Indiana guidance. Status unknown, call to confirm.

Start the housing process in Indiana

Keep a place for tonight separate from the longer housing search. Each program keeps its own list, so apply to each one and track it. An application is not a home until the program or landlord confirms it.

1. Step 1: Need a place tonight?

   Finding a place for tonight is separate from the housing search. Dial 2-1-1 to talk with a navigator; the call center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

   • IHCDA: Homeowners & Renters says: “Dial 2-1-1 to connect with a navigator now. The call center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.” (checked 2026-10-15)

2. Step 2: Apply for a Housing Choice Voucher

   A Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) helps pay rent based on income; a family usually pays about 30 to 40 percent of its income for rent. Use IHCDA's map to find the provider for the area where you want to live. IHCDA covers areas without a city housing authority, but not Indianapolis or Marion County. Waiting lists open at different times.

   • IHCDA: Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) says: “The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is an income-based rental assistance program for low-income families and individuals.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • IHCDA: Homeowners & Renters says: “Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • IHCDA: Homeowners & Renters says: “A family receiving a voucher will pay approximately 30-40 percent of their income for their monthly rent payment.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • IHCDA: Applying for an HCV Voucher says: “please click on the map link below to find the service provider for the area where you wish to live.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • IHCDA: Applying for an HCV Voucher says: “Any area in Indiana that does not have a local, city-based housing authority falls under IHCDA’s jurisdiction.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • IHCDA: Applying for an HCV Voucher says: “IHCDA does not cover the city of Indianapolis or Marion County.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • IHCDA: Applying for an HCV Voucher says: “Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List Opens in Sullivan County” (checked 2026-10-15)

3. Step 3: Search other affordable rentals

   IndianaHousingNow.org is a free, state-supported listing site for renters. Some rentals are Section 42 (tax credit) or HOME properties; IHCDA publishes a tenant's guide for each. Apply to each property you want, and ask the property which papers it needs.

   • IHCDA: Homeowners & Renters says: “IndianaHousingNow.org is a free, state-supported, online resource for renters and property managers in Indiana.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • IHCDA: Renter's Rights says: “Tenants' Guide to Section 42 Rental Housing” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • IHCDA: Renter's Rights says: “Tenants' Guide to HOME Rental Housing” (checked 2026-10-15)

4. Step 4: Plan for utilities when you move in

   Indiana's Energy Assistance Program for this season opens October 1, 2026 and closes April 30, 2027. You can apply online, by mail or in person through your Local Service Provider; bring current utility bills or account statements. From December 1 through March 15, a regulated utility may not shut off home service for a household that has applied and meets the program's rules.

   • IHCDA: Energy Assistance Program (EAP) says: “The Energy Assistance Program application opens October 1, 2026, at 8:00 AM EST, and closes April 30, 2027, at 5:00 PM EST.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • IHCDA: Energy Assistance Program (EAP) says: “Applicants can apply online, by mail, or in person.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • IHCDA: Energy Assistance Program (EAP) says: “To apply in-person or request a paper application form, applicants must contact their Local Service Provider (LSP).” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • IHCDA: Energy Assistance Program (EAP) says: “Current utility bills or account statements” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • IHCDA: Energy Assistance Program (EAP) says: “from December 1st through March 15th of any year, a regulated utility company may not turn off residential utility service” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • IHCDA: Energy Assistance Program (EAP) says: “and who has applied for the Energy Assistance Program” (checked 2026-10-15)

5. Step 5: Keep your contact current

   Housing lists contact you by mail, phone or email. If you get SNAP, TANF or Medicaid, report a new address through the FSSA Benefits Portal too, so notices reach you.

   • Indiana FSSA: Create a Benefits Portal account says: “Report changes (Example: income, address, contacts, etc.)” (checked 2026-10-15)

6. Step 6: If you are turned down

   For a voucher decision, raise it with your case manager in writing first, then appeal by writing to Section8@ihcda.in.gov. For energy assistance, appeal in writing to your Local Service Provider or in the online portal within 30 days of the denial. Check the notice or call to confirm.

   • IHCDA: Applying for an HCV Voucher says: “Step 1: Communicate with your case manager about the issue, preferably in writing via mail or email.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • IHCDA: Applying for an HCV Voucher says: “Step 2: Contact IHCDA for an appeal by writing to Section8@ihcda.in.gov” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • IHCDA: Energy Assistance Program (EAP) says: “All appeals must be submitted in writing to your LSP or via the online LITT portal within thirty (30) days of receipt of the denial.” (checked 2026-10-15)

7. Step 7: If you face discrimination

   For housing discrimination, contact the Indiana Civil Rights Commission. HUD's Indiana office also has tenant rights information, dispute forms and legal help.

   • IHCDA: Renter's Rights says: “For discrimination-related housing issues, please contact the Indiana Civil Rights Commission .” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • IHCDA: Renter's Rights says: “including dispute forms, tenant rights, landlord obligations, legal assistance, and more” (checked 2026-10-15)

Status unknown, call to confirm. Dial 2-1-1 for current housing help near you.

• IHCDA: Homeowners & Renters says: “Dial 2-1-1 to connect with a navigator now. The call center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.” (checked 2026-10-15)

Not legal advice. The agency or program decides what applies to your situation.