Most HIP members between the ages of 19 and 64 will need to complete 80 hours of work or other activities to meet the requirement.

Some members may qualify for an exemption and will not have to complete the 80 hours required. 

You must complete 80 hours each month of approved activities. Activities can be combined to reach the 80 hours, like working and volunteering in the same month.

These activities count toward the 80 hours:

• Work
• Volunteering
• Job training
• Work programs
• An apprenticeship
• Going to school at least part-time

Members who make $580 or more a month also meet the requirements. 

HealthLinc has volunteer opportunities available. Click here to learn more.

The HIP Work Requirement starts January 1, 2027.

However, if you need to renew your HIP coverage in January 2027, you must start completing 80 hours of activities each month starting in October 2026.

Some members do not have to meet the HIP Work Requirements. 

You may be exempt if you:

• Are pregnant
• Care for a child under the age of 13
• Care for someone with a disability
• Have a disability or a serious health condition*
• Are in treatment for drug or alcohol use
• Are a veteran with a disability
• Are under the age of 26 and were in foster care
• Are a member of a federally recognized tribe
• Are in jail or prison or were just released
• Meet certain SNAP and TANF work rules

Other exemptions may apply. 

If you think you qualify for an exemption, check your status with FSSA.

FSSA will determine if you can get an exemption.

Any changes to your health, family, work or school status need to be reported to FSSA as soon as possible.

If you think you qualify for an exemption, do not wait. Report your information to FSSA through the Benefits Portal or another approved way.

You can report changes by:

• Updating your FSSA Benefits Portal
• Calling 1-800-403-0864
• Mailing information to FSSA Document Center, PO Box 1810, Marion, IN 46952
• Visitng your local Office of the Division of Family Resources (DFR). Click here to find your closest office.

The FSSA Benefits Portal is a website where you can manage your HIP benefits.

You can use it to:

• Report changes to work, family, health or school status
• Report work and/or other activities
• Check your benefits
• View messages and notices from FSSA
• Check your case status

You can use the Benefits Portal from a computer or mobile device. Click or tap here to visit the portal.

It is a good idea to have an FSSA Benefits Portal account. It is the easiest way to report your hours, check your information and see important messages from FSSA.

Visit FSSABenefits.in.gov to create or view your account.

You can report your hours through the FSSA Benefits Portal.

FSSA may also ask for proof that you worked, went to school, completed training or volunteered.

Make sure to keep a record of your hours in case you need to show proof.

If you do not meet the 80-hour work requirement and do not have an exemption, you can lose your HIP coverage.

If you lose your coverage, you will need to apply again to get HIP coverage. You will need to complete 80 hours of approved activities for three months before you can reapply.

FSSA will check your work hours every three months. 

Your HIP coverage will renew every six months.

If FSSA cannot confirm that you have met the requirement or that you have an exemption, you may get a notice asking for more information. 

You can get ready before the HIP Work Requirements start.

1. Check your information

Make sure FSSA has your address, phone number and other contact information. Update this information if there have been changes to your information.

2. Check if you may exempt.

Review the list of exemptions and report any changes that could change your status.

3. Create a Benefits Portal account

This will make it easier to check on your benefits and report information. Visit FSSABenefits.in.gov to create or log in to your account.

4. Start thinking of ways to get your 80 hours a month.

Look for local volunteer opportunities or start keeping track of how much you work, go to school or complete other approved activities.

5. Watch for information from FSSA.

Read all letters and notices you get about your HIP coverage.

6. Check HealthLinc’s Facebook for updates.

We will be sharing information about the HIP Work Requirements as we get closer to January 1, 2027.

For questions about HIP Work Requirements, contact the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). You can also visit your Benefits Portal.

HealthLinc’s community health navigators can also help you navigate these changes. You can request an appointment by calling 888-580-1060 Ext. 4405 or emailing Navigator@HealthLincCHC.org.