Benefits
Indiana Benefits for Older Adults
Indiana has many programs that can help older adults pay for health care, drugs, food, energy bills, and property taxes on their home. This page lists each kind of help in Indiana, what it pays for, and where to apply. The state or county agency makes the final decision on who gets help. You may qualify even if you own your home or get Social Security.
Kinds of benefits in Indiana
The agency decides who qualifies. The limits below are the published figures — use them to see whether applying is worth your time.
Social Security in Indiana
Social Security pays monthly benefits to retired workers, people with disabilities, and families of workers who have died. You can apply online, by phone, or at a local office. Bring proof of age, your Social Security number, and recent tax or work records. The Social Security Administration decides if you may qualify and how much you get.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Social Security Administration (SSA) |
| What it covers | Retirement, disability, and survivor benefits, and Medicare enrollment. |
| How to apply | Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office. |
| Source | Social Security Administration (SSA) (www.in.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Medicaid for Older Indiana Residents (FSSA and PathWays)
Medicaid in Indiana can pay for care that Medicare does not pay for, like long stays in a nursing home, help at home, and hospice. For people age 65 or older, the income limit in 2026 is $1,330 a month for one person, with savings up to $2,000. For nursing home or waiver care, income can be up to $2,982 a month. FSSA decides if you may qualify.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Indiana Health Coverage Programs |
| What it covers | Health care Medicare does not pay for on its own, including long nursing home stays and help at home through Indiana PathWays for Aging and waiver services, some dental care, rides to care, and hospice. |
| How to apply | Apply on the FSSA Benefits Portal at fssabenefits.in.gov, by phone at 800-403-0864, or at your county Division of Family Resources (DFR) office. |
| Limits 2026 | Note: Aged, blind, and disabled standards from the Indiana Medicaid Eligibility Guide, in effect March 1, 2026: income at 100 percent of the poverty level, $1,330 a month for one person and $1,803 for two, with resources of $2,000 or $3,000. The special income level for nursing home and home and community-based waiver services is $2,982 a month (300 percent of the 2026 SSI federal benefit rate).; Resources: Couple: 3000; Individual: 2000; Monthly income abd: Couple: 1803; Individual: 1330; Special income level ltc: 2982 |
| Source | Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Indiana Health Coverage Programs (www.in.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Medicare Savings Programs in Indiana
Medicare Savings Programs in Indiana help pay Medicare costs, and the income limits here are higher than in most states. In 2026, QMB goes up to $2,015 a month for one person and pays premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. SLMB goes up to $2,281 and QI up to $2,481, and each pays the Part B premium. FSSA decides if you may qualify.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Indiana Health Coverage Programs |
| What it covers | QMB pays Medicare Part A and Part B premiums plus deductibles and coinsurance. SLMB and QI pay the Part B premium only. QDWI pays the Part A premium for some workers with disabilities. |
| How to apply | Apply on the FSSA Benefits Portal, by phone at 800-403-0864, or at your county DFR office. |
| Limits 2026 | Qi: Couple: 3357; Individual: 2481; Qmb: Couple: 2725; Individual: 2015; Note: Indiana uses higher income limits than the federal floor: QMB 150 percent of the poverty level, SLMB 170 percent, QI 185 percent, QDWI 200 percent, with a $20 general income disregard (FSSA Medicaid Policy Manual, section 1610.45.10). 2026 monthly amounts include the $20 disregard. Resource limits are $9,950 for one person and $14,910 for a couple.; Slmb: Couple: 3086; Individual: 2281; Resources: Couple: 14910; Individual: 9950 |
| Source | Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Indiana Health Coverage Programs (www.in.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
SNAP Food Benefits in Indiana
SNAP in Indiana puts money on a Hoosier Works card each month to help buy food. For one person, gross income can be up to $1,696 a month. If someone in the home is age 60 or older or has a disability, there is no gross test, only a net income test. The most one person can get is $298 a month. FSSA decides if you may qualify.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Division of Family Resources (DFR) |
| What it covers | Monthly money on a Hoosier Works EBT card to buy food. |
| How to apply | Apply on the FSSA Benefits Portal at fssabenefits.in.gov, by phone at 800-403-0864, or at your county DFR office. |
| Limits fy2026 | Note: Indiana uses the standard federal SNAP tests (fiscal year 2026, October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026): gross income up to 130 percent of the poverty level and net income up to 100 percent. Households with a person age 60 or older or with a disability skip the gross test (FSSA DFR income table).; Net monthly: Couple: 1763; Individual: 1305; Gross monthly: Couple: 2292; Individual: 1696; Max allotment: Couple: 546; Individual: 298 |
| Source | Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Division of Family Resources (DFR) (www.in.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Indiana
SSI pays each month to people age 65 or older, blind, or disabled who have low income and few savings. The federal rate in 2026 is $994 a month for one person. If you get SSI, ask FSSA about Medicaid health coverage too. The Social Security Administration decides if you may qualify.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Social Security Administration (SSA) |
| What it covers | Monthly payments for people age 65 or older, blind, or disabled who have low income and few resources. |
| How to apply | Apply with the Social Security Administration online, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local office. |
| Limits 2026 | Note: The federal SSI rate for 2026 is $994 a month for one person and $1,491 for a couple, with resource limits of $2,000 and $3,000. Indiana does not add a regular state supplement for most people. |
| Source | Social Security Administration (SSA) (www.in.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Extra Help With Medicare Drug Costs in Indiana
Extra Help lowers the cost of Medicare drug plans. It can pay part of the premium and lower what you pay for each drug. You can apply with Social Security online or by phone. If you get a Medicare Savings Program or SSI, you are signed up on your own. Social Security decides if you may qualify.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Social Security Administration (SSA); Indiana SHIP counselors can help you apply |
| What it covers | Help paying Medicare Part D drug plan premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. |
| How to apply | Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office. People in a Medicare Savings Program are signed up on their own. |
| Source | Social Security Administration (SSA); Indiana SHIP counselors can help you apply (www.in.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Energy Help in Indiana (EAP / LIHEAP)
The Energy Assistance Program, or EAP, is the Indiana name for LIHEAP. It helps pay heat and electric bills with a one-time payment each year. If your income is at or below 60 percent of the state median income, you may qualify. For this program year, apply between October 1, 2026 and April 30, 2027 with your local provider. The provider decides if you may qualify.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA), through 19 local service providers covering all 92 counties |
| What it covers | A one-time yearly payment toward heat and electric bills, paid to your utility company. It can also help if you are about to be disconnected. |
| note | Households at or below 60 percent of the Indiana state median income may qualify (IHCDA Energy Assistance Program page, program year 2027). Questions: [email protected] or 317-232-7777. |
| How to apply | Apply with your local service provider or online. For program year 2027, applications run from October 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027. |
| Source | Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA), through 19 local service providers covering all 92 counties (www.in.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Property Tax Relief for Older Indiana Homeowners (Over 65 Credits)
Indiana gives older homeowners two property tax credits. The Over 65 Credit takes $150 off your bill if your income is $60,000 or less, or $70,000 for a couple. The Over 65 Circuit Breaker Credit stops your bill from rising more than 2 percent in a year, but its income limits are lower. Apply on Form 43708 at your county auditor's office. The auditor decides if you may qualify.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Your county auditor, under the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) |
| What it covers | The Over 65 Credit takes a flat $150 off your property tax bill. The Over 65 Circuit Breaker Credit caps the rise in your bill at 2 percent a year over the prior year. |
| note | Senate Enrolled Act 1-2025 turned the Over 65 Deduction into a $150 Over 65 Credit, first applied on 2026 tax bills (2025 pay 2026), and raised the income limits to $60,000 for a single filer and $70,000 for a joint filer (DLGF). The Over 65 Circuit Breaker Credit keeps its lower, cost-of-living-adjusted income limits: for pay 2026, $34,494.86 for a single filer and $45,993.15 for a joint filer (DLGF calculation). |
| How to apply | Apply for both credits on State Form 43708, Application for Senior Citizen Property Tax Benefits, with your county auditor. |
| Source | Your county auditor, under the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) (www.in.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Aging Services in Indiana (INconnect Alliance)
Indiana aging services run through local Area Agencies on Aging, also called Aging and Disability Resource Centers. Together they form the INconnect Alliance. They can set up help at home, meals, rides, and support for family caregivers. Call 800-713-9023 and tell them what help you need. The agency will tell you what you may qualify for.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | FSSA Division of Aging and the 15 Area Agencies on Aging / Aging and Disability Resource Centers of the INconnect Alliance (covering 16 planning and service areas) |
| What it covers | Help at home, meals, rides, caregiver support, case management, and help finding local services for older adults and people with disabilities. |
| How to apply | Call the INconnect Alliance at 800-713-9023 to reach the agency for your county. |
| Source | FSSA Division of Aging and the 15 Area Agencies on Aging / Aging and Disability Resource Centers of the INconnect Alliance (covering 16 planning and service areas) (www.in.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Free Medicare Counseling in Indiana (SHIP)
SHIP gives free Medicare help in Indiana. Trained counselors can explain your plan choices, compare drug costs, and help you apply for programs that pay Medicare costs. The help is free and fair, and the counselors do not sell plans. Call 800-452-4800 to reach SHIP.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), Indiana Department of Insurance, with the Administration for Community Living |
| What it covers | Free, one-on-one help to compare Medicare plans, Medicare Supplement plans, drug plans, and programs that lower Medicare costs. Counselors are trained volunteers and do not sell insurance. |
| How to apply | Call SHIP at 800-452-4800 to reach the central office or a local counselor. |
| Source | State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), Indiana Department of Insurance, with the Administration for Community Living (www.in.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Applying for Benefits in Indiana (FSSA and DFR)
You can apply for most Indiana benefits in one place. The FSSA Benefits Portal takes applications for SNAP food help and Medicaid health coverage. You can also go in person to your county Division of Family Resources office. Bring proof of who you are, where you live, your income, and your bills. FSSA decides if you may qualify for each program.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Division of Family Resources (DFR) |
| What it covers | One place to apply for SNAP food help, Medicaid health coverage, Medicare Savings Programs, and cash help. |
| How to apply | Apply on the FSSA Benefits Portal at fssabenefits.in.gov, by phone at 800-403-0864, or in person at your county DFR office. |
| Source | Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Division of Family Resources (DFR) (www.in.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Good to know in Indiana
- Medicaid in Indiana is run by the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). For people age 65 or older, blind, or disabled, the income limit is 100 percent of the poverty level, which is $1,330 a month for one person in 2026, with resources up to $2,000 (Indiana Medicaid Eligibility Guide, in effect March 1, 2026). For nursing home care or home care waiver services, income can be up to $2,982 a month. Indiana also covers adults ages 19 to 64 through the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) up to 138 percent of the poverty level.
- Indiana Medicare Savings Programs go higher than the federal floor. Indiana sets QMB at 150 percent of the poverty level, SLMB at 170 percent, and QI at 185 percent, with a $20 income disregard (FSSA Medicaid Policy Manual, section 1610.45.10). For 2026, that is $2,015 a month for one person for QMB, $2,281 for SLMB, and $2,481 for QI. The resource limit is $9,950 for one person and $14,910 for a couple.
- Food help in Indiana is SNAP, run by the FSSA Division of Family Resources (DFR). Indiana uses the standard gross limit of 130 percent of the poverty level, which is $1,696 a month for one person, and a net limit of $1,305. The most one person can get is $298 a month (fiscal year 2026, October 2025 to September 2026). Benefits go on a Hoosier Works EBT card. Apply on the FSSA Benefits Portal or at a county DFR office.
- Energy help in Indiana is the Energy Assistance Program (EAP), the state name for LIHEAP, run by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) through 19 local service providers covering all 92 counties. Households at or below 60 percent of the state median income may qualify for a one-time payment toward heat and electric bills. For program year 2027, applications run from October 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027 (IHCDA).
- Indiana property tax help for seniors changed in 2025. The old Over 65 Deduction became a flat $150 Over 65 Credit, first used on 2026 tax bills, for homeowners with income up to $60,000 for one person or $70,000 for a couple (Senate Enrolled Act 1-2025, Indiana Department of Local Government Finance). The separate Over 65 Circuit Breaker Credit caps the rise in your tax bill at 2 percent a year. Apply for both on State Form 43708 with your county auditor.
Free local help
Three national programs connect you to help in your own community, at no cost: