Various state, local, and charitable programs offer both immediate and long-term rental assistance in Indiana. To access this help, the best starting point is Indiana 2-1-1, a free and confidential state service that directly connects residents with local housing, rental, and utility assistance options.
State-Level and Affordable Housing Programs
Indiana Housing Now
Indiana Housing Now is the state’s official portal for finding affordable rental housing, though its direct Emergency Rental Assistance (IERA) program is currently closed. If you are seeking immediate, active rental assistance through the platform or the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA), resources are channeled through local emergency pathways and long-term voucher programs:
Current rental resources via Indiana Housing Now
Affordable housing search: You can use Indiana Housing Now’s online search tool 24/7 or call its bilingual help center at 1-877-428-8844 (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time) to find landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers, offer income-restricted rentals, or provide market-rate housing.
Long-term assistance: The site provides access to the state’s Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), which allows eligible low-income households to put approximately 30% to 40% of their monthly income toward rent for privately owned rental units.
Temporary disaster assistance: If you have been displaced due to recent severe weather (such as the storms of August 2026), the IHCDA manages active temporary assistance programs for hotel stays and rent. You must first call 2-1-1 to report damage to your property and request an assessment.
Immediate alternatives for emergency financial assistance
Since the state’s main portal created during the pandemic is closed, emergency funds for past-due rent must be accessed at the local level:
Call Indiana 2-1-1: If you are facing eviction or a housing crisis, calling 2-1-1 will connect you directly to county-level financial assistance programs, local non-profit networks, and legal advocacy services.
Township Trustees: Under state law, your local Township Trustee in Indiana is required to act as an emergency safety net. They can provide direct financial assistance vouchers for rent, utilities, and emergency medical needs, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program—commonly known as Section 8—is a federal initiative that provides long-term rental subsidies to low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Administered locally by Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA), this program grants approved participants a voucher that allows them to choose their own privately owned rental housing. The program pays the remaining balance directly to the landlord, while you generally pay between 30% and 40% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities.
Eligibility requirements
Your household must meet federal and local requirements to qualify for a voucher:
Income limits: Total household income cannot exceed 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the specific Indiana county where you apply. PHAs give statutory preference to families with incomes below 30% of the AMI.
Household composition: Priority is given to families with children, the elderly, veterans, and individuals with documented physical or mental disabilities.
Legal status: At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or hold eligible immigration status.
How to apply in Indiana
- Identify your local administering agency
In Indiana, administration is divided between municipal or local housing authorities and the IHCDA at the state level.
For major metropolitan areas, submit your application directly to local municipal entities, such as the Indianapolis Housing Agency (IHA).
For rural or smaller communities, the IHCDA Applicant Portal works with local Community Action Agencies to manage regional waiting lists.
- Monitor Open Waitlists
You cannot submit an application if a county’s list is closed. Use independent aggregation tools, such as Affordable Housing Online’s Indiana Waitlist Tracker, to see which local housing authorities (such as those in Elkhart, Columbus, or Goshen) currently have open portals.
- Submit and maintain your application
When a list opens, submit your application entirely online via the specific portal indicated (often through Waitlistcheck Indiana). Provide accurate names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and total income for all household members. Keep your confirmation number and update your contact information immediately if you move; otherwise, your application will be removed from the list.
- Specialized vouchers available only via referral
If you belong to specific demographic groups in crisis situations, you may be able to bypass general waiting lists by accessing targeted programs through direct agency referrals:
VASH Vouchers: For homeless veterans or those at risk of homelessness; apply through your local VA (Veterans Affairs) medical center.
FUP (Family Unification Program) Vouchers: For youth aging out of foster care or for families separated due to housing issues; apply through the Indiana Department of Child Services.
HUD Public Housing Program
The HUD Public Housing Program offers decent, safe, and subsidized rental housing for eligible low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Unlike Section 8 vouchers (where you seek out a private landlord), Public Housing assistance is tied directly to specific apartment complexes or scattered-site units owned and managed by a local Public Housing Authority (PHA). Rent is income-adjusted and is generally calculated as 30% of your household’s adjusted gross monthly income.
Eligibility Factors
Your local PHA evaluates three key factors to determine if you qualify:
Annual gross income: Your income must fall below the low-income limit (generally 80% or 50% of the area median income) for your specific Indiana county.
Household status: Meeting specific demographic criteria, such as households with children, seniors (age 62 or older), or individuals with documented physical or mental disabilities.
Background and citizenship: Passing a standard criminal background check and a rental history check with previous landlords, as well as providing proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
How to Apply in Indiana
Since HUD allocates federal funds to independent local boards, there is no single statewide application for public housing. You must apply directly to the agency that manages the specific buildings where you wish to live.
1. Locate the responsible housing authority
Indiana has approximately 89 distinct public housing authorities.
For major urban centers, consult city-specific websites—such as that of the Indianapolis Housing Agency (IHA), which directly coordinates public housing complexes for seniors, people with disabilities, and families.
For regional or mid-sized municipalities, locate local agencies—such as the Richmond Housing Authority or your county seat’s housing board—using HUD’s official list of public housing authority (PHA) contacts.
- Confirm Open Waitlists
Many public housing complexes maintain long waiting lists. Check independent real-time tracking portals, such as Affordable Housing Online’s Indiana Waiting List Status, to see which specific property lists are accepting applications.
- Complete the paperwork
When the application period opens, submit a preliminary information package (often via digital management systems like Waitlistcheck Indiana). You must provide full names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, tax returns, and employer pay stubs for every person who will reside in the unit.
Local and charitable assistance
Community Action Agencies (CAAs): Local non-profit networks operating in all 92 Indiana counties. They offer direct emergency financial assistance, eviction prevention, and access to the state’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP) to help cover high utility costs.
The Salvation Army (Indiana Division): Provides local emergency funds for individuals facing housing instability due to fixed incomes, job loss, or sudden crises. They can assist with overdue rent and utility payments.
Township Trustees: In Indiana, every township has a Trustee office required by state law to provide emergency aid to low-income individuals. If you are facing eviction, contact your local Indiana Township Trustee to request emergency assistance vouchers for rent or utilities.
