Struggling with grocery bills in Indiana? You’re not alone. Over 1.2 million Hoosiers rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table. The good news? You might qualify for food assistance in Indiana — and it takes just a few clicks to check. Use our free Indiana SNAP eligibility calculator below to see if your household qualifies and estimate your monthly benefit. No sign-up. No fees. Just real answers.
Indiana SNAP Eligibility Calculator 2025–2026
Free & instant estimate — no sign-up needed
This is an estimate only. Final approval by Indiana FSSA. Apply officially here →
This is an estimate only. Official approval comes from Indiana FSSA.
Apply for SNAP Now (Takes 10 Minutes)
Who Qualifies for SNAP in Indiana? (Quick Yes/No Screener)
Let’s make this simple. Answer these three questions:
- Do you live in Indiana?
Yes → Keep going
No → You must be an Indiana resident - Is your gross monthly income under the limit for your household size?
See the chart below.
Yes → Keep going
No → You may still qualify if elderly or disabled - Are you a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant?
Yes → You’re likely eligible to apply
No → Your U.S. citizen children can still apply
That’s it. If you answered “yes” to all three, you should apply today.
2025–2026 Indiana SNAP Income Limits & Max Benefits (Updated Oct 1)
Here are the official SNAP income limits in Indiana for October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026:
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit (130% FPL) | Net Income Limit (100% FPL) | Max Monthly SNAP Benefit |
| 1 | $2,072 | $1,595 | $304 |
| 2 | $2,810 | $2,165 | $552 |
| 3 | $3,548 | $2,735 | $792 |
| 4 | $4,286 | $3,305 | $1,000 |
| 5 | $5,024 | $3,875 | $1,188 |
| 6 | $5,762 | $4,445 | $1,426 |
| Each +1 | +$738 | +$570 | +$238 |
Important Notes:
- No gross income test if anyone in your home is 60+ or disabled
- No asset limit for most families thanks to Indiana’s Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE)
- Benefits are loaded monthly onto your Hoosier Works EBT card
How to Use This Free Indiana SNAP Calculator (Step-by-Step)
Want to know how much SNAP you might get in Indiana? Follow these 5 steps:
- Count your household
Include everyone who lives with you and shares meals — even if they’re not related. - Add up all monthly income before taxes
Include:- Wages, tips, self-employment
- Social Security, disability, unemployment
- Child support received
- Gig income? Use net earnings after expenses (or take 40% standard deduction)
- List your expenses
- Rent or mortgage
- Utilities (electric, gas, water, trash)
- Childcare or elder care
- Medical bills over $35 (if 60+ or disabled)
- Let the calculator do the math
It applies:- 20% earned income deduction
- Standard deduction ($209–$299)
- Shelter costs over half your income
- Utility allowance (up to $496 if you pay heating)
- Get your estimate
See your likely benefit and next steps.
What Counts as Income for SNAP in Indiana?
Not sure what to include? Here’s what counts and what doesn’t:
| Counts as Income | Does NOT Count |
| Wages, salaries, tips | Loans, gifts, tax refunds |
| Self-employment (net) | Federal student aid |
| Social Security, SSI, SSDI | Child care assistance |
| Unemployment benefits | One-time payments |
| Child support received | Foster care payments |
| Pensions, worker’s comp |
Gig workers (Uber, DoorDash, etc.):
Report your net income after gas, mileage, and fees. Or take the 40% standard self-employment deduction — whichever is higher.
Hidden Deductions That Increase Your SNAP Benefits
Most people miss these — but they can add $100+ to your monthly benefit.
| Deduction | Who Qualifies | Amount |
| Standard Deduction | All households | $209 (1–3 people), $223 (4), $261 (5), $299 (6+) |
| Earned Income | Anyone with a job | 20% of wages |
| Childcare | Working parents | Actual cost |
| Child Support Paid | Court-ordered only | Full amount |
| Medical Expenses | 60+ or disabled | Over $35/month |
| Homeless Shelter | No fixed address | $190 flat |
| Shelter Costs | Rent/mortgage + utilities | Excess over 50% of net income (capped at $744 unless elderly/disabled) |
Special Rules: Students, Seniors, and Immigrants
College Students
You can get SNAP if you:
- Work 20+ hours per week, OR
- Care for a child under 6, OR
- Are disabled, OR
- Participate in work-study, OR
- Have a $0 Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
Seniors (60+) or Disabled
- No gross income limit
- No shelter cost cap
- Higher asset limit ($5,000 vs $0 under BBCE)
Immigrants
Eligible if you are:
- U.S. citizen
- Legal Permanent Resident (5+ years)
- Refugee, asylee, or trafficking victim
- Certain parolees or battered spouses
Your U.S. citizen kids can apply even if you can’t.
Indiana’s Secret: BBCE (No Asset Test for Most Families)
Thanks to Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility, most Indiana households skip the $5,000 asset limit if you:
- Receive TANF, SSI, or state services
- Have a child in school
- Get any non-cash benefit
What doesn’t count as an asset?
- Your home
- One vehicle
- Retirement accounts
- Personal belongings
How to Apply for Indiana SNAP (3 Easy Ways)
1. Online (Fastest)
- Takes 10–15 minutes
- Upload docs from your phone
- Approval in 30 days (7 if expedited)
2. By Phone
Call 1-800-403-0864
- Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM
- Interpreter available
3. In Person
Visit your local DFR office
Find your county office
Need it fast?
If you have less than $150 in income and less than $100 in the bank, you may get benefits in 7 days.
What Can You Buy with Your Indiana EBT Card?
| YES | NO |
| Fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy | Hot foods (deli sandwiches) |
| Bread, cereal, rice, pasta | Alcohol, beer, wine |
| Seeds and plants (to grow food) | Pet food |
| Cold snacks, soda, candy | Vitamins, medicine |
| Baby formula | Soap, paper products |
Pro Tip: Buy a cold rotisserie chicken — it’s allowed. Reheat at home.
After Approval: Get the Most from Your Hoosier Works EBT Card
- Check your EBT balance: Call 1-877-768-5093 or use the Hoosier Works app
- Shop online: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi (free delivery on $35+)
- Farmers markets: Use Double Up Food Bucks — get up to $20 free when you spend SNAP
Report Changes Within 10 Days (Or Risk Losing Benefits)
Got a new job? Had a baby? Moved?
Tell FSSA within 10 days to avoid overpayments.
Call your caseworker or updates online at fssabenefits.in.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is SNAP for a family of 4 in Indiana in 2025?
Up to $1,000/month if income is low enough.
Can I get SNAP if I own a car?
Yes — one vehicle is fully exempt.
Do college students qualify for food stamps in Indiana?
Yes — if you work 20+ hours, have a child, or meet other exemptions.
What if I’m denied SNAP?
You have 90 days to appeal. Contact your local DFR office.
Does Indiana drug test for SNAP?
No — this is a myth.
Can I use SNAP at gas stations?
Yes — for cold food and groceries (not gas or hot food).
Local Indiana Resources (Help Near You)
| County | Food Pantry | DFR Office |
| Marion (Indianapolis) | Gleaners Food Bank | 2620 N. Sherman Dr. |
| Allen (Fort Wayne) | Community Harvest | 347 W. Berry St. |
| Lake (Gary) | Food Bank of NWI | 2248 W. 35th Ave. |
| Hamilton (Noblesville) | Good Samaritan Network | 12933 Parkside Dr. |
Find resources in your county →
Ready to Apply?
Don’t wait. SNAP benefits are retroactive — you get money from the day you apply.
Start Your Free Indiana SNAP Application NowThis Indiana SNAP eligibility calculator provides estimates only. Final approval comes from the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). Last updated: November 2025.
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