Are there any benefit programs or grants for felons in Indiana? Yes, felons in Indiana are eligible for most income-based financial aid programs. That means you can get money to buy food, help pay your rent and utility bills, get job training, or go to school for a degree or trade certification.
Reentry Grants For Felons in Indiana 2026
People often hear about reentry grants for felons and assume that means the government hands out money to individuals, but that’s not the case. These grants are actually given to the organizations that provide reentry services. However, if you join a reentry program, you may be awarded a small grant if you make good progress towards your goals.
The biggest benefit you’ll get from a reentry program isn’t a grant worth a couple of hundred dollars. It’s the access you get to:
- Mentorship
- Job training
- Network of felon friendly employers
- Legal assistance
- Housing support
Leading reentry programs in Indiana include
- PACE reentry Services: https://paceindy.org/reentry
- 2nd Chance Indiana: https://2ndchancein.com
- Indy Grace Place: https://indygraceplace.org
- Calbert Foundation: https://calbertfoundation.com
To find other reentry programs call the free 2-1-1 helpline.
Grants To Buy Groceries
If you’re a felon on a low-income, you could qualify for SNAP benefits. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program issues payments once a month that can be spent at participating grocery stores.
Most felonies aren’t disqualifying, but felons with a drug related felony may not qualify for support unless they:
- Successfully completed probation, parole, community corrections, or a re-entry program
- OR are currently complying with supervision requirements
Able-bodied individuals aged 18-64 are required to be in work or attend work related training for at least 80 hours per month to qualify. Felons training for work with a reentry provider will meet the work requirements for SNAP.
Read Also: Grants For Felons in California
Indiana SNAP Income Limits And Benefit Amounts (2026)
| Household Size | Gross Income Limit | Maximum Monthly Payment |
| 1 person | $1,695 / month | $298 |
| 2 people | $2,291 / month | $546 |
| 3 people | $2,887 / month | $785 |
| 4 people | $3,482 / month | $994 |
| 5 people | $4,079 / month | $1,183 |
Apply for SNAP: https://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/snap-food-assistance
Monthly Cash Assistance Grants In Indiana
Temporary Assistance For Needy Families
Felons on a low income, living with dependent children under the age of 18, may qualify for a monthly cash payment from the TANF program. Indiana’s TANF program also provides childcare vouchers and transportation assistance.
In addition to meeting countable income and asset limits, TANF recipients must participate in job search activities through the IMPACT service – https://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/impact-job-training
Countable Income Limits And Maximum Benefit Amounts Indiana TANF (2026)
Countable income is your income after deduction of allowable expenses like housing costs, utilities, and child care.
| Household Size | Countable Income Limit | Maximum Payment |
| 1 person | $248 / month | $248 / month |
| 2 people | $409 / month | $409 / month |
| 3 people | $513 / month | $513Â / month |
| 4 people | $617 / month | $617 / month |
| 5 people | $721 / month | $721 / month |
Township Assistance Grants
In Indiana, townships have a legal duty to provide for their poor and needy residents. The eligibility criteria and amount of assistance varies across townships. You’ll need to contact your township office to get the details for your area.
Townships usually require all able-bodied adult members of a household to participate in an education or self-help program (reentry programs will qualify). You will also be required to look for work.
Township assistance grants only cover necessities, and proof of your expenses (like rent, utilities, or transportation) will be required.
The qualifying income limit is often set at 138% of the federal poverty level for the household size.
Call the free 2-1-1 helpline to get the contact details for your township office.
LIHEAP Grants Can Help Pay For Your Utilities
Felons who meet the income limits for LIHEAP can get a grant to help pay for heating costs. The annual grant is worth a minimum of $100 and a maximum of $675. Households facing a utility shutoff or an unaffordable heating system repair can also qualify for a winter crisis grant worth up to $800.
LIHEAP Income Limits In Indiana (2026)
| Household Size | LIHEAP Gross Income Limit |
| 1 person | $2,796 / month |
| 2 people | $3,656 / month |
| 3 people | $4,517 / month |
| 4 people | $5,377 / month |
| 5 people | $6,238 / month |
Funds for LIHEAP are limited. Grants are given to the most vulnerable households first before the program is opened to other Indiana residents.
Apply for a LIHEAP grant through your local LIHEAP agency: https://liheapch.acf.gov/search-tool/state-territory
Housing Grants For Felons in Indiana
Rapid Rehousing Grants
If you’re a homeless felon, your local Community Action agency may be able to get you into their Rapid Rehousing program. RRH programs house people based on need not criminal history, so having a felony won’t be a barrier.
To access the program, you’ll need to undergo a needs assessment. If you’re eligible, you’ll get help to find housing and a grant to cover move in costs and rent for a limited period. The grant will be paid directly to your housing provider.
Contact your local Community Action Agency, or call the free 2-1-1 helpline to find your local program.
Housing Choice Voucher Program
The HCV program is a rent assistance program for low-income households. Rent subsidies are provided each month, and you can choose to live in government owned housing, or rent any house or apartment that accepts housing vouchers.
With a voucher, the portion of the rent you will be responsible for is capped at 30% of your adjusted income.
Demand for rent assistance is very high, and housing agencies have limited funds. Most Public Housing agencies (PHA’s) operate waiting lists, so it’s advisable to get on your local list as soon as you can.
Your criminal history could disqualify you from rent assistance programs. PHA’s set their own criminal background disqualification criteria, with the length of disqualification based on the type, severity, and age of the offense. The only offenses which are permanently disqualifying at all PHA’s are:
- Manufacturing methamphetamine on the premises of public housing
- Convictions requiring lifetime registration as a sex offender
Find your PHA: https://www.hud.gov/contactus/public-housing-contacts
Modest Needs Grants
Modest Needs provides grants to the working poor. People with jobs who can’t cover the cost of a short-term emergency expense. These grants can cover unexpected costs like a car repair, broken stove, funeral expense, or medical bill.
Average grant amounts fall between $750 to $1,250 and depend on the amount of the expense. You’ll need proof of your income, employment, and the expense you need to pay.
Learn more and apply online: https://www.modestneeds.org/mn/for-applicants/grants/self-sufficiency-grants
Federal And State Grants For Education And Training After A Felony
Taking advantage of grant funding to get a degree or trade certification is one of the best ways to move towards financial independence and stability. Whether you’re thinking about attending a 4-year college full-time, or taking part-time vocational training at your local community college, grants can cover a substantial part of the cost.
Federal Pell Grant: Low-income students receive an annual grant worth up to $7,395
FSEOG: Students with exceptional financial need, attending a participating institution, may receive a grant worth up to $4,000 per year. Apply early because funding is limited
Learn more: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants
Frank O’Bannon Grant: Grants vary depending on financial need and the type of school. Maximum grant – $10,600 per academic year
More details: https://www.in.gov/che/state-financial-aid/state-financial-aid-by-program/frank-obannon-grant
Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant: Covers the full cost of tuition and fees for 2 years when studying for a high-value certificate in the fields of Advanced Manufacturing, Health Sciences, Information Technology & Business Technology, Building & Construction, and Transportation & Logistics
Learn more: https://www.in.gov/che/state-financial-aid/state-financial-aid-by-program/workforce-ready-grant
Workforce Innovation And Opportunity Act
The WIOA pays for:
- Job and skills training
- Vocational certification programs
- Trade school or short-term college programs
- Paid on-the-job training
- Career counseling, résumé help, interview preparation
- Tools, uniforms, testing fees, and transportation help when required
WIOA programs are designed for people facing barriers to employment, and your local program will be used to helping felons find good jobs.
Talk to a counselor at your nearest American Job Center: https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/AmericanJobCenters/find-american-job-centers.aspx.
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