How to Renew or Recertify SNAP Benefits in Indiana

Renewing SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) in Indiana is an important step to keep your food benefits from stopping. This process is often called recertification, redetermination, or renewal.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains how SNAP renewal usually works in Indiana, what to expect, and how to work with the official state agency that actually manages your case. This site is not a government office, not an application portal, and not able to process your renewal—but it can help you understand what to do next.

SNAP Renewal in Indiana: The Basics

In Indiana, SNAP is managed by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), usually through your local Division of Family Resources (DFR) office.

To keep getting benefits, most households must:

• Renew/recertify their SNAP case before their certification period ends
• Update their information (income, expenses, household members, etc.)
• Complete an interview, if the state requires it for your household
• Submit proof/documents if anything has changed

If you do not complete recertification on time, your SNAP benefits will stop at the end of your current certification period. You can usually apply again later, but there may be a gap with no benefits.

When Do You Need to Renew SNAP in Indiana?

Every SNAP case in Indiana has a “certification period”—a set number of months your eligibility is approved for. Before this period ends, you must recertify.

Typical patterns (these can vary):

• Many households: 6 months or 12 months
• Some households with fixed income (like certain seniors or people with disabilities): can have longer certification periods

How you’ll usually know it’s time to renew

Indiana typically sends a recertification notice before your certification period ends. This may arrive:

• By mail
• In your online account with the state benefits portal
• Sometimes by email or text, if you opted into alerts

The notice usually includes:

• Your deadline to submit the renewal
• Instructions for how to renew (online, mail, phone, in person)
• Whether you need an interview
• What documents might be needed

If you are unsure of your end date, you can:

• Check your latest approval or benefit notice
• Log into the official Indiana benefits portal
• Call your local DFR office or the state benefits helpline

Ways to Renew SNAP in Indiana

Indiana typically allows several ways to recertify SNAP. Not all options are available to every household, so always confirm with your local DFR office or the official state portal.

1. Renew SNAP Online

Many households can renew SNAP through the official Indiana benefits portal operated by the state.

Common steps:

1. Log in to your account (or create one if you’ve never used the portal).
2. Look for a “renew benefits” or “recertify SNAP” option.
3. Review and update:
   • Household members
   • Income and employment
   • Rent, utilities, and allowable expenses
4. Upload documents if requested.
5. Submit the renewal before your deadline.

Online renewal may let you track messages or requests for more information, which can help avoid delays.

2. Renew by Mail or Fax

If you prefer paper or have limited internet access, you can usually:

1. Get a renewal form:
   • From your recertification packet mailed by the state
   • By calling your local DFR office and asking them to mail one
   • By downloading from the official state website, if available
2. Fill it out completely, sign, and date the form.
3. Include copies of any requested documents.
4. Mail or fax the completed packet to the address or fax number listed on the form or on your notice.

Tip: Mail early if possible. Many people try to mail at least 7–10 days before the deadline so it arrives on time.

3. Renew In Person

You can usually submit your renewal at your local DFR office in Indiana.

Typical options:

• Drop off your completed renewal form and copies of documents
• Ask if you can fill out the form there with staff available to answer questions
• Request to scan or copy documents at the office, if they offer that service

Some offices may ask you to take a number, sign in, or set an appointment. It’s often helpful to call ahead to check office hours and procedures.

4. Renew By Phone (When Available)

In some situations, you may be able to complete or start your renewal by phone, especially if:

• You have difficulty traveling
• You have limited internet access
• There is a special instruction on your recertification notice

You can ask the state benefits hotline or your local DFR office if phone renewals or phone interviews are available for your case.

What Information and Documents You May Need

When you renew SNAP in Indiana, you usually need to confirm or update:

• Who lives in your household
• Income for each adult (and sometimes teens who work)
• Housing costs (rent, mortgage, property taxes, insurance)
• Utility costs (electric, gas, water, sewer, trash, phone, heating)
• Certain child care or dependent care expenses
• Medical expenses for some older adults or people with disabilities

The exact list can vary by household. Your recertification notice or the renewal form may list specific documents.

Common documents to gather

It’s often helpful to have:

• Identity:
  • Driver’s license, state ID, or other picture ID (for the person applying/renewing)
• Social Security numbers:
  • Social Security card or official documents listing your SSN (if requested)
• Income proof:
  • Recent pay stubs (often last 30 days)
  • Self-employment records or profit/loss statements
  • Benefit award letters (for Social Security, SSI, pensions, unemployment, etc.)
• Housing:
  • Lease or rental agreement
  • Mortgage statement
  • Receipts for rent if you pay in cash
• Utilities:
  • Current bills for electric, gas, water, sewer, trash
  • Phone or internet bill, if allowed
• Child care/dependent care:
  • Receipts, statements, or written notes from your provider
• Medical expenses (for certain eligible adults):
  • Prescription receipts, medical bills, health insurance premiums, transportation costs to medical appointments

Not every household will be asked for every item. If you are unsure, you can ask your local DFR office what is required for your situation.

What Happens After You Submit Your SNAP Renewal

After you turn in your recertification materials, Indiana usually takes these steps:

1. Review of Your Information

The state agency:

• Reviews your renewal form
• Looks at your documents
• Checks for missing or unclear information

If anything is missing, they may send you a Request for Information with a deadline.

2. Interview (If Required)

Many households must complete a SNAP interview at renewal. This may be:

• By phone (very common)
• Less often, in person, depending on the office and your case

During the interview, a caseworker may:

• Confirm your household members
• Ask about work or income changes
• Go over rent, utilities, and expenses
• Clarify any inconsistent or unclear information

If you miss a scheduled interview, your case may be put on hold or denied. You can usually call to reschedule, but you should try to do this before your deadline.

3. Notice of Decision

Once a decision is made, you should receive a written notice. The notice may say that:

• Your SNAP is approved for a new certification period, with:
  • The monthly benefit amount, and
  • The new end date
• Your benefit amount is changing (higher or lower)
• Your SNAP is denied or closed, with the reason

If your benefits are approved on time and there was no break, they usually keep going on your Indiana EBT (Hoosier Works) card as usual.

Common Reasons SNAP Renewals Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding common issues can help you avoid problems.

Frequent causes of delays

• Renewal form submitted late
• Missing or incomplete documents
• Not responding to a Request for Information
• Missed interview (phone call or in-person appointment)
• Giving unclear or contradictory information without explanation

Frequent reasons for denial or lower benefits

• Income increased above the SNAP limit
• Household size decreased (someone moved out)
• Expenses decreased (for example, lower rent)
• The renewal was not submitted at all
• The renewal was too late and the certification period ended

If your case is closed because you missed your recertification deadline, you may have to reapply as a new applicant. This can cause a gap with no benefits until the new application is processed.

How to Appeal a SNAP Renewal Decision in Indiana

If you disagree with a decision—such as a denial, closure, or reduction in benefits—you typically have the right to appeal (request a fair hearing).

Basic steps generally include:

1. Read your notice carefully
   • Note the reason and the deadline for requesting an appeal.
2. Request a hearing before the listed deadline
   • You can usually do this:
     • In writing (letter, form)
     • Sometimes by phone
     • Sometimes through the online portal
   • Send your request to the address or office on your notice.
3. Prepare for the hearing
   • Gather:
     • Your notices from the agency
     • Pay stubs or income proof
     • Bills and receipts for rent, utilities, and expenses
   • You may choose to bring someone to represent you or support you, such as a legal aid advocate or trusted person.
4. Attend the hearing
   • Hearings may be by phone, video, or in person, depending on state procedures.

If you’re unsure about appealing, you can contact legal aid or a local advocacy organization that helps with public benefits.

If You Missed Your Renewal Deadline

If your SNAP certification period ends and you did not complete recertification in time:

• Your benefits will stop
• Your EBT card will not load new benefits for future months

What you can usually do:

• Contact your local DFR office as soon as possible
• Ask if:
  • You can still complete a late renewal, or
  • You must file a new application

If you need food while you’re waiting for a new decision, you might look for immediate local resources such as:

• Food pantries and community food shelves
• 211 (by dialing 2-1-1) for community resource referrals
• Local faith-based or nonprofit organizations offering food assistance

Verifying You Are Using Official Indiana SNAP Channels

Because SNAP deals with sensitive personal information, it’s important to make sure you are using official, legitimate channels.

Here are some tips:

• Official website
  • Use the Indiana state government website or branded state benefits portal.
  • Website addresses usually end in “.gov” for government.
• Official offices and phone numbers
  • Contact the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) or your local Division of Family Resources (DFR) office.
  • You can confirm office locations and phone numbers through state government directories or by dialing 211 for help finding official contacts.
• Never pay a fee to renew SNAP
  • SNAP applications and renewals are free. If someone asks you to pay them to “guarantee approval” or “speed it up,” that is a warning sign.
• Protect your information
  • Do not share your Social Security number, EBT card number, or PIN with people or websites that are not clearly official.
  • Be cautious of text messages, emails, or social media ads that promise extra benefits or quick approvals in exchange for personal data.

Remember: HowToGetAssistance.org is not an official SNAP portal and cannot process applications, renewals, or appeals. It’s a guidance resource to help you understand the typical process so you can work more confidently with the state agency that manages your case.

Quick Reference: Indiana SNAP Renewal Overview

By knowing the typical renewal process and deadlines, you can work more smoothly with Indiana’s official SNAP offices to keep your benefits from being interrupted.