As temperatures fall, electricity bills across Indiana will start to rise. Some Hoosiers might struggle this year to pay their utilities because of soaring U.S. food prices, increasing local energy costs or steadily climbing inflation — compounded by the fast approaching holidays.
Millions of lower-income Americans who depend on food stamps from SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, could face additional hardship to cover the cost of their electricity during the ongoing government shutdown.
Roughly 586,000 Hoosiers were enrolled in the food stamp program as of May, according to the most recent U.S. Department of Agriculture data, but a prominent message appearing on the USDA’s official website Oct. 27 announced no benefits would be issued beginning Nov. 1.
Two federal judges have since ordered the Trump Administration to fund SNAP benefits, in which Trump agreed Nov. 3 to partially back the program. It remains unclear though how soon food stamps could return. Experts say it might take days, if not weeks for the money to be paid.
In the meantime, thousands of Hoosiers might face the difficult choice of having either groceries or heat during the coldest months of the year.
Eligible Indiana residents can lower the cost of electricity if they qualify for the state’s Energy Assistance Program. Among other benefits, it can help prevent a utility company from disconnecting your power.
Here’s who qualifies for Indiana’s EAP benefits and how to get them.
What is the Indiana Energy Assistance Program?
The Energy Assistance Program will help cover a portion of your electricity bill. It’s a federally-funded program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services called the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP. Recipients also can use the program to offset energy related home-repairs.
Who is eligible for the Energy Assistance Program in Indiana?
EAP benefits are available for those who earn 60% of Indiana’s state median income, according to LIHEAP’s eligibility requirements.
According to IndyEAP, the last three months of your gross household income, including any unearned income from household members age 18 and above, must not exceed the following:
What if I don’t qualify for the Indiana Energy Assistance Program?
If you fall outside these income margins, there are other programs in Indiana that can potentially help lower the cost of your electricity, which are listed below.
How much does Indiana’s Energy Assistance Program cover?
Nearly 122,000 Hoosiers signed up for EAP benefits during the 2024 fiscal year, according to state data from LIHEAP, in which the program covered $100-$675 in heating bills for Indiana residents in 2025.
The specific amount of money paid is determined by each household size, income, at-risk factors, and fuel source, according to the organization.
Are applications being accepted during the government shutdown?
Applications for EAP benefits are being accepted by the Marion County Energy Assistance Program, IndyEAP, despite the ongoing government shutdown.
The federal funds for the program are administered by the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority, IHCDA, in which a spokesperson gave this message to IndyStar:
“The IHCDA office remains open and the agency will continue to accept federal program draws and process claims (during the shutdown). At this time, no significant disruption of services is anticipated,” a spokesperson said.
When do applications start for the Indiana Energy Assistance Program?
Applications for EAP benefits in Marion County began Oct. 1, 2025. The last day to submit an application is April 20, 2026. Those who signed up for the program last year will need to sign up for it again.
How long does the application process take?
The application process can take up to 55 days and approval is not guaranteed, so it’s better to get started as soon as possible rather than wait.
How do people receive Energy Assistance Program benefits?
If you’re a homeowner, EAP benefits are paid directly to your utility provider. For those who rent, and whose utilities are included in the cost of rent, the benefit is paid directly to you, but it might take up to 120 days for the payment to process.
Can the Energy Assistance Program help prevent my power from being cut off?
According to the organization, EAP recipients are protected from having their electricity disconnected from Dec. 1, 2025, to March 15, 2026.
What do you need to apply for the Energy Assistance Program in Indiana?
To apply for EAP benefits, fill out an application along with providing your proof of income for the past 90 days and a copy of your utility bills. According to IndyEAP, applicants do not need a photo ID, social security card, copy of their lease, nor their birth certificate.
How to apply for the Energy Assistance Program in Marion County, Indiana
Marion County applicants can apply for EAP benefits in the following ways:
How to apply for the Energy Assistance Program in each Indiana county
Hoosiers outside of Marion County can find out who to contact for EAP benefits using the online map provided at in.gov/ihcda. Click “Homeowners & Renters,” then navigate to “Energy Assistance Program” and tap the link.
Emergency Energy Assistance Programs in Indiana
So what happens if you don’t qualify for Indiana’s Energy Assistance Program? The programs and resources listed below can help some Hoosiers who are in danger of losing their electricity.
For more online information about emergency assistance with electricity, visit: liheapch.acf.gov/profiles/Indiana.htm.
Need help paying utility bills in Indiana?
Marion County, Indiana residents can visit Indy.gov’s online energy efficiency tips for more ways to save electricity, and money, this winter.
Note: This story was updated to clarify information about United Way’s Winter Assistance Fund and Citizen Energy Group’s Warm Heart, Warm Home Foundation.
John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at JTuftsReports.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Some Indiana residents can lower their heating bills thanks to this program
Reporting by John Tufts, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
