Indiana calls its LIHEAP program “EAP” — the Energy Assistance Program — administered by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) through a statewide network of Local Service Providers (LSPs). EAP provides a one-time annual benefit paid directly to utility companies to help eligible Indiana households pay heating and electric bills. The 2026 application period ran from October 1, 2025 through April 20, 2026, and applications for PY 2026 are expected to reopen in October 2026.
Indiana also has a distinctive safety net that exists in no other state in this series: Indiana’s 1,008 township trustee offices are required by law (since 1894) to provide “poor relief” — including utility assistance — to residents who don’t qualify for or have exhausted EAP.
What Does Indiana EAP Cover?
Heating Assistance (Standard EAP) — a one-time annual benefit applied directly to your utility account to help with heating and electric costs. Benefit range: $100 minimum to $625 maximum. Benefits are paid to the utility vendor; the program does not cover all annual costs.
Winter Crisis Assistance — emergency help for households disconnected from utilities or on the verge of disconnection. Maximum: $800. Available October 1 through April 20.
No cooling assistance: Indiana EAP does not offer a summer cooling program. For cooling emergencies, contact your local LSP, township trustee, or dial 211.
Heat-in-rent eligibility: If your utilities are included in your rent, you may still qualify for EAP. Payment in this case is made as a Direct Pay — directly to the household. Allow up to 120 days from approval date for Direct Pay to arrive.
Weatherization Assistance — free home energy efficiency upgrades. Income limit: 200% FPL. Year-round.
Indiana EAP Income Limits 2026
Indiana uses 60% of State Median Income (SMI) for both heating and crisis programs. For households of 10 or more members, 150% FPL applies. Weatherization uses 200% FPL. Income is based on the most recent three months of gross household income — not a 30-day window as most states use.
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit (60% Indiana SMI, approx.) |
|---|---|
| 1 | ~$2,888 |
| 2 | ~$3,774 |
| 3 | ~$4,660 |
| 4 | ~$5,546 |
| 5 | ~$6,432 |
| 6 | ~$7,318 |
| 7 | ~$7,487 |
| 8 | ~$7,656 |
| 9 | ~$7,825 |
| 10+ | 150% FPL applies |
Monthly equivalents calculated from 60% Indiana SMI. The official income table is published at secure.in.gov/ihcda each October 1 when the new program year opens. Confirm current figures at in.gov/ihcda or by emailing eap@ihcda.in.gov.
For a national comparison of how states set LIHEAP income thresholds, see the LIHEAP eligibility guide.
No asset limit: Indiana EAP has no asset test.
Three-month income period: Unlike most states that look at the prior 30 days of income, Indiana uses the most recent three months of gross income for all household members. This means seasonal workers, those with variable income, or recently laid-off households should apply promptly if recent income is lower.
Indiana’s Township “Poor Relief” — A Unique Safety Net
Indiana is the only state in this series with a statutory backstop for energy assistance: Indiana’s 1,008 towns and townships are legally required (since 1894) to provide “poor relief” that can include housing, utility, food, and medical assistance.
Township trustees are local elected officials funded by property taxes. Each township establishes its own spending guidelines. If you do not qualify for EAP or have already received your annual EAP benefit, contact your local township trustee office for additional utility assistance. Find your township trustee at in.gov/dlgf or by calling 211.
This township-level safety net is entirely unique to Indiana among all 50 states.
Program Dates
| Program | Dates |
|---|---|
| EAP (Heating) | October 1 – April 20 |
| Winter Crisis | October 1 – April 20 |
| Weatherization | Year-round |
| 2026 reopen expected | October 2026 |
The application closes at 5:00 PM Eastern Time on April 20 — a specific deadline that is not just a date but has a confirmed closing time. Applications submitted after 5:00 PM on April 20 are not accepted for that program year.
Who Qualifies for Indiana EAP
To be eligible for Indiana EAP:
- Indiana residency as primary residence
- Income at or below 60% Indiana SMI based on the most recent 3 months of gross household income
- Energy cost responsibility — utility account in your name or heat included in rent
- U.S. citizenship or qualifying immigration status
Both homeowners and renters qualify. If heat is included in rent, Direct Pay goes to the household (not the landlord); allow 120 days from approval.
Continue paying your bills while waiting. IHCDA and LSPs explicitly remind applicants that EAP benefits take time to process — continue paying utility bills to avoid disconnection fees while your application is reviewed. Local Service Agencies may take up to 55 days to determine eligibility, and after approval it may take an additional 30 days for the utility company to process the payment.
Indiana’s Two Application Systems — LITT and Standard Portal
Indiana uses two different online application systems depending on your county, which is a unique operational feature not found in other states:
Standard portal (most Indiana counties): Apply at ihcda.rhsconnect.com/portal
LITT system (new for specific counties): Residents of Adams, Blackford, Huntington, Jay, Randolph, and Wells counties use the new LITT system, administered by Community Action of Northeast Indiana/Brightpoint and Interlocal Community Action Program (ICAP). Check which system applies to you at in.gov/ihcda using the county navigation map.
How to Apply for Indiana EAP
Step 1 — Confirm the Application Window
Indiana EAP runs October 1 through April 20 each year. The portal for 2026 benefits opens October 2026. Check secure.in.gov/ihcda for the official opening date and link.
Step 2 — Find Your Local Service Provider (LSP)
Applications are submitted to your county’s LSP. Use the interactive county map at secure.in.gov/ihcda to find which LSP serves your county and which application system (standard or LITT) to use.
Contact IHCDA directly at eap@ihcda.in.gov with questions. The statewide EAP contact is also listed in the LIHEAP phone number directory. For a general process overview, see how to apply for LIHEAP.
Step 3 — Apply Online, By Mail, or In Person
Online: Apply at ihcda.rhsconnect.com/portal (or LITT if your county uses it). The EAP Connect Portal also allows application status checks after submission.
By mail or drop-box: Some LSPs accept paper applications by mail or secure drop-box. Contact your LSP for specifics — in-person appointments are not universally available. For example, LCCS accepts paper forms at a drop-box (1450 E. Joliet Street, Suite 202, Crown Point) Monday–Friday 8:30 AM–4:00 PM.
Disconnect Notices: If you have a disconnect notice, include it with your initial application.
Step 4 — Required Documents
- Photo ID for the applicant
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of gross income for the most recent three months — pay stubs, award letters (SNAP, SSI, Social Security, unemployment), or self-employment records for all household members
- Most recent utility bill or fuel delivery statement
- Disconnect notice (if applying due to disconnection or imminent disconnection)
- Lease agreement (for heat-in-rent situations)
Step 5 — Check Application Status
Once submitted, track your application at the EAP Connect Portal at ihcda.rhsconnect.com. You can also see how to track your LIHEAP application status for general guidance, then contact your LSP for Indiana-specific case updates.
Indiana EAP Funding 2026
Indiana received $87,120,620 in federal LIHEAP funding for FY 2026, including an additional $2,265,774 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In FY 2024, Indiana served 122,015 heating households and 46,480 winter crisis households, with 214 weatherization projects completed. Browse LIHEAP funding by state to compare Indiana with other states.
Additional Indiana Utility Assistance Programs
Township Poor Relief — Indiana’s 1,008 township trustees are legally required to provide utility assistance. Contact your local township trustee or call 211 to find your township.
NIPSCO Share the Warmth — Northern Indiana Public Service Company’s charitable assistance program for low-income customers.
Duke Energy Share the Light Fund — Duke Energy’s Indiana low-income assistance fund, administered through Indiana Community Action Agencies.
Winter Assistance Fund (Marion County) — administered by United Way for Marion County residents not eligible for other energy programs. Runs January through May. Call 211 to find the nearest community center or contact your township trustee.
AES Indiana — Indianapolis-area electric customers can confirm EAP benefit arrival through their AES Indiana account.
Additional Resources for Indiana Families
Indiana SNAP: Check Indiana SNAP income limits and see how to apply for SNAP in Indiana.
Indiana Medicaid: Check Indiana Medicaid eligibility and income limits.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check Indiana WIC income eligibility.
211: Dial 211 for referrals to local energy assistance, township trustees, food banks, and other programs across Indiana.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EAP in Indiana?
EAP (Energy Assistance Program) is Indiana’s name for the federal LIHEAP program, administered by IHCDA through Local Service Providers. It provides a one-time annual benefit ($100–$625) directly to your utility company to help with heating and electric costs.
What are the income limits for Indiana EAP?
Indiana uses 60% of State Median Income based on the most recent three months of gross household income. For households of 10+, 150% FPL applies. There is no asset limit. Confirm the current table at secure.in.gov/ihcda when the 2026 portal opens in October 2026.
Why does Indiana use three months of income instead of 30 days?
Indiana’s EAP eligibility is calculated using the most recent 3 months of gross income — not the 30-day window used by most states. This can work in favor of households with recent income loss or variable seasonal earnings.
What are Indiana’s 1,008 township trustees?
Indiana townships are local government units required by state law since 1894 to provide “poor relief” including utility assistance. Each township has an elected trustee funded by property taxes. Contact your local trustee if you don’t qualify for EAP or have already received your annual benefit.
How long does Indiana EAP take to process?
Local Service Agencies may take up to 55 days to determine eligibility after all documents are received. After approval, the utility company may take an additional 30 days to process the benefit. Continue paying your bills throughout.
When does Indiana EAP reopen for 2026?
Applications for EAP PY 2026 are expected to reopen in October 2026. Check secure.in.gov/ihcda for the exact opening date and updated application links.
For current Indiana EAP information and to find your Local Service Provider, visit secure.in.gov/ihcda or email eap@ihcda.in.gov. The application portal reopens October 2026 for program year 2026.