If you live in Indiana and need help covering grocery costs, SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) may be able to help. Indiana's SNAP program, administered by the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) through the Division of Family Resources (DFR), provides monthly food benefits loaded onto a Hoosier Works EBT card. For the 2025-2026 benefit year, a single person can qualify with gross monthly income up to $1,696, and a family of four can qualify with gross income up to $3,483 per month.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Indiana SNAP eligibility in 2026, including income limits, asset rules, work requirements, and how to apply.
Who Can Qualify for SNAP in Indiana?
To qualify for SNAP in Indiana, your household must meet several tests: income limits, asset limits (in most cases), work requirements if you are a non-exempt adult, and residency requirements.
Basic eligibility rules:
- You must live in Indiana and intend to remain there
- You must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
- Your household income must fall within the gross and net income limits
- Most households must have countable assets under $5,000
- Non-exempt adults ages 16 to 59 must register for work
Indiana defines a SNAP household as anyone who lives together and buys and prepares food together. Spouses and parents with children under 22 are always considered one household regardless of how they buy food.
Indiana SNAP Income Limits 2026
Indiana uses two income tests for most households: a gross income test and a net income test. Both limits are based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Gross income is your total income before any deductions. Net income is what remains after allowable deductions are subtracted.
The limits below are effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Limit (130% FPL) | Net Monthly Limit (100% FPL) | Max Monthly Benefit |
|---|
| 1 | $1,696 | $1,305 | $298 |
| 2 | $2,292 | $1,763 | $546 |
| 3 | $2,888 | $2,221 | $785 |
| 4 | $3,483 | $2,680 | $994 |
| 5 | $4,079 | $3,138 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $4,675 | $3,597 | $1,401 |
| 7 | $5,271 | $4,056 | $1,549 |
| 8 | $5,867 | $4,514 | $1,770 |
| Each additional | +$596 | +$459 | +$218 |
Your household must fall at or below both the gross and net income limits to qualify, unless an exception applies.
Special Rules for Seniors and People with Disabilities
If your household includes a member who is 60 years or older, or someone who receives SSI or SSDI, the gross income test does not apply. Only the net income test matters. Additionally, households with a senior or disabled member have no cap on the shelter deduction, which can significantly lower net income and increase eligibility.
Households Automatically Eligible
If every member of your household receives SSI, TANF, or certain other means-tested benefits, your household may be automatically income-eligible. These households typically receive at least the minimum SNAP benefit of $24 per month.
Indiana SNAP Asset Limits
Indiana applies a $5,000 asset limit to most households. Countable assets include cash, money in checking or savings accounts, and certain investments.
Assets that do NOT count toward the limit include:
- Your home and the land it sits on
- Personal belongings and household goods
- One vehicle per household member who uses it for work, school, or medical appointments (other vehicles count toward the limit at fair market value)
- Retirement accounts and pension funds
- Educational savings accounts
Households where all members are age 60 or older or disabled face the same $5,000 asset limit in Indiana, which differs from some other states that raise or remove asset limits for these groups entirely.
Allowable Deductions That Can Lower Your Net Income
If your gross income is close to the limit, deductions can bring your net income below the threshold and make you eligible. Indiana allows the following deductions when calculating SNAP net income:
Standard deduction: A flat amount applied to every household, set at $204 per month for households of 1 to 3 people (slightly higher for larger households).
Earned income deduction: 20% of all earned income (wages, self-employment) is excluded automatically.
Dependent care deduction: Costs paid for childcare or care of other dependents so you can work or attend job training.
Medical expenses deduction: Out-of-pocket medical costs above $35 per month for household members who are 60 or older or disabled.
Excess shelter deduction: If your rent or mortgage, utilities, and other housing costs exceed half your income after other deductions, the excess amount can be deducted. There is a cap on this deduction for most households ($672 per month), but households with a senior or disabled member have no cap.
Child support deduction: Legally obligated child support payments paid to someone outside the household.
Because of these deductions, some households with gross income above the 130% FPL limit may still qualify if they have significant housing or medical costs.
Work Requirements for Indiana SNAP
Most non-exempt adults ages 16 to 59 must meet work requirements to receive SNAP in Indiana. Indiana manages this through the IMPACT (Indiana Manpower Placement and Comprehensive Training) Program.
Work requirements include:
- Registering for work at application and every 12 months
- Accepting suitable employment if offered
- Not voluntarily quitting a job without good cause
- Participating in work or training activities if referred
Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs): Adults ages 18 to 52 who are not disabled and have no dependent children face an additional time limit. They must work, volunteer, or participate in a job training program for at least 80 hours per month, or they can only receive SNAP for 3 months in any 36-month period.
Who is exempt from work requirements:
- Adults under 16 or 60 and older
- People who are physically or mentally unfit for work
- Parents or other caregivers responsible for a child under 6
- People already working at least 30 hours per week
- Pregnant women
- People enrolled in school or job training full time
What Indiana SNAP Benefits Cover
SNAP benefits in Indiana are loaded monthly onto the Hoosier Works EBT card. Benefits can be used to buy:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and seafood
- Dairy products
- Bread, cereals, and grains
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants used to grow food
SNAP benefits cannot be used for alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, hot prepared foods, or non-food household items.
Many Indiana grocery chains, farmers markets, and select online retailers including Amazon and Walmart accept EBT.
How to Apply for SNAP in Indiana
Applying for Indiana SNAP takes most households under 30 minutes. Here is how:
Step 1: Gather your documents
Before applying, collect:
- Photo ID for the applicant (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Proof of Indiana residency (utility bill, lease, or mail)
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of income for the past 30 days (pay stubs, employer letter, or benefit award letters)
- Proof of housing costs (rent receipt, mortgage statement, utility bills)
- Immigration documents for non-citizens
Step 2: Choose your application method
Indiana offers four ways to apply:
- Online: Visit fssabenefits.in.gov to apply through the FSSA Benefits Portal. This is the fastest option and available 24 hours a day.
- By phone: Call 1-800-403-0864 to speak with a DFR caseworker who can help you complete an application.
- In person: Visit your local DFR office. Use the DFR office locator at in.gov/fssa/dfr to find the nearest location.
- By mail or fax: Download the application from the FSSA website, complete it, and mail or fax it to your local DFR office.
Step 3: Complete your interview
After submitting your application, you will be scheduled for an interview. This is usually done by phone and takes about 15 to 30 minutes. An interviewer will review your information and may ask for additional documents.
Step 4: Receive your decision
Most applications are processed within 30 days. If your household is in immediate need (very low or no income and resources), you may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days.
Step 5: Receive your Hoosier Works card
If approved, your benefits will be loaded to your Hoosier Works EBT card monthly. If you are a new applicant, the card arrives by mail within 5 to 7 business days after approval.
Indiana SNAP and Immigration Status
Starting in July 2026, Indiana Senate Bill 1 requires SNAP applicants to disclose the immigration status of everyone living in the household, including members who are not applying for benefits. You do not need to be a citizen yourself to apply, but providing accurate household information is required.
In general, U.S. citizens and many qualified non-citizens (including lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees) are eligible for SNAP. Undocumented residents are not eligible for federal SNAP benefits, but their children who are U.S. citizens can still receive benefits.
Renewing Your Indiana SNAP Benefits
SNAP benefits are not permanent. Indiana typically assigns certification periods of 12 months for most households and up to 24 months for households with no earned income that include elderly or disabled members. You will receive a renewal notice before your benefits end.
To renew, complete a renewal form and submit updated documentation. The process is similar to the initial application. Missing your renewal deadline means a gap in benefits, so respond to renewal notices as soon as possible.
Not Sure If You Qualify? Check Online First
If you are not sure whether your household meets Indiana's SNAP income limits, you can run a free eligibility check before starting a full application. Our benefits screener can estimate your eligibility for SNAP and 10 other programs in just a few minutes based on your household size, income, and situation.
For Indiana-specific benefits and program information, visit our Indiana benefits guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for SNAP in Indiana in 2026?
For most households, the gross monthly income limit is 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. That works out to $1,696 per month for a single person, $2,292 for a household of two, and $3,483 for a household of four. Households must also meet a net income limit of 100% FPL after deductions. Elderly and disabled households only need to meet the net income test.
Does Indiana have BBCE that raises the income limit above 130% FPL?
Indiana uses a form of Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) but applies it conservatively. The gross income limit remains at 130% FPL for most households, and the $5,000 asset limit still applies. Indiana has not expanded SNAP income limits beyond the federal standard the way some other states have.
Can I get SNAP in Indiana if I own a car?
Owning a car does not automatically disqualify you. One vehicle per household member is excluded from countable assets if it is used for work, school, or medical transportation. Additional vehicles may count toward the $5,000 asset limit based on fair market value.
How long does it take to get SNAP in Indiana?
Most applications are decided within 30 days. Households that meet the criteria for expedited processing, such as those with very low income and resources, can receive benefits within 7 days of applying.
Can college students get SNAP in Indiana?
Most college students enrolled at least half time are not eligible for SNAP. However, there are exceptions. Students who work at least 20 hours per week, are enrolled in a work-study program, are responsible for a dependent child under 6, or receive TANF may qualify. Indiana participates in the federal student eligibility rules without a state expansion.
What if my income changes after I apply?
You must report certain changes to your local DFR office, including a change in income that pushes your household over the gross income limit, a change in household size, or a move to a different county. Indiana uses simplified reporting rules for most households, meaning you only need to report changes if your income rises above the reporting threshold during your certification period.
Where can I use my Indiana Hoosier Works EBT card?
Your Hoosier Works card works at most Indiana grocery stores, Walmart, Target, ALDI, Kroger, and many farmers markets. You can also use it online at Amazon and Walmart for grocery delivery or pickup. Check the USDA SNAP retailer locator at fns.usda.gov to find participating stores near you.
What if I am denied SNAP in Indiana?
If your application is denied or your benefits are reduced, you have the right to request a fair hearing within 90 days of the notice. To request a hearing, contact your local DFR office or call 1-800-403-0864. You can also contact Indiana Legal Services at indianalegalservices.org for free assistance with appeals.
