Government grants provide direct financial help to Indiana residents without repayment obligations. Unlike loans, grants do not require payback and target specific needs like housing, utility bills, education, and emergency expenses. Indiana offers state-funded and federally supported grant programs through agencies including the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA), Department of Workforce Development (DWD), and local service providers across all 92 counties.
These programs help low-income households, seniors, veterans, students, families, and disabled individuals cover essential costs during financial hardship. Grants differ from tax credits or loans because recipients receive funds directly to pay approved expenses.
Key Takeaways
Indiana residents earning 60% or less of state median income qualify for most energy and housing assistance programs
Workforce Ready Grant covers full tuition and fees for high-demand certificate programs at approved Indiana training providers
Veterans can receive up to $2,500 through the Military Family Relief Fund for housing, utilities, food, and medical expenses
Applications open October 1 annually for Energy Assistance Program benefits that protect against winter utility disconnection
No repayment required for approved grants, unlike loans or emergency assistance programs
Types of Government Grants Available in Indiana
Indiana administers multiple grant categories targeting different resident needs and populations.
Housing Assistance Grants
IHCDA homebuyer programs help first-time buyers purchase primary residences with income limits based on family size and location. Applicants need a credit score of 640 or higher and must be U.S. legal residents. The Recovery Housing Program provides funding through the Indiana Electronic Grants Management System with applications accepted until May 16, 2025.
USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants serve very-low-income homeowners, particularly elderly residents, who need to remove health and safety hazards from their homes. Grant amounts reach up to $10,000 for qualifying homeowners.
Utility and Energy Assistance
The Energy Assistance Program (EAP), Indiana’s version of the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), provides one-time annual benefits for heating and electric costs. Indiana households earning 60% of state median income or less qualify based on the most recent three months of income.
IndyEAP specifically serves Marion County residents with utility assistance during winter months. The program protects eligible applicants from utility disconnection between December 1 and March 15 annually under Indiana’s Moratorium law. Applications open October 1, 2025, and close April 20, 2026.
The SILVER program offers additional one-time benefits exclusively for residents age 60 and older with past-due utility balances.
| Program | Coverage | Application Period | Income Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| EAP (LIHEAP) | Heating and electric bills statewide | October 1 – April 14 | 60% SMI or less |
| IndyEAP | Electricity and heating (Marion County only) | October 1 – April 20 | Income-eligible households |
| SILVER | Past-due balances for seniors | Varies by provider | Age 60+, income-based |
Education and Workforce Training Grants
The Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant pays full tuition and mandatory fees for high-value certificate programs at Ivy Tech Community College, Vincennes University, Indiana Institute of Technology, and approved providers. This grant covers up to two years and does not have family income limits.
Eligible recipients must be Indiana residents and U.S. citizens with a high school diploma or equivalent but less than a college degree. Students must enroll at least half-time (typically two courses) if independent and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress. The grant does not cover courses outside the certificate program or program-specific equipment.
Small Business and Self-Employment Grants
Elevate Small Business Grants provide up to $20,000 for technology enhancements, capital improvements, and workforce development. The Indiana Technical Assistance Program (INTAP) covers up to $15,000 in professional services from Indiana-based vendors for for-profit small businesses.
The Indiana State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) allocates approximately $99 million in federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act. The Indiana Angel Network Fund provides equity capital up to $1 million per company with required 1:1 co-investment.
Assistance for Seniors, Disabled Individuals, Families, and Veterans
Military Family Relief Fund (MFRF) grants reach up to $2,500 for Indiana veterans with wartime or peacetime service and their legal dependents facing financial difficulties. Veterans use these funds for housing, utilities, food, transportation, and medical services. The Indiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs administers this program with expanded eligibility since recent legislation changes.
Veterans property tax deductions provide $24,960 deductions for those with at least 10% service-connected disability ratings. Totally disabled veterans and surviving spouses qualify for additional deductions on properties assessed at $200,000 or less.
Older Americans Act (OAA) grants fund services through competitive bids every two years to nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, and private businesses serving seniors and people with disabilities.
Who Is Eligible for Indiana Government Grants
Eligibility requirements vary by program but share common criteria around income, residency, and targeted populations.
Income-Based Eligibility
Most Indiana assistance programs use 60% of state median income (SMI) as the threshold. The 2025-2026 EAP income limits establish monthly maximums based on household size:
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,796 |
| 2 people | $3,659 |
| 3 people | $4,517 |
| 4 people | $5,377 |
| 5 people | $6,238 |
| 6 people | $7,098 |
| 7 people | $7,259 |
| 8 people | $7,421 |
Income eligibility uses the most recent three months of gross income before taxes and includes wages, salaries, tips, and benefits like Social Security. Some programs allow medical expense deductions above certain amounts to reduce countable income.
The Workforce Ready Grant does not limit eligibility by family income.
Residency Requirements
All grant applicants must be Indiana residents. Housing programs require the purchased property serve as the primary residence within 60 days of closing. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens.
Veterans seeking MFRF grants must be Indiana residents regardless of where they served.
Priority and Protected Groups
Several programs prioritize specific populations:
Seniors age 60 and older receive dedicated SILVER program benefits and protection under Moratorium law
Elderly very-low-income homeowners qualify for USDA grants specifically targeting health and safety hazards
Veterans with wartime or peacetime service access MFRF grants and property tax deductions
Disabled veterans with 10% or higher service-connected ratings qualify for tax deductions and surviving spouse benefits
Minority- and women-owned businesses receive reserved funding in certain small business grant programs
How to Apply for Government Grants in Indiana
Application processes differ by program but follow general patterns through designated portals and service providers.
Where to Apply
eCivis Grants Portal serves as Indiana’s primary grants management system for state and federal grants administered through state agencies. Applicants access grant solicitations via this portal and submit applications electronically.
NextLevelJobs.org connects Workforce Ready Grant applicants with eligible training providers. Students must also submit a complete and corrected FAFSA for credit-bearing programs, though the standard April 15 state financial aid deadline does not apply.
Local Service Providers (LSP) across Indiana process EAP/LIHEAP applications. IHCDA partners with these county-level providers who determine eligibility.
Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) manages homebuyer programs and housing assistance through IN.gov portals.
Typical Application Steps
| Step | Action Required |
|---|---|
| 1. Determine eligibility | Review income limits, residency requirements, and program-specific criteria |
| 2. Gather documents | Collect proof of income (last 3 months), residency verification, and identification |
| 3. Complete FAFSA (education grants) | Submit Free Application for Federal Student Aid for Workforce Ready Grant |
| 4. Contact training provider or LSP | Connect with approved organizations to initiate applications |
| 5. Submit application | Apply through eCivis, NextLevelJobs.org, or designated provider portals |
| 6. Track application status | Monitor submissions through the electronic system used |
Common Documents Required
Most programs require proof of income from the last three months including pay stubs, benefit statements, or tax returns. Applicants provide government-issued identification and proof of Indiana residency such as utility bills or lease agreements.
Housing programs require credit reports showing scores of 640 or higher. Veterans supply discharge papers (DD-214) and VA disability rating letters for service-connected benefits.
Education grant applicants submit high school diplomas or GED certificates and enroll in qualifying certificate programs at approved providers.
Benefits and Limitations of Government Grants
Indiana grants provide significant financial relief but operate within specific parameters.
What Grants Can Help Pay For
Housing grants cover down payment assistance, closing costs, and home repairs addressing health and safety violations. Energy assistance pays heating and electric bills directly to utility companies. Education grants eliminate tuition and mandatory fees for certificate programs in high-demand fields.
Veterans grants purchase food, cover transportation costs, pay medical expenses, and prevent utility disconnection. Small business grants fund technology upgrades, capital improvements, professional consulting services, and workforce training.
Common Restrictions
Workforce Ready Grant covers only courses directly required for the certificate program. The grant excludes program-specific fees and equipment costs. Students must enroll at least half-time and maintain satisfactory academic progress to retain eligibility.
EAP benefits provide one-time annual assistance and do not cover water bills. Benefit amounts vary based on household income, size, and fuel type.
Housing program income limits vary by family size and home location. Properties must serve as primary residences within 60 days.
What Grants Do Not Cover
Most grants exclude ongoing operational expenses beyond the grant period. INTAP small business grants prohibit use for facility improvements or marketing. Veterans tax deductions do not apply to properties assessed above $200,000.
Energy assistance does not create ongoing monthly payment plans and provides only temporary relief during winter months. Workforce Ready Grant does not cover living expenses, books unrelated to the program, or courses outside certificate requirements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
Application errors delay approvals or result in denials even for eligible applicants.
Incomplete Applications
Missing income documentation from all three required months causes automatic processing delays. Applicants must include income from all household members, including roommates covered by the same utility bill. Leaving required fields blank or submitting partial information forces resubmission.
Workforce Ready Grant applicants who fail to complete FAFSA for credit-bearing programs cannot receive funding. Students must ensure FAFSA completion before enrollment deadlines.
Missed Deadlines
EAP applications close April 14 or April 20 depending on county provider. Submitting after these dates eliminates eligibility for that program year. Recovery Housing Program applications require submission by 11:59 p.m. ET on May 16, 2025, with technical assistance unavailable after 4 p.m. that day.
Planning submission several days before deadlines prevents technical issues from causing missed opportunities.
Confusing Grants with Loans
Grants require no repayment while loans create debt obligations. Some programs like USDA Single Family Housing offer both repair loans and grants, requiring applicants to specify which option they seek. Misunderstanding these differences leads to accepting loans when grant-only assistance was needed.
SSBCI programs include loan funds alongside grant opportunities, making careful review of program terms essential before accepting.
Applying to Wrong Programs
IndyEAP serves only Marion County residents while EAP/LIHEAP operates statewide. Applying through the wrong portal wastes time. Small business grants target different business sizes, with some requiring fewer than 100 employees and others accepting larger companies.
Reading full eligibility requirements before starting applications prevents wasted effort on programs where applicants cannot qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much can I receive from Indiana energy assistance programs?
EAP/LIHEAP benefit amounts vary based on household income, family size, and heating fuel type. The program provides one-time annual benefits paid directly to utility companies. SILVER program offers additional assistance specifically for Indiana residents age 60 and older with past-due balances. Benefit calculations consider the most recent three months of gross income.
Can college graduates apply for the Workforce Ready Grant?
No. The Workforce Ready Grant requires applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent but less than a college degree. This restriction ensures funding targets individuals entering workforce training without prior higher education credentials. Applicants must enroll in qualifying certificate programs at approved Indiana training providers.
What income counts toward the 60% state median income limit?
Gross monthly income includes wages, salaries, tips, Social Security benefits, unemployment compensation, and other household earnings before taxes. EAP eligibility uses income from the most recent three months. Some programs allow deductions for medical expenses above certain thresholds to reduce countable income. All household members covered by the same utility bill count toward total household income.
Do veterans need service-connected disabilities to qualify for Indiana grants?
Not for all programs. The Military Family Relief Fund (MFRF) serves veterans with wartime or peacetime service regardless of disability status. Grants reach up to $2,500 for veterans and legal dependents experiencing financial hardship. However, property tax deductions require at least a 10% service-connected disability rating for partial benefits or total disability ratings for full deductions.
When does the Energy Assistance Program application period open?
EAP applications open October 1 annually and close on April 14 or April 20 depending on the local service provider. IndyEAP in Marion County follows similar dates with benefits sent to utility partners starting November 1. The Moratorium protection period runs from December 1 through March 15, preventing utility disconnection for eligible applicants.
Are Indiana government grants taxable income?
Most need-based assistance grants including EAP/LIHEAP and housing assistance are not considered taxable income because they address basic necessities. Workforce Ready Grant covers educational expenses directly rather than providing cash to students, which typically excludes it from taxable income. Veterans should consult tax professionals regarding MFRF grants, though financial hardship assistance generally receives tax-exempt treatment. Small business grants may have different tax implications requiring professional guidance.
Can I apply for multiple Indiana grant programs simultaneously?
Yes. Eligible Indiana residents can apply for different grant programs addressing separate needs. A household might receive EAP assistance for utilities while a family member pursues the Workforce Ready Grant for education. Veterans may access both MFRF grants and property tax deductions if they meet each program’s requirements. However, applicants cannot receive duplicate benefits for the same expense from multiple programs.
Conclusion
Indiana operates comprehensive grant programs addressing housing, utilities, education, and emergency financial needs without repayment requirements. Income-eligible residents earning 60% or less of state median income qualify for most assistance programs, while education grants serve broader populations regardless of household earnings. Applications open October 1 for energy assistance and follow specific timelines for housing, workforce training, and veteran support programs.
Successful applicants gather required income documentation, verify residency status, and submit complete applications before published deadlines. The eCivis Grants Portal, NextLevelJobs.org, and local service providers manage different program categories through Indiana’s coordinated grants management system. Understanding program-specific restrictions and maintaining accurate records throughout the application process improves approval likelihood.