While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Food Stamps, helps eligible low-income individuals and families buy the food they need to stay healthy in the form of monthly benefits.
SNAP uses Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to distribute the benefits.
The Indiana SNAP food assistance program is administered by the Indiana Division of Family Resources. Learn more about SNAP on the Indiana Division of Family Resources website here.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase approved food items. These include:
See a more comprehensive list of what you can buy with SNAP benefits here and a list of approved snacks and meal supplements here.
There are also food items that cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits, including alcoholic beverages and hot prepared food. See a comprehensive list of what you cannot buy with SNAP benefits here.
SNAP provides monthly benefits, known as an allotment, to eligible households. The allotment amount you can receive is based on 1) the number of people in your household and 2) your household income.
To calculate your allotment amount, multiply your household’s net income by 0.3 and then subtract that number from the federal maximum monthly benefit amount in the table below.
| Household Number | Federal Maximum Allotment Per Month |
| 1 | $291 |
| 2 | $535 |
| 3 | $766 |
| 4 | $973 |
| 5 | $1,155 |
| 6 | $1,386 |
| 7 | $1,532 |
| 8 | $1,751 |
| Each additional household member | +219 |
You have one year (365 days) to use your allotment or the benefits on your EBT card will be canceled.
To learn more about your benefit amount in Indiana, click here.
To qualify for SNAP in Indiana, you must meet the following requirements:
Find out if you meet Indiana’s income limits and other eligibility criteria here.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Indiana Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on the Indiana Family & Social Services Administration (FSSA) website here. You can also view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on Indiana FSSA Benefits Portal here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Indiana Division of Family Resources (DFR) office location.
To apply for SNAP by mail, fill out the Application for SNAP and Cash Assistance found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to the address listed on the application.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Indiana Division of Family Resources at 1 (800) 403-0864.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
After you apply for SNAP, you will need to complete an interview with a DHS caseworker that will be assigned to you. Your caseworker will ask you questions about your income, resources, household composition, and other information that is needed to determine your eligibility.
Once your case has been processed, you will receive a notice in the mail from the Division of Family Resources with your determination and benefit amount. If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail.
If documents are missing from your application, or the Division of Family Resources needs more information from you to finish processing your request, you will need to submit those documents or information before your application can be approved.
Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.
SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card. You can also check your balance online here.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Indiana Division of Family Resources, you can appeal your decision in person, by mail, or over the phone.
To file an appeal in person, visit a local Division of Family Resources office. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. You will also need to bring your benefit determination letter and evidence that supports your appeal. Find your nearest location here. You can also file an appeal by calling 1 (800) 403-0864.
To file a claim by mail, you will need to write a letter to:
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
204 W. Washington St., Room W363
Indianapolis, IN 46204
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card or 1 (877) 768-5098.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the Indiana Division of Family Resources EBT card page here.
If you have not received your EBT card within 10 days of receiving your approval notice, call 1 (800) 403-0864 for assistance.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call Indiana’s EBT customer service number at 1 (877) 768-5098.
You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a Division of Family Resources office in Indiana.
For more answers to common questions related to EBT cards, click here.
For help with obtaining SNAP benefits, or for any further questions about your application, call the Indiana Division of Family Resources at 1 (800) 403-0864.
You can also visit or call a Division of Family Resources Office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, requirements for program eligibility, and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.
Last Updated: February 2, 2024
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Indiana Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on the Indiana Family & Social Services Administration (FSSA) website here. You can also view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on Indiana FSSA Benefits Portal here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Indiana Division of Family Resources (DFR) office location.
To apply for SNAP by mail, fill out the Application for SNAP and Cash Assistance found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to the address listed on the application.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Indiana Division of Family Resources at 1 (800) 403-0864.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
After you apply for SNAP, you will need to complete an interview with a DHS caseworker that will be assigned to you. Your caseworker will ask you questions about your income, resources, household composition, and other information that is needed to determine your eligibility.
Once your case has been processed, you will receive a notice in the mail from the Division of Family Resources with your determination and benefit amount. If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail.
If documents are missing from your application, or the Division of Family Resources needs more information from you to finish processing your request, you will need to submit those documents or information before your application can be approved.
Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.
SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card. You can also check your balance online here.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Indiana Division of Family Resources, you can appeal your decision in person, by mail, or over the phone.
To file an appeal in person, visit a local Division of Family Resources office. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. You will also need to bring your benefit determination letter and evidence that supports your appeal. Find your nearest location here. You can also file an appeal by calling 1 (800) 403-0864.
To file a claim by mail, you will need to write a letter to:
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
204 W. Washington St., Room W363
Indianapolis, IN 46204
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card or 1 (877) 768-5098.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the Indiana Division of Family Resources EBT card page here.
If you have not received your EBT card within 10 days of receiving your approval notice, call 1 (800) 403-0864 for assistance.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call Indiana’s EBT customer service number at 1 (877) 768-5098.
You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a Division of Family Resources office in Indiana.
For more answers to common questions related to EBT cards, click here.
For help with obtaining SNAP benefits, or for any further questions about your application, call the Indiana Division of Family Resources at 1 (800) 403-0864.
You can also visit or call a Division of Family Resources Office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, requirements for program eligibility, and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.
Last Updated: February 2, 2024