Indiana SNAP provides essential monthly food assistance benefits to low-income families and individuals.
You can apply quickly through multiple options: the FSSA Benefits Portal online, by mail, by phone at 1-800-403-0864, or in person at your local Division of Family Resources (DFR) office.
Most applications are approved within 30 days, with expedited processing available in 7 days for households facing immediate hardship.
Key Takeaways
- Who qualifies? Most Indiana households must earn below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). See the updated Indiana SNAP Income Limits for 2026 for detailed eligibility tables.
- How much can I get? Benefits range from $298/month for one person to $994/month for a family of four, based on income and deductions.
- How to apply? The fastest way is online via the Indiana FSSA Benefits Portal — or call 1-800-403-0864 for phone assistance.
- New for 2026: Indiana’s SNAP food restriction rule excludes soft drinks and candy from allowable purchases under the state’s USDA waiver.
- Need to estimate your benefits? Use our Indiana SNAP Calculator 2026 to see your potential monthly benefit amount.
Most SNAP applications in Indiana are approved within 30 days, while expedited benefits are issued in 7 days for households with urgent food needs.
Page Contents
- 1 What is Indiana SNAP?
- 2 How to Apply for Indiana SNAP Benefits
- 3 Documents Needed for Indiana SNAP
- 4 What Happens After You Apply for Indiana SNAP
- 5 Tips for Faster Indiana SNAP Approval
- 6 Indiana SNAP Income and Resource Limits (FY 2026)
- 7 Important Update on SNAP Purchases for 2026: New Restrictions
- 8 Getting Help with Your Application
- 9 FAQs
- 9.1 Q1: How long does it take to get approved for SNAP in Indiana?
- 9.2 Q2: Can I check my Indiana SNAP application status online?
- 9.3 Q3: What can I buy with my Indiana Hoosier Works EBT card starting in 2026?
- 9.4 Q4: How often do I need to recertify my Indiana SNAP benefits?
- 9.5 Q5: What is the customer service number for my Hoosier Works EBT card?
- 9.6 Q6: What if my Indiana SNAP application is denied?
- 9.7 Q7: How many SNAP benefits will I receive in Indiana?
- 10 Conclusion
What is Indiana SNAP?
Indiana SNAP, also known as food assistance, provides monthly food benefits delivered on a Hoosier Works EBT card, a debit card for grocery stores and authorized retailers.
The program is administered by Indiana’s Family & Social Services Administration Division of Family Resources (FSSA DFR) and helps low-income families and individuals afford nutritious meals.
Indiana’s commitment to food access is supported by partnerships with five leading community organizations: Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, Food Finders Food Bank, Gleaner’s Food Bank, Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, and Eskenazi Health.
These groups serve all 92 counties, helping residents navigate SNAP applications and benefits.
How to Apply for Indiana SNAP Benefits
Indiana offers multiple convenient ways to apply for SNAP benefits.
Apply Online Through FSSA Benefits Portal (Recommended)
Visit the official Indiana FSSA Benefits Portal and create an account to apply. Online applications are generally processed fastest as FSSA receives them immediately. You can upload required documents and check your application status at any time from your account.
Apply by Mail
Download and complete the SNAP application form from the FSSA website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it to your local DFR office along with the required documents.
Apply by Phone
Call the Indiana DFR hotline at 1-800-403-0864 for application assistance. A caseworker can help you start your application, answer questions, and guide you through the process.
Apply In Person
Visit your nearest FSSA DFR office to apply. Staff can answer questions and help you complete your application on the spot. You can find your local office location on the FSSA website or by calling the main number.
Get Free Help
Indiana SNAP outreach providers, including Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, Food Finders Food Bank, Gleaner’s Food Bank, Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, and Eskenazi Health, offer free application assistance. These organizations can help you determine eligibility and complete your application.
Documents Needed for Indiana SNAP
When applying for Indiana SNAP, you must provide documents to verify your information. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Required Documentation:
- Proof of identity: Driver’s license, state ID, birth certificate, or passport for all household members.
- Social Security numbers: Social Security cards or verification letters.
- Indiana residency: Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or mail showing your Indiana address.
- Income verification: Recent pay stubs (typically 30 days), employer letters, or income statements for all household members with income.
- Other income sources: Social Security award letters, unemployment documents, child support records, Veterans benefits, disability statements, or pension information.
- Deductible expense documentation: Housing costs, childcare receipts, child support court orders, or medical bills for elderly or disabled members.
- Immigration documents (if not a U.S. citizen): Green card, Employment Authorization Document, or other immigration paperwork.
What Happens After You Apply for Indiana SNAP
Application Processing Timeline:
The Indiana SNAP application process includes submitting an application, completing an interview, having information verified, and receiving a decision.
- Standard Processing: Most applications are processed within 30 days of submission.
- Expedited Benefits: Households with urgent needs may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days if they have less than $150 monthly gross income and under $100 in liquid resources, or if combined income and resources are less than monthly housing costs.
Receiving Your Card:
Once approved, you’ll receive your Hoosier Works EBT card by mail. This card works like a debit card at any store accepting SNAP benefits. You’ll set your own PIN to keep your benefits secure. Your benefits load onto the card automatically on the same day each month.
Tips for Faster Indiana SNAP Approval
- Complete Your Application Thoroughly: Answer every question on your application. Incomplete applications cause delays because FSSA must contact you for missing information.
- Include All Documentation: Submit copies of all required documents with your application. Having everything up front speeds up verification and approval.
- Respond to Requests: Check your mail and email regularly. When FSSA asks for information or to schedule your interview, respond promptly to keep your application moving forward.
- Mention Deductible Expenses: List all deductible expenses like rent, utilities, childcare, and medical costs. These deductions lower your net income and can increase your benefit amount.
- Keep Contact Information Current: Make sure your phone number and address are correct on your application. FSSA needs to reach you for your interview and to send your EBT card.
Indiana SNAP Income and Resource Limits (FY 2026)
Indiana’s eligibility for SNAP is primarily determined by your household’s gross income and resources. The limits below are effective for the federal fiscal year October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, for the 48 contiguous states, which includes Indiana.
Income and Maximum Benefits for FY 2026 (Oct. 2025 – Sept. 2026)
| Household Size | Gross Income Limit (130% FPL) | Gross Income Limit (165% FPL – Elderly/Disabled) | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
| 1 | $1,696 | $2,152 | $298 |
| 2 | $2,292 | $2,909 | $546 |
| 3 | $2,888 | $3,665 | $785 |
| 4 | $3,483 | $4,421 | $994 |
| 5 | $4,079 | $5,177 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $4,675 | $5,934 | $1,421 |
| 7 | $5,271 | $6,690 | $1,571 |
| 8 | $5,867 | $7,446 | $1,789 |
| Each additional person | +$596 | +$757 | +$218 |
Resource (Asset) Limits
The maximum resource (asset) limits for FY 2026 remain unchanged from the previous year:
- $4,500 for households with at least one member age 60 or older or with a disability.
- $3,000 for all other households.
Important Note on Indiana Resources: Indiana is a state that uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), which often exempts households from the federal asset test. However, the official Indiana FSSA site has stated a $5,000 resource limit for most households. It is best to consult the DFR or an outreach worker for your specific situation.
Important Update on SNAP Purchases for 2026: New Restrictions
Effective in 2026, Indiana received a waiver to modify allowable food purchases under SNAP.
- You Can Still Buy: Fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products, bread, cereal, and seeds or plants to grow food.
- New Items You CANNOT Buy (starting 2026): Soft drinks and candy are now excluded from the definition of “eligible food” in Indiana.
- Other Items You Cannot Buy: Alcohol, tobacco, hot prepared foods, pet food, vitamins, medicine, or household supplies.
Getting Help with Your Application
For more information about Indiana SNAP, call FSSA DFR at 1-800-403-0864 for application assistance and questions.
FAQs
Q1: How long does it take to get approved for SNAP in Indiana?
Most Indiana SNAP applications are processed within 30 days from the date you submit your application. If you qualify for expedited service, you can receive benefits within 7 days if your household meets the urgent financial criteria.
Q2: Can I check my Indiana SNAP application status online?
Yes, you can check your application status by logging into the FSSA Benefits Portal at fssabenefits.in.gov at any time. You can also call the Indiana DFR hotline at 1-800-403-0864 to speak with a caseworker about your status.
Q3: What can I buy with my Indiana Hoosier Works EBT card starting in 2026?
You can buy most foods at authorized retailers, but soft drinks and candy will be excluded under a new state waiver, effective in 2026.20 You still cannot buy alcohol, tobacco, hot prepared foods, or non-food items.
Q4: How often do I need to recertify my Indiana SNAP benefits?
Most Indiana households must recertify every 6 or 12 months to continue receiving SNAP benefits. You must complete the recertification packet mailed by FSSA within 30 days to avoid interruption of benefits.
Q5: What is the customer service number for my Hoosier Works EBT card?
If you lose your card or need to check your balance, call the Indiana EBT customer service line immediately at 1-877-768-5098.21
Q6: What if my Indiana SNAP application is denied?
If your application is denied, you’ll receive a written notice from FSSA explaining the reason. You have the right to request a fair hearing within 90 days of the denial date by contacting your local DFR office.
Q7: How many SNAP benefits will I receive in Indiana?
Your benefit amount depends on your household size, net income, and allowable deductions for expenses like housing and childcare. A single person with no income receives the maximum benefit of $298 per month (FY 2026), and a family of four with no income receives up to $994 per month (FY 2026).
Conclusion
Applying for Indiana SNAP provides essential food assistance for families who need help. The process is straightforward, whether you apply online through the FSSA Benefits Portal, by mail, phone, or in person. Be sure to use the new income and benefit limits for FY 2026 to check your eligibility. Most households receive a decision within 30 days, with expedited processing available for urgent situations.
Don’t delay applying if you need food assistance. Call the FSSA DFR hotline at 1-800-403-0864 or contact a local SNAP outreach organization to start your Indiana SNAP application today. Your EBT card can provide your family with the nutrition support you need to thrive.
