Food & Nutrition

Indiana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

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In your state, the average household that includes an older adult gets

$118/month

in SNAP benefits. You could get more or less depending on your income and household size.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Indiana pay for food.

If you're approved for SNAP benefits, the government will issue your funds through a Hoosier Works electronic benefits card (or EBT card). An EBT card looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. Your EBT card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets to buy SNAP-approved food items. You can also make SNAP purchases on Amazon.

Frequently asked questions

How does Indiana SNAP work?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), once known as Food Stamps, is run by the Division of Family Resources (DFR) within the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). DFR offices across the state provide local support for people who receive SNAP and other types of assistance.

SNAP can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are SNAP-eligible, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.

What is the SNAP application process like in Indiana?

While applying for SNAP in Indiana may seem hard, it’s not as complicated or time-consuming as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or DFR caseworker can assist you.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for Indiana SNAP:

Check your eligibility: Before starting your application, answer a few questions on the FSSA Benefits Portal (website) to see if you or others in your household are likely to qualify for SNAP benefits.
Fill out an application: You can apply for Indiana SNAP online, in person, by mail, or over the phone. Completing the application could take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.
Have an interview: You will be required to take part in an interview when applying for Indiana food assistance.
Wait for a decision: Most applications are processed within 30 days. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.
Receive your Hoosier Works EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you’ll receive an EBT card pre-loaded with money for groceries in the mail.

How do I know if I'm eligible for SNAP in Indiana?

To qualify for SNAP in Indiana:

You must be a U.S. citizen; non-citizens must meet certain requirements.
You must be a resident of Indiana.
Most households must meet certain gross (total, before taxes) and net (after taxes) income limits. Most households must also meet an asset (resource) limit.
You must provide a Social Security number or proof you have applied for one.
If you are age 18 to 52, you may be required to take part in an employment and training program if you aren’t working or you work fewer than 80 hours a month. There are some exceptions. Ask your DFR caseworker how the rules apply to you.
You must live in a lawful SNAP household, defined as people who live together, purchase food together, and prepare and eat meals together.

The amount of money you will get in SNAP benefits depends on:

How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
How many people live with you

What are the Indiana SNAP income limits?

The following chart shows the maximum monthly income limits that most people or families can earn and still be eligible for SNAP in Indiana. The maximum gross monthly income limit for most households is set at 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), and the net monthly income limit is set at 100% FPL.

These figures are effective for 2024 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just click on the green button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’

Family size	Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL)
1	$ 1,255
2	$ 1,704
3	$ 2,152
4	$ 2,600
5	$ 3,049
For each additional person, add:	+$ 449

Source: USDA.gov, SNAP Eligibility (October 2024)

Most households must meet both gross and net income limits to qualify for SNAP. However, if your household has members who are age 60+ or who have a disability, you must only meet the net income limit. If everyone in your household receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or TANF (cash assistance), income limits do not apply.

Some household expenses may be subtracted from your total monthly income to help you meet the SNAP income limit; these are called deductions. Examples of allowable deductions are housing costs, court-ordered child support payments, child care or dependent care payments, and monthly medical expenses over $35 for people age 60+ and those with disabilities.

What are the Indiana SNAP asset limits?

The Indiana SNAP asset (resource) limit is $2,750 for most households ($4,250 for households with members who are age 60+ or who have a disability). Assets include bank accounts, cash, real estate, personal property, and vehicles.

How do I prepare to apply?

When applying for Indiana SNAP, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month.

Before you start, gather the following information to make your application process easier:

Household income from jobs, child support, and other income sources
Social Security numbers and birth dates of all household members
Housing (rent/mortgage) and utility (phone, electric, gas, water) costs
Child care or adult day health care costs

Examples of documents you may need to verify (prove) the information above include:

Driver's license or other government-issued ID
Birth certificate
Bank statements
Pension statements
Social Security statements
Pay stubs
Tax returns
Social Security card
Proof of household expenses (such as utility and phone bills)
Marriage license or divorce decree

If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your SNAP application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application.

How do I apply for Indiana SNAP?

There are several ways to apply for Indiana SNAP. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

APPLY ONLINE

The quickest and easiest way to apply for food stamps in Indiana is online. You can trust that all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.

Apply Now on Indiana's Portal

To get started, check your SNAP eligibility by using Indiana's screening tool. You’ll be asked a few basic questions. At the end of the screening, you’ll find out whether your household may qualify to receive SNAP benefits.
After you've checked your eligibility, start your SNAP application on Indiana's Benefits Portal. Make sure you select 'SNAP (Food Assistance)' before hitting 'Apply Online'.
While you can start your application without creating a Benefits Portal account, it’s a good idea to create one. That way, you can save your application progress and return any time to complete it.

Allow yourself 30 to 60 minutes to apply. Be ready to share details about the money you earn and the things you pay for/own. You will be able to upload requested documents online (see the Help Videos page for a tutorial on how to upload documents).

Tips for success:

Fill out as much information as you can; it’s better to guess or leave some parts blank rather than wait to verify the information. You can save your application progress in the system and return later to finish it, if necessary.
If your primary language is Spanish, click ‘Español’ at the top right of your screen.

APPLY IN PERSON, BY MAIL, OR BY PHONE

Applying in Person: You can print out a SNAP application from the Benefits Portal or request that one be mailed to you. You can also pick up a paper copy at your closest DFR office. Find an office near you.
Apply by Mail: Use the printed application form (link above) and mail your completed SNAP application to your closest DFR office.
Apply by Phone: Call the DFR hotline at 1-800-403-0864 and request to apply for SNAP benefits.

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get SNAP benefits sooner in Indiana (within 7 days) if your food needs are urgent. To qualify for expedited (faster) benefits, you must:

Have less than $150 in gross monthly income and liquid resources (cash, checking, or savings) of $100 or less in the month of the application
Have monthly rent/mortgage and utilities that are more than your gross monthly income and liquid resources

If you qualify, you will be given an interview appointment for the same day or the next day. The only information you need to provide for the first month is proof of identity (such as your driver’s license). After 30 days, you may be asked to provide additional documentation of your residence, household situation, and income.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways to get help filling out your SNAP application.

You can:

Reach out to your nearest DFR office. Find an office near you.
Call the DFR hotline at 1-800-403-0864.
Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245.

What happens after I apply for SNAP in Indiana?

It can take up to 30 days for DFR to process your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits).

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your eligibility worker can tell you more about the program, answer any questions you have, and even help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing.

During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:

What is your full name and birthday?
What is your Social Security number?
Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
What is your monthly income?
Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
What other regular bills do you have?

It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your appointment, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

Once your interview is complete and DFR has all the information it needs to make a decision, your application will be processed. If more information is needed, your caseworker will contact you. You should receive a notice regarding your SNAP eligibility within 30 days.

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

If you are approved for SNAP, you will receive a notice explaining your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get them for (this is called your “certification period”). For most Indiana households, that period can range up to 12 months.

Within 3 to 5 days, you will receive your Hoosier Works EBT card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. It will be automatically reloaded with your benefit amount every month. The date when you receive benefits depends on the first letter of your last name.

What if my Indiana SNAP application is denied?

If your SNAP application is denied and you disagree with that decision, you have the right to an appeal. Your denial notice will contain instructions on how to file an appeal.

Other important tips and information when applying for SNAP in Indiana

How can I manage my SNAP benefits?

You can see your SNAP benefits, manage your personal information, and view your notices any time through your Benefits Portal account.

What are important things I should know?

Do I need to report changes to my household situation? You must periodically report any changes to your household or financial situation. You’ll have the opportunity to do this halfway through your certification period and when it’s time to renew your SNAP benefits. Changes to your name and/or address can be made online through your Benefits Portal account.
How do I manage my EBT card? You can call the 24-hour EBT toll-free number (1-877-768-5098) to set up your PIN, check your benefits, or report a lost or stolen EBT card. The Hoosier Works card will not expire, even if you are no longer eligible for SNAP benefits. It's a good idea to keep your card even when you are no longer receiving benefits. That way, if you qualify for SNAP again, you can use your original card.

When do I renew my Indiana SNAP benefits?

You must renew your Indiana SNAP benefits before your certification period ends to keep receiving benefits. You’ll get a notice in the mail when it’s time to renew along with instructions on how to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions

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