Can I get rental assistance if I’ve already received an eviction notice?

Yes, you may still qualify if you meet eligibility requirements and apply before your eviction court date. Notify both your landlord and case worker right away.

Is there a limit on the amount of rent help I can receive in Indiana?

The available amount depends on the program, funding, and your household situation. Emergency grants may cover a set period, while Section 8 may provide continuous support if eligible.

How often can I apply for rent grants in Indiana?

It depends on the specific program. Emergency rental aid may be available once per crisis or year, while ongoing programs like Section 8 have separate processes.

Where can I check the status of my rental assistance application?

Most programs offer online application status updates or you can contact your local public housing authority or community agency.

Is rental assistance counted as taxable income?

No, most government rental assistance is not considered taxable income for renters. Always verify with an official tax source.

Indiana Rental Assistance Grants 2025: A Renter’s Guide

Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Indiana published June 21, 2025

Finding affordable housing can be difficult, especially if you’re dealing with rising rent or sudden financial hardship. If you rent in Indiana and need help paying rent in 2025, several government-backed rental assistance grants and programs are available. This guide explains what’s offered, how to apply, and where to get help, with a focus on plain language and practical steps.

What Rental Assistance Grants Are Available in Indiana for 2025?

Indiana offers rental assistance mainly through Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA) programs, along with some federally funded local aid. These programs aim to prevent homelessness and keep renters stable in their current homes.

Indiana Emergency Rental Assistance (IERA) Program: While the main federal pandemic-era IERA is winding down, some counties and cities may continue offering emergency help in 2025. Check the official Indiana rental assistance portal for local updates.
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): Provides monthly rent support for eligible low-income renters. Applications are handled by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). Visit the Indiana list of PHAs.
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG): Local Community Action Agencies may offer rent assistance for emergencies. See a list of Indiana agencies.

Programs vary by local availability and funding, so it’s important to check with your county or city for specifics.

Who Is Eligible for Rental Assistance?

The details may change by county or city, but in general, you may qualify if you:

Rent your home in Indiana as your main residence
Have a household income at or below area limits (often 80% of median income)
Face financial difficulties (e.g., job loss, unexpected bills, disability)

Documentation is usually required, such as pay stubs, a lease, and proof of residency.

How to Apply for Indiana Rental Assistance Grants

The main application process is online or in person through your local housing authority, Community Action Agency, or city program. Here’s how to get started:

Find your local Public Housing Authority using the official directory
Check eligibility by reviewing income limits and documentation on the HUD income limits tool
Gather necessary paperwork: ID, proof of income, lease or rental agreement
Complete the rental assistance application (either online or by paper form)
Submit your application and follow up with your assigned case worker if needed

Official Forms for Rental Assistance

IERA Application Form: The IERA application is submitted online during open enrollment. For up-to-date instructions, visit the Indiana Emergency Rental Assistance Portal.
Example: If you’ve lost income and received an eviction notice, you can apply online for emergency rent help. You’ll upload documents and provide your landlord’s contact details.
Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8 Pre-Application: Each Public Housing Authority may have its own form, such as the Indianapolis Housing Agency Section 8 Pre-Application.
Example: As a renter facing rising rent you can complete this pre-application if the waitlist is open and be considered when vouchers are assigned.

If you receive an eviction notice, you may also encounter the Notice to Quit (required in most cases before a landlord can file for eviction). For more on this process and forms, see the Indiana Eviction Self-Service Forms.

Which Board or Tribunal Handles Tenant-Landlord Matters in Indiana?

Indiana does not have a specialized housing tribunal, but most rental disputes—including nonpayment cases—are handled by local circuit or superior courts. For more information and to access court forms, see the Indiana Courts Portal.

Eviction timelines, landlord obligations, and tenant rights are set by the Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31 - Landlord-Tenant Relations¹.

Income Verification and Commonly Needed Documents

Rental assistance programs require you to show proof of:

Identification (driver’s license or state ID)
Recent pay stubs or benefit statements
Current lease or rental agreement
Eviction notices (if you’ve received one)
Utility bills (for some aid programs)

Preparing these in advance can streamline the process and reduce delays.

Tip: If you’re at risk of eviction, apply for rental assistance and notify your landlord as soon as possible. Assistance programs may also help mediate to stop an eviction during your application review.

FAQ: Indiana Rental Assistance Grants

Can I get rental assistance if I’ve already received an eviction notice?
Yes, as long as you meet eligibility rules and apply before your eviction court date, you may still be able to receive emergency aid. Inform both your landlord and case worker about the notice.
Is there a limit on the amount of rent help I can receive in Indiana?
Maximum amounts may depend on the program, local funding, and your household size. For example, Section 8 pays most of your rent if you are eligible, while local emergency help may cover a set number of months.
How often can I apply for rent grants?
This depends on the program. For ongoing support like Section 8, you apply and stay on the program. Emergency grants like IERA may allow only one application per crisis event or per year.
Where do I check the status of my rental assistance application?
You can usually check online through your local program portal, or by contacting your local housing authority or Community Action Agency listed on the program website.
Is rental assistance taxable income?
No, government rental assistance is generally not considered taxable income for renters. Check with the IRS or a tax preparer for details.

Key Takeaways

Indiana rental assistance grants in 2025 are managed by local agencies and may include both emergency help and long-term aid like Section 8 vouchers.
Most applications are online; have documents ready to speed up your process.
If facing eviction, apply early and keep in close contact with program staff and the court.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Indiana Rental Assistance Portal (IHCDA)
Indiana Public Housing Authorities Directory
Indiana Legal Services – Free Legal Help
Indiana Eviction Self-Service Forms
Contact Community Action Agencies in your county for emergency rental support

1. See Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31 - Landlord-Tenant Relations for all landlord-tenant laws in Indiana.