In a Nutshell

Known for its iconic Indianapolis 500, vibrant culture, and tight-knit communities, Indiana is a place where tradition and innovation shine side by side. Yet, beneath the progress, many Hoosiers grapple with financial hurdles that challenge their ability to thrive.

In 2022, 13% of Indiana households earned below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), underscoring the struggles many families endure. Rising living expenses and limited job opportunities have left countless residents seeking support to cover essential needs.

Amid these hardships, Indiana offers a wide array of financial assistance programs to support its residents. From cash aid and housing support to food assistance and healthcare services, these initiatives provide much-needed relief for individuals and families across the Hoosier State.

Discover how Indiana financial assistance programs can help you navigate challenging times and secure a brighter future for yourself and your loved ones.

Government Assistance Programs in Indiana

Indiana’s government assistance programs provide a lifeline to residents navigating financial hardships. These programs meet different needs, from food and healthcare to housing and energy assistance. With accessible resources, the state aims to ensure Indiana residents have the support they need to lead healthier, more stable lives.

Cash Assistance Programs

For Hoosiers facing immediate financial challenges, Indiana’s cash assistance programs offer temporary relief to cover essential expenses.

Eligible families can access cash benefits through the Hoosier Works EBT card, a secure and convenient way to manage funds. This Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system allows recipients to withdraw cash or make purchases at approved retailers.

  • Cash assistance and support services to help low-income families with children under 18 achieve economic independence
  • Adult applicants must enroll in Indiana’s employment program (IMPACT) and complete job search activities
  • Formerly known as Food Stamps
  • Financial aid for low-income households, helping them access nutritious food and improve overall health
  • Benefit amounts are based on household size and monthly net income, following federal guidelines

Indiana Stimulus Checks

  • There are no new stimulus checks in Indiana for 2024
  • While Indiana doesn’t have a state-level Child and Dependent Tax Credit (CDCTC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC), qualifying for federal credits may still lead to a refund
  • The Indiana Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) can help reduce state income tax bills or increase refunds

Medical Assistance

Indiana’s medical assistance programs provide comprehensive healthcare coverage, ensuring that low-income individuals, children, and seniors have access to vital resources. Through Indiana Medicaid, residents benefit from specialized health plans tailored to their unique needs.

Key Medicaid health plans are:

  • Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP): Offers health coverage to low-income, working adults through consumer-driven healthcare plans
  • Hoosier Care Connect: Provides coverage for seniors, individuals with disabilities, as well as foster children
  • Hoosier Healthwise: Serves children and pregnant women, including those in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), focusing on early healthcare and prenatal care
  • Home- and Community-Based Services: Helps members with disabilities, mental illness, and seniors remain active in their communities by offering alternatives to institutional care and personalized services
  • HoosierRx: Assists low-income seniors aged 65+ with up to $70 per month for Medicare premiums, deductibles, and co-insurance
  • Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP): Provides free screenings and diagnostic services for eligible women, subsequently qualifying applicants for the Indiana Medicaid plan

Pregnant and Single Mother Programs

Indiana offers numerous programs to support pregnant women and single mothers, ensuring they receive the necessary care and resources to promote healthier outcomes for both moms and babies.

  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program that supports pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and young children with access to healthy foods and educational resources
  • Services include nutrition screenings and assessments, breastfeeding support, referrals to other services, and supplemental nutritious foods
  • Short-term health coverage for pregnant women with limited incomes who aren’t currently receiving Medicaid
  • Covers doctor visits, tests, prescriptions, and transportation through fee-for-service (doesn’t cover labor and delivery)

Child Care Services

Indiana’s child care services support low-income families by providing high-quality care for children while parents pursue work or educational opportunities.

  • Financial aid for child care to assist low-income households in maintaining employment, attending training, or continuing their education
  • Families can apply through Early Ed Connect, an online platform offering support, information, and resources
  • Head Start promotes the cognitive, social, and emotional development of children from low-income families, preparing them for school through comprehensive learning environments
  • Early Head Start provides services to infants, toddlers, and pregnant women with income below the federal poverty level, focusing on early childhood development and family support

Food Assistance

Food assistance programs in Indiana provide access to nutritious meals, ensuring children and adults have the resources they require during times of need.

  • Free meals and snacks for children under 18 and individuals with disabilities who are enrolled in the K-12 school program 
  • Focuses on serving nutritious meals in high-need areas, ensuring kids receive healthy food during summer months when school is out of session
  • Reimbursements for nutritious meals served to children, adults over 60, and those with disabilities in eligible day care centers, after-school programs, and emergency shelters

Assistance for Veterans

Veterans in Indiana have access to an array of benefits and services intended to support their unique needs. The state offers resources to help veterans and their families access education, employment, healthcare, and more, ensuring they receive the support they deserve after their service.

  • Works with County Veteran Service Officers to assist veterans in navigating paperwork and accessing state and federal benefits
  • Benefits include college tuition for children of disabled veterans, property tax deductions, and employment & training programs
  • Comprehensive job search support, including resume development, interview preparation, and direct job referrals
  • Services range from training incentives to vocational guidance and post-employment counseling to help veterans transition into civilian careers

Elderly and Disabled Adult Programs

Indiana offers several programs to help seniors and adults with disabilities access vital services and resources so they can stay independent and improve their quality of life within the Hoosier community.

  • Coordinates home- and community-based services through the INconnect Alliance, providing local agencies with resources to support seniors and individuals with disabilities
  • Offers case management, information, and referrals to services through Area Agencies on Aging, ensuring comprehensive care and advocacy
  • Medicaid managed care program that provides healthcare coverage and long-term care services for Hoosiers aged 60 and older
  • Services include transportation, meal assistance, home-health visits, and adult day center support

Utility Bill Assistance

Utility Bill Assistance programs in Indiana help residents manage high energy costs, ensuring they can access the resources necessary to keep their homes safe and comfortable.

  • Federally funded through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Offers a one-time annual benefit to assist with heating and electric bills
  • Benefits are paid directly to utility vendors to help avoid disconnections
  • Free energy-saving home improvements to lower utility costs for low-income Hoosiers
  • Measures include insulation, air sealing, and repairs to heating systems

Assistance for Unemployment

Indiana’s unemployment assistance programs offer crucial resources to help individuals navigate job loss and re-enter the workforce with the necessary support.

  • Financial assistance for individuals unemployed through no fault of their own, with a maximum weekly benefit of $390 (set by Indiana law)
  • Services include access to Indiana Career Connect, where users can create a resume and search for job opportunities
  • Offers job training, educational resources, and personalized career coaching to help residents receiving SNAP or TANF find stable employment
  • Services include job readiness workshops, resume assistance, and access to job fairs, with additional support like transportation and childcare assistance

Housing and Homelessness Assistance

Indiana offers a range of housing and homelessness assistance programs to help individuals and families find stable living arrangements.

  • Free referrals to local housing resources, including shelters and housing assistance
  • Services include rent assistance, transitional housing, and supportive housing programs
  • Assists eligible households with rental payments by providing vouchers for privately owned homes of their choosing
  • Tenants contribute a percentage of their income towards rent and utilities, with the voucher covering the balance

Transportation Assistance

  • Medicaid’s Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) ensures eligible members can attend critical medical appointments when no other transportation options are available
  • CICOA’s Way2Go Transportation offers rides for seniors and individuals with disabilities to medical facilities, grocery stores, and pharmacies, providing solutions for those unable to drive or access public transportation

Divorce and Other Legal Assistance

  • The Indiana State Bar Association offers legal resources for low-income individuals, connecting them with affordable legal professionals to address family law, civil disputes, and more
  • Indiana Legal Help (ILH) provides access to legal forms, guides, and videos, as well as connections to free or low-cost legal aid for civil issues

Nonprofit Assistance Programs in Indiana

Whether facing a temporary setback or seeking lasting solutions, nonprofit assistance programs can make a meaningful difference. Nonprofit organizations serve as a vital lifeline, fostering stability and strengthening local communities across the Hoosier State.

  • Provides housing, shelter, hunger relief, and life essentials like showers, laundry facilities, phone, and locker storage space to individuals and families in extreme poverty
  • Focuses on point-of-entry services to promote stability and self-sufficiency
  • A comprehensive network connecting Hoosiers to free or reduced-cost services like healthcare, housing, and job training through local organizations
  • Streamlines access to over 500,000 programs, enabling nonprofits to collaborate and assist low-income communities effectively
  • Offers funding opportunities across sectors, such as healthcare, housing, education, and disaster relief, supporting diverse initiatives and underserved groups
  • Features grants for nonprofits, small businesses, and individuals, helping drive economic development and social impact

How Do You Get Financial Help in Indiana?

Indiana offers countless financial assistance programs to help residents with everyday needs and unexpected challenges. From food and housing support to healthcare and cash assistance, these resources can provide a lifeline for struggling families.

However, tackling large-scale debt, such as credit card balances or medical expenses, often requires more specialized solutions. Partnering with a trusted debt relief company like TurboDebt can provide the guidance needed to regain control of your finances.

TurboDebt specializes in providing effective Indiana debt relief programs tailored to each individual’s situation. In 2023 alone, TurboDebt helped thousands of Indiana clients save an average of 55% on their enrolled debts (before fees), enabling them to regain financial stability.

Here’s why TurboDebt is an excellent choice for debt relief:

  • No upfront fees to get started
  • Potential savings of 50% or more on your total debt (before fees) with our debt settlement program
  • Become debt-free in as little as 12–48 months
  • No new loans or lines of credit as part of your debt relief program
  • Top-rated customer service, backed by over 17,000+ 5-star TurboDebt reviews from satisfied clients

Don’t let debt control your life any longer! Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how our programs can transform your financial future.