How to Report Changes to SNAP in Indiana: A Step‑by‑Step Guide

If you get SNAP food benefits in Indiana, you are required to tell the state when certain things in your life change. Reporting changes on time helps keep your benefits accurate and can prevent overpayments, penalties, or a loss of benefits later.

This guide explains how to report changes to SNAP in Indiana, what kinds of changes usually need to be reported, typical timelines, and where to go through official channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only and cannot process applications, changes, or benefits. You will need to use Indiana’s official SNAP offices and systems to complete any action on your case.

Understanding SNAP in Indiana

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), sometimes called “food stamps,” helps eligible households buy groceries. In Indiana, SNAP is administered by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Division of Family Resources (DFR).

Once you are approved, you will:

• Receive benefits on an EBT card
• Have a certification period (often 6–12 months, but it varies)
• Be required to report certain changes during that period
• Complete recertification when your certification period ends

Reporting changes is a key part of staying compliant with SNAP rules.

Why Reporting SNAP Changes Matters

When your situation changes, your SNAP eligibility and benefit amount can change too. Reporting:

• Protects you from overpayments you might have to pay back
• Helps you get more benefits if you now qualify for a higher amount
• Keeps your case in good standing and can help you avoid penalties
• Reduces the risk of being accused of intentional program violation

Indiana SNAP rules generally require that you report changes within a certain time (often within 10 days of the change, or by the 10th of the month after the change). The exact requirement can depend on your household type and reporting status, so always review your official approval notice, forms, or call your local office for specifics.

Which Changes Do You Need to Report?

Not every small detail must be reported right away, but certain changes almost always matter for SNAP in Indiana.

Common changes that may need to be reported

Households in Indiana are often expected to report changes like:

• Income changes
  • Starting or stopping a job
  • Changes in hourly wage or salary
  • Significant changes in work hours
  • Self-employment income going up or down
• Household size changes
  • Someone moves in or out
  • Birth or adoption of a child
  • A roommate or relative leaving the home
• Address and shelter costs
  • Moving to a new address
  • Rent or mortgage going up or down
  • Property tax or homeowner insurance changes (for owners)
  • Major changes in utility costs, especially if you pay separately
• Childcare or dependent care
  • Starting or stopping paid childcare
  • Change in childcare costs needed for work, training, or school
• Medical expenses (for certain households)
  • For seniors (60+) and people with disabilities, large shifts in out-of-pocket medical costs may matter
• Immigration or legal status changes
  • Change in citizenship or qualified noncitizen status
• Student status
  • For adults in college or higher education, changes in enrollment status or work hours may affect eligibility

Changes you might need to report right away vs. at recertification

Some households are in “change reporting” status, while others may have simplified or periodic reporting rules. In simplified reporting, you often must report only certain large changes, but you still must report others at recertification.

Because this can vary:

• Check your approval letter or most recent notice from the Indiana Division of Family Resources.
• If you’re unsure, call your local DFR office or the official SNAP hotline and ask what type of reporting you are on and which changes must be reported immediately.

When You Must Report Changes in Indiana

Indiana typically sets deadlines to report changes. These can vary, but common timelines include:

• Within 10 days of the change; or
• By the 10th day of the month after the month in which the change occurred

Your exact rule can depend on:

• Your household type (such as whether your case includes an older adult or a person with a disability)
• Your reporting category (change reporting vs. simplified reporting)
• Any special notices you’ve received

Always follow the specific instructions in your case notices and ask your local office if something is unclear.

How to Report SNAP Changes in Indiana

You cannot report changes through HowToGetAssistance.org. To update your SNAP case in Indiana, you generally have several official options:

1. Report changes online (if you use the official benefits portal)

Indiana typically provides an online benefits portal where you can:

• Log in with your account
• Select your SNAP case
• Report changes to income, household, or contact details
• Upload documents

Steps usually look like:

1. Go to Indiana’s official benefits website (look for the state government domain and FSSA or DFR branding).
2. Log in to your account or create one if you don’t have it set up yet.
3. Find the section for “Report a Change” or “Manage My Benefits.”
4. Enter updated information about your income, address, household members, or other changes.
5. Upload verification documents (pay stubs, lease, etc.) if the portal allows it.
6. Submit and keep a copy or screenshot of your confirmation page or tracking number.

If you have trouble accessing or using the portal, contact the official customer service or your local DFR office for help.

2. Report changes by phone

Most Indiana SNAP recipients can call:

• The Indiana Division of Family Resources (DFR) main call center; or
• Their local DFR office

When you call:

• Have your case number or Social Security number ready.
• Clearly state that you need to report a change for SNAP.
• Write down:
  • The date and time of the call
  • The name or ID of the person you spoke with
  • A summary of what you reported

You may still need to send verification documents after calling, either online, by mail, fax, or in person. Ask the worker what is needed.

3. Report changes in person

You can usually report changes at your local county Division of Family Resources office.

Typical steps:

1. Locate your nearest DFR office (you can usually find this on Indiana’s FSSA website or by calling the state SNAP hotline).
2. Visit during office hours.
3. Ask to report a change to your SNAP case.
4. Bring supporting documents (see the documents section below).
5. Ask how long it may take for the change to be processed and whether you should expect a new notice.

Some offices may use drop boxes where you can leave forms and copies of documents. If you use a drop box, it is often helpful to:

• Put your full name, case number, and contact information on each page.
• Make or keep a copy of everything you submit.

4. Report changes by mail or fax

Indiana may also allow you to:

• Mail a change report form and documents to a designated address; or
• Fax documents to the DFR

If you use mail or fax:

• Include:
  • Your full name
  • Case number
  • Date of birth
  • A clear note such as: “SNAP Change Report”
  • Details of the change you are reporting
• Keep:
  • A copy of what you sent
  • Proof of mailing (receipt) or fax confirmation page, if available

Check your most recent SNAP notice or the Indiana FSSA/DFR contact page for the correct mailing address or fax number for your county.

Documents You May Need to Verify Changes

Indiana usually requires proof of important changes. The exact documents depend on what changed.

Here is a quick reference table:

If you’re not sure what proof is needed, you can:

• Call your local DFR office
• Ask the worker during your online report or phone call
• Review any verification request notice the state sends you

What Happens After You Report a Change?

Once you report a change through official Indiana channels:

1. The office reviews your information.
   They may recalculate your SNAP benefits based on your updated income, household size, and expenses.

2. You may be asked for more documents.
   If verification is needed, the DFR typically sends a written notice listing:

   • Which documents they need
   • How to submit them
   • A deadline (often around 10 days)

3. You receive a new notice of decision.
   The notice should tell you:

   • Whether your benefits are increasing, decreasing, or staying the same
   • When the new amount will begin
   • Your right to appeal if you disagree

4. Your EBT issuance may change.

   • If your income went up or household size went down, benefits may decrease.
   • If your income went down or you have more allowable expenses or more household members, benefits may increase.
   • Timing of the change can depend on when you reported and when the change took effect.

If you do not receive any notice after a reasonable time (for example, a couple of weeks), you can call your local DFR office or the state hotline to ask for a status update.

What If Your SNAP Benefits Decrease After Reporting?

If your change causes your SNAP benefits to go down, the state usually sends a notice of adverse action (or similar notice) that explains:

• The old benefit amount
• The new benefit amount
• The reason for the change
• The effective month
• How to appeal if you think the decision is incorrect

If you disagree with the decision

You typically have the right to:

• Request a fair hearing (appeal) within a specific timeframe listed in your notice.
• Provide evidence that the decision was wrong (for example, if your income was miscalculated).

To start the appeal, you usually need to:

• Call the number listed on your notice
• Or submit a written request to the office indicated on your notice

Follow the instructions provided in the official notice carefully, as timelines and procedures are important.

What If You Forget to Report a Change?

Not reporting a required change on time can create problems, including:

• Overpayments: If you were paid more than you should have received, the state can seek repayment.
• Claims and collections: You may be required to pay the state back over time.
• Penalties: In serious cases, especially if the state believes there was intentional misrepresentation, penalties or disqualification from SNAP may apply.

If you realize you missed a change:

1. Report it as soon as possible through official channels (portal, phone, office, mail/fax).
2. Be prepared to explain the timing and circumstances if asked.
3. Cooperate with any review or request for documents.

Reporting sooner rather than later usually helps limit potential consequences.

How to Know You’re Using Official Indiana SNAP Channels

Because SNAP is a government program, all real SNAP applications and change reports for Indiana go through official state or county systems, not third-party websites.

To protect yourself:

• Look for “.gov” in the website’s address when using state portals.
• Confirm references to Indiana FSSA or the Division of Family Resources (DFR) on forms and letters.
• Use the phone number listed on your official SNAP notices if you’re unsure which number to call.
• If someone asks for upfront fees to report changes or keep your benefits active, this is a warning sign.
  • Official SNAP offices do not charge fees to manage your case.
• Be cautious about sharing your Social Security number or EBT card number on unofficial websites or with individuals who are not clearly associated with an official office.

If you are unsure whether a site or phone number is official, you can:

• Call 211 and ask how to reach Indiana’s official SNAP office.
• Visit a local county DFR office in person to confirm correct contact information.

Other Help If Your SNAP Changes Reduce Your Benefits

If reporting a change leads to lower SNAP benefits or if you no longer qualify, you may still have options for food assistance, such as:

• Local food pantries and community food banks
• Community meal programs run by nonprofits, faith-based groups, or community centers
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) if you are pregnant, recently gave birth, or have young children
• School meal programs for eligible children
• Senior meal programs or home-delivered meals in some areas

You can usually find these by:

• Calling 211
• Asking your local township trustee or county social service office
• Contacting community action agencies or nonprofit organizations in your area

These programs are separate from SNAP but may help while your situation changes.

By understanding what changes to report, when to report them, and how to use Indiana’s official SNAP channels, you can keep your case up to date and reduce the risk of unexpected problems with your benefits. For any action on your SNAP case—such as reporting changes, checking your balance, or filing an appeal—you will need to contact Indiana’s official SNAP offices or online portal, not HowToGetAssistance.org.