Title: Start a business on unemployment in Indiana (2026) > Can you start a business on unemployment in Indiana? The job-search rule, how self-employment affects your benefit, and the help that is available. Source: https://pontia.xyz/us/indiana/ Checked: 25 September 2026 Free · official rates · checked September 25, 2026 # Starting a business on unemployment in Indiana Here’s what Indiana allows while you’re on unemployment, and how to build your plan alongside your job search. ## Self-Employment Assistance in Indiana No. Indiana doesn’t run Self-Employment Assistance, so unemployment is for people looking for work. ## How self-employment affects your benefit Each voucher certifies you reported all work, earnings and self-employment activity for the week. Self-employment earnings count as wages and are deducted above the $100 disregard, and you must stay able, available and searching for full-time work. Wages above $100 in a week are deducted dollar for dollar from the weekly benefit; you must earn less than your weekly benefit to get partial benefits. Make every month of your support count Budgets built from your numbers, a clear plan, and the tools to build it. Free. [Start my plan](https://pontia.xyz/us/start?state=IN&scheme=us-ui-searching&status=have&from=us-state-mid) ## Your weekly job search Complete 2 work search activities each week and certify them on the weekly voucher. Keep a written log and proof for 6 months after each activity. Register in Indiana Career Connect (profile plus resume) within 10 days of filing, or no benefits are awarded. Pontia keeps your job-search record for you and links to [Indiana Career Connect](https://www.indianacareerconnect.com/), so your plan and your search run side by side. ## Other help in Indiana - [Indiana FSSA, Division of Disability, Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DDARS) - Vocational Rehabilitation Services](https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddars/brs/vocational-rehabilitation-employment/): can fund a self-employment plan if you have a disability. - Medicaid: Indiana expanded Medicaid, so the new work requirement applies to expansion adults: 80 hours or $580 net a month, and hours on your business count. FSSA says HIP work requirements start 1 Jan 2027 for new applicants and for redeterminations started on or after that date. January applicants must show 80 hours a month for October-December. - SBA Microloans of up to $50,000, and free advice from your local SBDC and SCORE mentors. - On SSI or SSDI: PASS and the SSDI trial work period let you test a business. ## Questions Can I collect unemployment while starting a business in Indiana?+ No. Indiana doesn’t run Self-Employment Assistance, so unemployment is for people looking for work. Each voucher certifies you reported all work, earnings and self-employment activity for the week. Self-employment earnings count as wages and are deducted above the $100 disregard, and you must stay able, available and searching for full-time work. How many job contacts a week does Indiana require?+ Complete 2 work search activities each week and certify them on the weekly voucher. Keep a written log and proof for 6 months after each activity. Register in Indiana Career Connect (profile plus resume) within 10 days of filing, or no benefits are awarded. How much is unemployment in Indiana?+ Between $37 and $390 a week in 2026, for up to 26 (maximum benefit is the lesser of 28% of base-period wages or 26 x WBA) weeks. Your own amount is on your monetary determination. What other help is there to start a business in Indiana?+ Free advice from your local SBDC and SCORE mentors, SBA microloans of up to $50,000, and, if you have a disability, Indiana FSSA, Division of Disability, Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DDARS) - Vocational Rehabilitation Services can fund a self-employment plan. On SSI or SSDI, PASS and the trial work period let you test a business. Sources, checked September 25, 2026 - [Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD): unemployment](https://www.in.gov/dwd/indiana-unemployment/) - [Indiana: work search rules](https://www.in.gov/dwd/indiana-unemployment/individuals/work-search) - [Indiana: self-employment and unemployment](https://www.in.gov/dwd/files/Claimant_Handbook%20early%20July%202026.pdf?language_id=1) - [DOL: Significant Provisions of State UI Laws (July 2026)](https://oui.doleta.gov/unemploy/content/sigpros/2020-2029/July2026.pdf) Estimate and guidance only. Estimate and guidance only. Confirm with your benefit office, the official website or an adviser. Rules change, and your situation changes the outcome. Not a government service. Not financial, tax or legal advice. ## Your start-up support is a head start. Use it well. Plan your money, pick what you’ll build, and get the tools to build it. Free, and nobody sees your plan but you. [Sign up free](https://pontia.xyz/us/start?state=IN&scheme=us-ui-searching&status=have&from=us-state-end) Free forever · No card · No hidden charges Cite this page "Start a business on unemployment in Indiana (2026)", Pontia, https://pontia.xyz/us/indiana/ (updated September 25, 2026) ## Related guides and tools - [Start your business without risking your benefits](https://pontia.xyz/us/) - [Your unemployment work search log, done in minutes](https://pontia.xyz/us/unemployment-work-search-log/) - [Start a business on unemployment: your state](https://pontia.xyz/us/self-employment-assistance-calculator/) - [Between school and work? 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