Indiana SNAP Benefits and Eligibility Criteria Needed to Apply for SNAP
– Indiana SNAP Benefits –
Indiana SNAP Benefits: The Indiana Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) lets you and your family purchase foods required for healthy living.
Most grocery stores and other retailers which sell food can buy food. When you follow the requirements for the program you will obtain a free debit card (called an EBT Card). This debit card also comes with a certain amount of money on it to pay for food.
The amount of money you get on the card may depend on three things:
- household income from all sources (earned and unearned) such as money you get from a job, Social Security, SSI, or interest
- how many people live in your household
- where you live
In most grocery stores, some community centers, and a few meal delivery programs like Meals on Wheels, you can use the token. It just acts like a normal debit card. Using the card you buy your groceries, and the expense is taken out of the card’s total number. More money is put on your debit card on a monthly basis.
What’s the Indiana Hoosier Works Card?
- The Hoosier Works Card is Indiana’s EBT card.
- EBT = electronic benefits transfer.
- EBT card = a card that looks and works like a debit or credit card but is loaded with food stamps and/or cash benefits. You can use it at stores that accept EBT.
- EBT cards are mailed to clients upon initial approval of benefits, and the card is good for life. If an individual goes off of benefits, comes back on, and no longer has the EBT card, they are responsible for requesting another via EBT customer service: 1-877-768-5098.
What’s the Income Limit for SNAP (Food Stamps)?
Use the chart below to see if your household is earning less than the monthly gross income cap.
Net income factors in deductions and taxes, which is a complicated process. And if your household income is below the gross cap, you will be trying to find out if it is above the net limit.
Effective from October 1, 2019, through September 30, 2020.
| Household size | Gross monthly income limit* | Net monthly income limit | Max benefit |
| 1 | $1,354 | $1,041 | $194 |
| 2 | $1,832 | $1,410 | $355 |
| 3 | $2,311 | $1,778 | $509 |
| 4 | $2,790 | $2,146 | $646 |
| 5 | $3,269 | $2,515 | $768 |
| 6 | $3,748 | $2,883 | $921 |
| 7 | $4,227 | $3,251 | $1,018 |
| 8 | $4,705 | $3,620 | $1,164 |
| Each additional member | $479 | $369 | $146 |
_* If your household includes an elderly (60+) or disabled person, a higher gross income might still qualify._
How to Apply
You can apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by completing the online application. Call your State Hotline at (800) 403-0864 to see if you can apply by phone or have an application mailed to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I qualify for SNAP (Food Stamps)?
To figure out if you qualify for food stamps, Indiana needs to know your:
- Household size: How many people you live and buy/make food with.
- Income: How much money your household makes. This includes both earned income (the money you make from jobs) and unearned income (cash assistance, Social Security, unemployment insurance, and child support, etc.).
- Assets: How much you have in the bank, not including retirement savings or your most recent tax returns. Some states also include real estate, trusts, investments, and vehicles as assets.
Can I get SNAP (Food Stamps) if I’m Unemployed?
Yeah, as long as you’re not leaving a job or deliberately raising your hours to apply. If you are not working or working less than 30 hours a week, you might be required to participate in an employment and training programme. There are some exceptions which apply. To learn more, please visit your local office or call Indiana’s customer service number: 1-800-403-0864.
Can I get SNAP (Food Stamps) if I have a Drug Felony Conviction?
Effective January 1, 2020, individuals who have been convicted of a drug felony may be eligible for SNAP if they meet certain conditions. Call Indiana’s customer service number for more information: 1-800-403-0864.
Can I Get SNAP (Food Stamps) if I’m not a Citizen?
Non-citizens who have qualified alien immigration status are eligible for food stamps.
Qualified aliens include refugees, victims of trafficking, Cuban and Haitian immigrants, Iraqi and Afghan immigrants with special status, and more.
Can I get SNAP (Food Stamps) if I’m Homeless?
Yes. You do not need a mailing address or housing to apply for food stamps. If you’re currently living in a shelter that gives you free meals, you can still apply for food stamps.
Can I get more SNAP (Food Stamps) if I’m Pregnant or a New Parent?
Your household size will increase once your kid is born. More Members of the household = more benefits. You can’t get more food stamps while you’re pregnant but you can apply for Women, Infant & Children (WIC) benefits. WIC provides nutrition and resources for pregnant women, new parents and children up to age 5.
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