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Not safe at home

Safety first, then a place to stay and money of your own.Help in Indiana, from the federal government, and near you.

If you are in danger now, call 911

You can talk with an advocate any time. It is free and private, and they can help you make a safety plan.

If someone checks your phone, use a private window or a safer device.

What to do first

  1. If you are in danger now, call 911.
  2. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788. Someone answers any time.
  3. Use a phone or computer the other person cannot check, and a private browser window.
  4. Ask the hotline or 211 about shelter and your state's programs for people leaving abuse.
  5. When you are safe, apply for health coverage, food and cash help in your own name.

Talk it through

If it is safe to type, tell us what is going on. Use a private browser window on a device the other person cannot check.

Dates that matter

These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.

  • 60 days

    Health coverage

    People leaving domestic abuse can sign up for their own Marketplace plan outside open enrollment. You have 60 days.

    Source: HealthCare.gov

Help from Indiana

Indiana programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Indiana Department of Child Services

    Domestic violence survivor and child services

    Indiana connects survivors and children to local domestic violence support services.

    Ways to apply:Phone

  • Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority

    Homelessness assistance

    IHCDA funds local providers that offer shelter, homelessness prevention, and related services.

    Ways to apply:In person

  • Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority

    Housing Choice Voucher Program

    Housing Choice Vouchers help eligible households pay rent through local housing authorities and service providers.

    Ways to apply:PaperIn person

  • Indiana Family and Social Services Administration

    Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

    TANF provides cash help and support services to eligible families with children.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

  • Indiana Family and Social Services Administration

    Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

    SNAP helps eligible households pay for food.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

  • Indiana Family and Social Services Administration

    Indiana Medicaid

    In Indiana, Medicaid is called Hoosier Healthwise.

    Indiana Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible residents, including children served by Hoosier Healthwise.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

Checked on October 8, 2026

Federal help

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • TheHotline.org

    National Domestic Violence Hotline

    Free and confidential. Advocates can help you make a safety plan and find shelter near you.

  • LSC.gov

    Free legal help

    Legal aid offices give free legal help to people with low income. Find the one that serves you with the Legal Services Corporation's search.

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

    HealthCare.gov

    The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.

    Apply online at HealthCare.gov or by phone during open enrollment, or after a big change like losing other coverage.

Checked on October 9, 2026

Help near you

Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.

Offices near you

Type a five-digit ZIP code or a county in Indiana.

Talk to a person