Rent Assistance in Indiana

Last checked: November 2026. Benefits Explorer is a directory. We do not provide rent money or decide who gets help, and each program makes its own decisions.

The Indiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program (IERA) has closed, according to Indiana Legal Help, so there is no single state application to file. What remains is local: 22 Community Action Agencies covering all 92 counties, township trustees with emergency funds, and neighborhood centers reached through 2-1-1.

Indiana also has a court option worth asking about. If a case is filed against you, the Indiana courts describe a pre-eviction diversion program that can stop the case for 90 days if you and your landlord both agree.

Where to Start in Indiana

Community Action Agencies (IHCDA directory)

The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority says 22 designated agencies serve income-eligible residents in all 92 counties, including help for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The IHCDA page names no rental program, so ask your county's agency what it can pay right now. Pick your county on the map or dropdown to get its phone number.

Visit website · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Township Trustee emergency funds

Indiana Legal Services says each Township Trustee has special funding for residents in emergency circumstances. It also warns that rental help may not be available if you are already behind or an eviction has been filed, so call as early as you can.

Visit website · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Pre-eviction diversion program

Described by the Indiana courts: once an eviction case is filed, the court should explain this option. If both you and your landlord agree, the case can be marked confidential and stopped for 90 days while you seek rent assistance and attend status hearings. It pauses the case and does not pay rent itself. Note that the court page still links to rent assistance resources, while IERA itself has closed.

Visit website · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Indiana 2-1-1

A free, confidential service connecting Indiana residents to local resources, including neighborhood centers with limited emergency funds. The Indiana courts send people here for help applying for rent assistance.

Visit website · Phone: 2-1-1 · Accepting applications when last checked

Local Rent Help in Indiana

Community Action of Greater Indianapolis (Indianapolis)

The Community Action Agency listed by IHCDA for the Indianapolis area. Ask what emergency or housing help is currently funded.

Visit website · Phone: 317-396-1800 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

IndyRent contact line (Indianapolis)

The Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (CHIP) still lists IndyRent as its rental assistance contact, but does not say whether applications are being accepted. We could not confirm the program is taking applications, so call before counting on it.

Visit website · Phone: 317-912-1260 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

John Boner Neighborhood Centers (Indianapolis)

CHIP tells people who may become homeless within 14 days to contact a neighborhood center like this one, most of which keep regular business hours. CHIP's list also includes Hawthorne Community Center at 317-637-4312 and Southeast Community Center at 317-236-7400.

Visit website · Phone: 317-633-8210 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Center Township Tenant Assistance clinic (Center Township, Indianapolis)

Indianapolis Legal Aid Society offers free legal advice to Center Township residents facing eviction, weekly from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Center Township Small Claims Court, 300 E Fall Creek Pkwy N Dr. Priority goes to people with a case in court that day, and there is no clinic if the court is closed.

Visit website · Accepting applications when last checked

Community Action of Northeast Indiana (Brightpoint) (Northeast Indiana)

Listed by IHCDA among the state's Community Action Agencies. Ask which counties it covers and what housing help is open.

Visit website · Phone: 800-589-3506 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Facing Eviction in Indiana?

For unpaid rent, a landlord can end the lease after at least 10 days' notice, and cannot end it if the rent is paid in full during those 10 days. Court has two parts: a possession hearing on whether you must leave, often followed later by a damages hearing on money owed. For nonpayment, a judge commonly sets a move-out date two to three weeks away. Missing a hearing can mean a default ruling against you. Read the official guidance

Free or low-cost legal help: Indiana Legal Services. Free civil legal help for eligible low-income Indiana residents. Phone applications run Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Eastern, online applications are also accepted, and you should hear back in about 14 days. Visit website · Phone: 1-844-243-8570

This page is general information, not legal advice. Don't ignore a notice or court papers, because eviction deadlines can be short.

Indiana Programs That Have Closed

You may still see these programs online. Check before you spend time on an application.

  • Indiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program (IERA): The state's federally funded rent and utility program. Indiana Legal Help states that IERA is now closed; the page does not give an end date.

More Help in Indiana

Want other options? See our full rent assistance guide, including how to spot a scam, or see your options. That form is not an application for rent assistance. If you submit it, Benefits Explorer and its partners may contact you.

Indiana Rent Assistance Questions

Is IERA still open in Indiana?

No. Indiana Legal Help says the Indiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program is now closed. It points renters to Indiana 2-1-1 and the Indiana Community Action Association for what is available locally.

Who helps with back rent in Indianapolis?

Start with Community Action of Greater Indianapolis at 317-396-1800, then call 2-1-1. If you may become homeless within 14 days, CHIP lists neighborhood centers such as John Boner at 317-633-8210. Funds at these places are limited.

Should I mention a rent assistance application in court?

Yes. Indiana Legal Help says to bring up rental assistance applications, money you expect from others, and any partial payments your landlord accepted after filing at your possession hearing.

Rent Assistance in Nearby States

Most programs only help people who live in their state. If you are moving or live near a state line, you can also check:

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