEEP
$5,000
Indiana's SNAP asset limit for most households; your home, belongings, and life insurance never count
Indiana FSSA DFR, 2026
HOW FAST APPROVAL HAPPENS
7 days
Expedited benefits for households with very low income or urgent need; standard processing up to 30 days
USDA / Indiana FSSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Households with gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level (households with an elderly or disabled member skip the gross income test)
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Indiana
- Most able-bodied adults must meet work or job-training requirements through IMPACT unless exempt
- Countable assets of $5,000 or less for most households
How to apply
Apply online through the FSSA Benefits Portal at fssabenefits.in.gov, or in person at your local DFR office. An interview is required, but it can be done by phone. Standard processing takes up to 30 days, with expedited benefits within 7 days for urgent need, and the same application screens you for TANF and Medicaid.
Frequently asked questions
I work full-time. Can I still qualify for SNAP in Indiana?
Yes. Many working households qualify once deductions for rent, utilities, child care, and child support are applied. Income alone does not tell the full story.
How long does SNAP approval take in Indiana?
Up to 30 days for a standard decision. If your household has very low income and limited cash on hand, you may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days.
Does Indiana have a SNAP asset test?
Yes. Unlike many states, Indiana counts resources, with a limit of $5,000 for most households. Your home, household goods, personal belongings, and life insurance do not count.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Indiana
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Indiana
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, helps pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 eat well. It provides monthly benefits for healthy groceries on an eWIC card, plus breastfeeding support and nutrition help. Many working families qualify, and being on Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF automatically meets the income test.
HOOSIERS WIC REACHES
153,000/mo
Women, infants, and children served each month through 174 WIC clinics across all 92 Indiana counties
Indiana Department of Health, 2026
ON MEDICAID OR SNAP?
Auto-eligible
Being on Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF automatically meets WIC's income test in Indiana
Indiana Department of Health, 2026
WHO IT'S FOR
Through age 5
Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5
USDA
Who qualifies
- Pregnant women, new mothers, and caregivers of infants and children under age 5, including fathers, grandparents, and foster parents
- Households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level (a pregnant woman counts as two)
- Families already receiving Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF are automatically income-eligible
- Indiana residents at nutritional risk, determined at a free screening
How to apply
Call 1-800-522-0874 or contact your local WIC clinic to schedule an appointment; there are clinics in all 92 counties. Bring ID for each person applying, proof of Indiana residency, and proof of income or proof of Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF enrollment. If approved, you receive your Indiana eWIC card, and the INWIC app helps you track benefits and scan items in the store.
Frequently asked questions
What can you buy with WIC?
Healthy basics like milk, eggs, cereal, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and infant formula and baby food. The INWIC app lets you scan any item in the store to check if it's WIC-approved.
Can I get WIC if I have a job?
Yes. Many working families qualify. WIC's income limits are higher than people expect, and being on Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF qualifies you automatically.
Does WIC cover baby formula?
Yes. WIC provides infant formula for babies who need it, and it also supports breastfeeding with counseling and ongoing help.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
LIHEAP in Indiana (Energy Assistance Program)
Assistance that helps cover your heating and electric bills and protects against winter shutoffs.
LIHEAP in Indiana (Energy Assistance Program)
Assistance that helps cover your heating and electric bills and protects against winter shutoffs.
Indiana's Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is the state's version of LIHEAP. It provides a one-time annual benefit, paid directly to your utility company, to help with heating and electric bills. The program is federally funded and run by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) through local service providers. Applying also triggers a powerful protection: eligible applicants cannot be disconnected from December 1 through March 15.
INCOME LIMIT
60% SMI
Households at or below 60 percent of state median income can qualify, based on the most recent three months of income
IHCDA, FY2026
HEATING HELP
Up to $625
The FY2026 heating benefit ranges from $100 to $625, with winter crisis help up to $800 more for shutoffs
LIHEAP Clearinghouse (HHS), FY2026
SHUTOFF PROTECTION
Dec 1 - Mar 15
Indiana law bars regulated utilities from disconnecting eligible EAP applicants during the winter moratorium
IHCDA / IC 8-1-2-121, 2026
Who qualifies
- Indiana households with income at or below 60% of the state median income
- Renters and homeowners paying energy bills, including those with utilities included in rent
- Households facing disconnection or already shut off can get crisis help within 48 hours
How to apply
Apply through your local service provider (a community action agency), online or on paper, during the season that runs October 1 through April 20. Bring a current utility bill, photo ID, proof of the last three months of income, and any disconnection notice. Benefits are credited to your utility account, not paid to you as cash, and funds run out, so apply early.
Frequently asked questions
Is LIHEAP called something different in Indiana?
Yes. Indiana calls it the Energy Assistance Program, or EAP. It's the same federal LIHEAP program, run in Indiana by IHCDA through local service providers.
What if I already got a disconnection notice?
Apply right away and tell your utility you have applied. Once you apply and are eligible, Indiana law protects you from disconnection from December 1 through March 15, and crisis cases get a mitigating action within 48 hours.
How is the benefit paid? Do I receive a check?
No. EAP payments go directly to your utility company and are credited to your account, reducing what you owe or preventing a shutoff. You will not receive cash.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
ACA Subsidies in Indiana
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying Indiana residents.
ACA Subsidies in Indiana
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying Indiana residents.
ACA subsidies are federal tax credits that reduce the monthly cost of a health insurance plan bought through HealthCare.gov, the federal marketplace. Indiana uses the federal marketplace rather than running its own. Because Indiana expanded Medicaid through the Healthy Indiana Plan, adults below the HIP income limit are sent to HIP instead, and the marketplace picks up from there.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
300K+
Hoosiers picked a marketplace plan for 2026 coverage (approximate)
CMS via healthinsurance.org, 2026 (approx.)
MOST STILL GET HELP
Nearly 9 in 10
About 87 percent of marketplace enrollees nationwide received a premium tax credit for 2026, even after the enhanced credits expired
CMS via healthinsurance.org, 2026
WHEN TO ENROLL
Nov 1 - Jan 15
Open enrollment for 2027 coverage. Special enrollment available year-round for qualifying life events
HealthCare.gov / Indiana DOI, 2026
Who qualifies
- Hoosiers without affordable employer coverage available
- Households earning above the Healthy Indiana Plan limit (about 138% of the federal poverty level for adults)
- Those not eligible for Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Indiana
How to apply
Apply online at HealthCare.gov. Enter household income, family size, and ZIP code to see your subsidy estimate and available plans, then compare by premium, deductible, and network. Enroll during open enrollment (Nov 1 to Jan 15) or after a qualifying life event like job loss, marriage, or the birth of a child. Free help from certified Indiana Navigators is available.
Frequently asked questions
What if I missed open enrollment?
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you lost coverage, got married, had a baby, or had another qualifying life event. You have 60 days from the event.
What if my income is too low for ACA subsidies?
Apply anyway. HealthCare.gov screens you for the Healthy Indiana Plan and Hoosier Healthwise. Because Indiana expanded Medicaid, there is no coverage gap: adults below the marketplace subsidy range can get HIP instead.
Why did my premium go up for 2026?
The enhanced federal subsidies from 2021-2025 expired at the end of 2025, so many people pay more even though most enrollees still receive a premium tax credit. Compare plans each year, since switching plans can offset much of the increase.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
TANF in Indiana (Cash Assistance)
Monthly cash and job-training support for families with children.
TANF in Indiana (Cash Assistance)
Monthly cash and job-training support for families with children.
TANF is Indiana's cash assistance program for families with children under 18 who have very little income. The cash is loaded onto a Hoosier Works EBT card and can be used for basic needs like rent, utilities, and transportation. The program is run by the FSSA Division of Family Resources and comes with a job-search requirement through IMPACT, Indiana's employment and training program.
MAXIMUM MONTHLY BENEFIT
$513
The maximum cash payment for a family of three with no countable income. (This is the benefit paid, separate from the income eligibility limit.)
Indiana FSSA DFR payment chart, 2026
INCOME ELIGIBILITY LIMIT
35% FPL
The gross income limit is 35 percent of the federal poverty level, about $778 a month for a family of three, one of the strictest tests in the country
Indiana FSSA DFR, 2026
HOW FAST A DECISION COMES
Within 60 days
DFR must decide your application within 60 days of the date you apply
Indiana FSSA DFR, 2026
Who qualifies
- Indiana residents responsible for a child under 18, including grandparents and other relative caregivers
- Households with very low income (gross income under 35 percent of the federal poverty level)
- Countable assets of $1,000 or less when you apply, with your home exempt
- Adults must complete applicant job search through IMPACT, including 6 employer contacts
How to apply
Apply online through the FSSA Benefits Portal at fssabenefits.in.gov, or in person at your county DFR office. Adults must complete Applicant Job Search Orientation and 6 employer contacts (3 of them applications) through IMPACT before approval. A decision comes within 60 days, and the same application screens you for SNAP and Medicaid.
Frequently asked questions
How much does TANF pay in Indiana?
Up to $513 a month for a family of three with no countable income, after Indiana raised its payment standards for the first time in decades. Your payment shrinks as your countable income rises.
How long can I receive TANF in Indiana?
Indiana limits cash assistance for adults to 24 months in a lifetime, stricter than the federal 60-month cap, while children can continue receiving assistance longer. That is why many Indiana cases are child-only.
Can I receive TANF and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. TANF families generally qualify for SNAP too, and if everyone in your household receives TANF or SSI, the SNAP income limits do not apply. Applying at the FSSA Benefits Portal screens you for both.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
EITC in Indiana (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
EITC in Indiana (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, is a tax break for people who work but earn low to moderate income. It is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no tax. The amount depends on your income and family size, and you have to file a tax return to claim it. Indiana adds its own state EITC on top, worth 10 percent of your federal credit.
FEDERAL CREDIT UP TO
$8,231
The 2026 maximum for workers with three or more children, with smaller credits for fewer or no kids
IRS, 2026
INDIANA ADDS
10% more
Indiana's state EITC is 10 percent of your federal credit, claimed on Schedule IN-EIC, and it's refundable too
Indiana DOR Schedule IN-EIC, TY2025
OWE NO TAX?
Still get cash back
Both the federal and Indiana credits are refundable, so you receive the money even if you owe nothing
IRS / Indiana DOR
Who qualifies
- Workers with earned income from a job or self-employment
- Income within the federal limits for filing status and number of children
- Valid Social Security numbers for the worker, spouse, and any children
- And more, including limits on investment income
How to apply
You claim the EITC by filing a federal tax return, even if you don't normally have to file, then claim Indiana's 10 percent match by attaching Schedule IN-EIC to your Indiana IT-40. Free filing help is available through IRS-certified VITA volunteers across the state.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get EITC without kids?
No kids needed. Workers without children can still qualify for a smaller credit, and having children increases the amount.
Does Indiana have its own state EITC?
Yes. Indiana's earned income credit is 10 percent of your federal EITC and is refundable. You claim it on Schedule IN-EIC when you file your Indiana return, so make sure you claim the federal credit first.
Will getting EITC affect my other benefits?
Generally no. EITC refunds aren't counted as income for programs like SNAP or Medicaid, and there are protections so a refund doesn't immediately count against asset limits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Tax Credit in Indiana
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
Child Tax Credit in Indiana
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
The Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, available to Indiana families when they file their federal tax return. Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, meaning lower-income families can receive it as a direct payment even when they owe no federal tax. Indiana does not have a separate state child tax credit, so the federal credit is what applies.
WHO IT'S FOR
Kids under 17
A federal tax credit for each qualifying child under 17 living at home
IRS
OWE LITTLE OR NO TAX?
Some comes back
Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal income tax
IRS, 2026
WHO QUALIFIES
Most families
Most families with children qualify; the credit only phases out at higher incomes
IRS
Who qualifies
- Families with a qualifying child under 17 with a valid Social Security number
- Part of the credit comes back as a refund for families with at least $2,500 in earned income
- Full credit for incomes up to $200,000, or $400,000 for married couples
How to apply
You claim the Child Tax Credit when you file a federal tax return. You can claim it even if you don't normally file. Tax software and free filing help will walk you through it and fill in the right forms (Schedule 8812) for you.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need a Social Security number?
Yes. You, your spouse if filing jointly, and each qualifying child must have a valid Social Security number issued before the return due date.
What is the Additional Child Tax Credit?
The Additional Child Tax Credit is the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit. For 2026, up to $1,700 per child is refundable. You need at least $2,500 in earned income to qualify and claim it on Schedule 8812.
Does Indiana have a state Child Tax Credit?
No. Indiana does not have a state-level Child Tax Credit, though it does offer other family credits like a state adoption credit. The federal Child Tax Credit is fully available to Indiana residents.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Care Assistance in Indiana (CCDF Vouchers)
Child care vouchers for working Indiana families, with a statewide waitlist for new applicants.
Child Care Assistance in Indiana (CCDF Vouchers)
Child care vouchers for working Indiana families, with a statewide waitlist for new applicants.
Indiana's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program helps low-income families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or train for a job. It is run by the FSSA Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning, and vouchers pay providers directly while families pay a co-pay based on income. New applicants currently go on a statewide waitlist, so the most important step is to apply early.
INCOME LIMIT TO ENTER
135% FPL
A family's gross monthly income must be at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty level to start receiving a voucher
Indiana FSSA Carefinder, 2026
WAITLIST STATUS
Statewide, active
New applicants are placed on a statewide waitlist and must reconfirm their information every 90 days to keep their spot
Indiana FSSA Carefinder, 2026
RELIEF COMING
~14,000 kids
New state funding approved in April 2026 is expected to move roughly 14,000 of the 35,000 waitlisted children into vouchers starting in late May 2026
WFYI / Indiana State Budget Committee, 2026
Who qualifies
- Indiana families with a child under 13 (older for children with special needs)
- Parents who are working, in school, or in job training (job searching alone no longer qualifies)
- Households with gross income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level when they enter the program
- Priority for On My Way Pre-K applicants, families below 100% FPL, and children of child care workers
How to apply
Apply online through Early Ed Connect, the FSSA child care application, which lets you apply for multiple children and upload documents from your phone. You will need proof of income, identity, and your work or school schedule. New applications go on the statewide waitlist, and your spot starts the day you apply, so apply as soon as you know you need care.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I'm on the waitlist?
You keep your place in line as long as you reconfirm your contact information, employment, and income every 90 days. Priority groups like On My Way Pre-K applicants and families below the poverty level enroll first, and everyone else is served first come, first served as funding allows.
Can I choose my own child care provider?
Yes. You can use your voucher with any CCDF-eligible provider, including licensed centers, homes, and ministries. Call 1-800-299-1627 for free help finding one.
What if I lose my job while on a voucher?
Under the rules tightened in 2025, job searching alone is no longer a qualifying activity, so losing your work or school activity can end your voucher. Report changes quickly and ask your eligibility office about your options before your subsidy period ends.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
