Last updated: September 30, 2026
If you live in Indiana and money is tight, help is available. Indiana benefits programs cover disability income, health coverage, food, energy bills, cash help, tax credits, child care, and school support. Most state programs run through the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), and its Benefits Portal is a good place to start.
Indiana benefits programs at a glance
Program | What it helps with | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
SSDI | Monthly income if a disability stops you from working | Social Security Administration (SSA), or with Turnout's help |
SSI | Monthly income for people with disabilities or 65 and older who have little income | SSA, or with Turnout's help |
VA Disability | Monthly payments for veterans with service-connected conditions | VA, via your County Veteran Service Officer |
Medicaid | Free or low-cost health coverage | FSSA Benefits Portal |
ACA Subsidies | Lower costs on private health insurance | HealthCare.gov |
Medicare / Healthcare Advocacy | Health coverage at 65 or with a disability, plus help using it | SSA, or with Turnout's help |
SNAP | Money for groceries on a Hoosier Works card | FSSA Benefits Portal |
WIC | Healthy food for pregnant women, infants, and young children | Local WIC clinic |
LIHEAP | Help paying heating and cooling bills | Local Energy Assistance provider |
TANF | Temporary cash help for families with children | FSSA Benefits Portal |
EITC | A tax credit for people who work and earn a modest income | IRS, when you file taxes |
Child Tax Credit | A tax credit for families raising children | IRS, when you file taxes |
Child Care Assistance (CCAP) | Help paying for child care while you work or study | Early Ed Connect |
IEP / Education Advocacy | Special education services for a child with a disability | Your child's school, or with Turnout's help |
Disability and income
SSDI
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays a monthly benefit to people who worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work because of a disability. In Indiana, you apply through the Social Security Administration (SSA), a federal agency. A state office called Disability Determination Services reviews your medical records and decides whether you meet SSA's definition of disability. You can apply on your own, or apply for SSDI with Turnout for one-on-one help gathering records and filing. Official resources: SSA disability benefits, SSA 2026 cost-of-living adjustment fact sheet, SSA disability determination process.
SSI
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays a monthly benefit to people with a disability, or people 65 and older, who have very little income and few resources. Unlike SSDI, it does not require a work history. SSA runs the program, and your payment can change based on where you live and who helps pay for food or housing. Many Hoosiers on SSI also get Medicaid through Hoosier Care Connect. Apply on your own, or apply for SSI with Turnout for one-on-one help. Official resources: SSA Supplemental Security Income, how living arrangements affect SSI, Indiana Medicaid Hoosier Care Connect.
VA Disability
VA Disability compensation is a monthly, tax-free payment for veterans with an illness or injury caused or worsened by military service. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) decides claims and sets rates. Indiana adds property tax deductions for disabled veterans and a Military Family Relief Fund, both through the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). Every county has a County Veteran Service Officer who can help you file with the VA at no cost. To begin, find your County Veteran Service Officer. Official resources: VA disability compensation rates, Indiana disabled veteran property tax benefits, Indiana Military Family Relief Fund.
Health coverage
Medicaid
Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage for people with limited income, funded by the state and federal government. In Indiana, FSSA's Division of Family Resources (DFR) handles applications. Adults ages 19 to 64 are usually covered through the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP), Indiana's Medicaid expansion. Children and pregnant women use Hoosier Healthwise, which includes the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). One application covers Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF. Start on the FSSA DFR Medicaid and health plans page, which explains how to apply online, by phone, or in person. Official resources: Healthy Indiana Plan, Medicaid.gov Indiana state profile.
ACA Subsidies
ACA subsidies are federal tax credits that lower the monthly cost of private health insurance bought through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace. Indiana has no marketplace of its own, so Hoosiers use HealthCare.gov. Help is based on your expected income for the coverage year and household size. Open enrollment starts each fall, and a life change like losing a job or having a baby can let you enroll at other times. The same application also checks for Medicaid or CHIP. Apply online at HealthCare.gov. Official resources: how to apply for Marketplace coverage, saving money on health insurance.
Medicare / Healthcare Advocacy
Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older and for younger people who have received disability benefits for a set time. You sign up through SSA. In Indiana, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), run by the Indiana Department of Insurance, offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Healthcare advocacy means having someone help you understand coverage, coordinate care, and appeal denied claims. If that sounds useful, get healthcare advocacy with Turnout for one-on-one support, which Medicare may cover. Official resources: Medicare.gov, SSA Medicare enrollment, Indiana SHIP Medicare counseling.
Food and nutrition
SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) gives you a monthly amount to buy groceries. In Indiana, DFR runs SNAP, and benefits go on a Hoosier Works card that works like a debit card at most grocery stores. Money is added monthly on a date based on the first letter of your last name. Apply online through the FSSA Benefits Portal, which also lets you upload documents and check your case, or apply by phone or at a DFR office. Official resources: FSSA DFR SNAP food assistance, USDA SNAP program.
WIC
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides healthy foods, nutrition advice, and breastfeeding support to pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5. In Indiana, the Department of Health runs WIC through local clinics statewide. Benefits go on an eWIC card, and a mobile app helps you shop. If you already get Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF, you automatically meet WIC's income rule. To start, visit the Indiana Department of Health page on how to apply for WIC and contact a clinic near you. Official resources: Indiana WIC program, USDA WIC program.
Home and cash help
LIHEAP
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay heating and cooling bills. In Indiana it is called the Energy Assistance Program (EAP), run by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) through local providers in every county. Applying also protects you: under state law, households that have applied for EAP cannot have their utility shut off from December 1 through March 15. Some utilities offer their own assistance programs too. Find your provider on the IHCDA Energy Assistance Program page, or dial 2-1-1 for help. Official resources: Indiana utility customer assistance programs.
TANF
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is monthly cash help for very low-income families with children under 18, along with services that support finding work. In Indiana, DFR runs TANF. Adult applicants usually must attend a job search orientation and contact a set number of employers before approval. DFR must decide most applications within 60 days. The same application covers SNAP and Medicaid. Apply online through the FSSA Benefits Portal, by phone, or at your local DFR office. Official resources: FSSA DFR about TANF, ACF Office of Family Assistance.
Tax credits
EITC
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit for people who work and earn a low to moderate income. It can lower the tax you owe and may bring a refund even if you owe nothing. Indiana also has its own earned income credit, claimed on your state return with Schedule IN-EIC if you claimed the federal credit. Many Hoosiers can file both returns for free. Learn the rules on the IRS Earned Income Tax Credit page. Official resources: IRS 2026 tax inflation adjustments, IRS Free File, Indiana Department of Revenue tax credits.
Child Tax Credit
The Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit for families raising a qualifying child, and part of it can be refunded even if you owe nothing. The child generally must be your child, stepchild, foster child, sibling, or a descendant of one of them, must have lived with you more than half the year, and must have a valid Social Security number. Indiana does not add a state child tax credit. You claim it on your federal return, and free filing options are available. Learn more on the IRS Child Tax Credit page. Official resources: IRS Free File.
Children and education
Child Care Assistance (CCAP)
Child care assistance helps families with limited income pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or train for a job. In Indiana, the program is funded by the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and run by FSSA's Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. New applicants currently go on a wait list, with priority for groups such as very low-income families and children of child care workers, so applying early is worth it. Apply online at Early Ed Connect. Official resources: FSSA child care assistance, ACF Office of Child Care.
IEP / Education Advocacy
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written plan giving a child with a disability free special education services under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In Indiana, the Department of Education oversees special education under rules known as Article 7. Services can begin at age 3 and run through the school year a student turns 22. Start by asking your child's school for an evaluation in writing. If that feels overwhelming, get education advocacy with Turnout for one-on-one help with evaluations and meetings. Official resources: U.S. Department of Education IDEA site, Indiana DOE special education, Indiana Article 7 rules (PDF).
What this means for you
- Pick the programs that fit your life. Use the table above to spot two or three that match.
- Gather your basics. Most applications ask for ID, proof of income, and household details. Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF share one application.
- Apply, then keep your paperwork. Save confirmation numbers and answer letters asking for documents quickly.
- Ask for help when you need it. County veteran officers, SHIP counselors, DFR staff, and Turnout advocates can guide you.
FAQ
Can I apply for Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF at the same time in Indiana?
Yes. Indiana uses one application for all three, online through the FSSA Benefits Portal, by phone, or at a local DFR office. You are reviewed for each program you may qualify for.
What is the Healthy Indiana Plan?
The Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) is Indiana's Medicaid coverage for adults ages 19 to 64 with limited income. It is how Indiana expanded Medicaid, and some members also get dental and vision coverage.
Is there a wait list for child care assistance in Indiana?
Yes. Indiana currently places new CCDF applicants on a wait list, with priority for some groups. Apply through Early Ed Connect anyway so you are in line when a spot opens.
Does getting one benefit affect the others?
Sometimes, often in a good way. Getting Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF automatically meets WIC's income rule, and SSI can open the door to Medicaid. Check the official links above for each program's current rules. Turnout is not a law firm and does not provide legal or tax advice.
It's your turn
You do not have to sort through 14 programs alone. Turnout's free Indiana benefits scan asks a few simple questions and shows which programs may fit you. Run your free Indiana benefits scan and see where to start.