Senior benefits in Hamilton County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for Hamilton County residents is delivered through Area IV Agency on Aging and Community Action Programs, Inc.. EAP provides a one-time winter-heating / summer-cooling credit (up to $675) plus winter disconnection protection for households at or below 60% of the State Median Income (~$33,556/year for one person). Apply through the Indiana EAP client portal (in.gov/ihcda) or dial 211 to reach the current Hamilton County provider.

$200–$675/yr

Hamilton County emergency aid: (1) DISTINCTIVE to Indiana — each elected Township Trustee provides 'poor relief' (township assistance): emergency help with rent / eviction prevention, utility shutoff, food, clothing, medical needs, and burial expenses for residents of that township. Hamilton County has 9 townships; find your trustee through the county offices. (2) CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions for senior case management, meals, and PathWays/CHOICE (317-803-6131). (3) The county EAP Local Service Provider for utility help. (4) The county hospital Financial Assistance Programs for healthcare. (5) Salvation Army / St. Vincent de Paul / Catholic Charities Indianapolis. (6) Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. (7) Dial 211 (Connect2Help) for general referrals.

$200–$3,000/yr

Hamilton County hospital safety net: Hamilton = Riverview Health (Noblesville/Westfield, INDEPENDENT 156-bed) + IU Health North (Carmel) + Ascension St. Vincent (Fishers) — a crowded suburban market. Indiana hospitals do not have a single state-mandated charity-care law (unlike New Jersey); each runs its own Financial Assistance Program, typically a sliding scale to 200-300% of the Federal Poverty Level, and non-profit hospitals must offer one. Apply at the hospital financial counseling office or at https://www.riverview.org/. Phone: 317-776-7999.

$500–$30,000/yr

In this county: Hamilton: Hamilton = Riverview Health (Noblesville/Westfield, INDEPENDENT 156-bed) + IU Health North (Carmel) + Ascension St. Vincent (Fishers) — a crowded suburban market. Each hospital runs its own Financial Assistance Program (no Indiana state-mandated charity-care law).

Hamilton County's Area Agency on Aging is CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions — Area 8 Agency on Aging. Services: Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) options counseling; enrollment/assessment for the Medicaid PathWays for Aging waiver and the state CHOICE program; home-delivered and congregate meals; caregiver support (NFCSP); transportation; and home modifications. One of Indiana's 16 AAAs. Apply by calling 317-803-6131.

$1,500–$6,000/yr

Hamilton County Express provides reservation-based, demand-response transportation to the general public in Hamilton County. Fares are $3.00 one way or $6.00 round trip, with a 10-trip pass for $30.00; there is no senior fare tier. Call 317-773-2688 to schedule.

$500–$2,500/yr

In this county: Hamilton: open to everyone — no age requirement or senior discount. Call 317-773-2688 to schedule.