Senior benefits in Kosciusko County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for Kosciusko County residents is delivered through REAL Services, the Area 2 Community Action / aging agency. 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 REAL Services (574-284-2644).

$200–$675/yr

Kosciusko 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. Kosciusko County has 17 townships; find your trustee through the county offices. (2) REAL Services for senior case management, meals, and PathWays/CHOICE (574-284-2644). (3) REAL Services for EAP utility help. (4) The county hospital Financial Assistance Programs for healthcare. (5) Salvation Army / St. Vincent de Paul / Catholic Charities of Fort Wayne-South Bend. (6) the Food Bank of Northern Indiana / Cultivate Food Rescue. (7) Dial 211 for general referrals.

$200–$3,000/yr

Kosciusko County hospital safety net: Kosciusko = Kosciusko Community Hospital (Warsaw, Lutheran Health Network) — the county anchor. 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.lutheranhealth.net/locations/kosciusko-community-hospital. Phone: 574-267-3200.

$500–$30,000/yr

In this county: Kosciusko: Kosciusko = Kosciusko Community Hospital (Warsaw, Lutheran Health Network) — the county anchor. Each hospital runs its own Financial Assistance Program (no Indiana state-mandated charity-care law).

Kosciusko County's Area Agency on Aging is REAL Services — Area 2 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 574-284-2644 or 800-552-7928.

$1,500–$6,000/yr

Kosciusko Area Bus Service (KABS), operated by Cardinal Services, provides county-wide on-demand public transportation across Kosciusko County plus the Lake City Loop deviated fixed route in Warsaw and Winona Lake. Open to the general public — no age requirement and no membership. On-demand fares are distance-based (effective Sept. 2, 2025): $3 one way for 0-8 miles, $4 for 9-16 miles, $5 for 17+ miles; booking same-day adds $5, and a $24 on-demand pass buys $30 of ride credit. The Lake City Loop fixed route is $1 per trip ($0.50 more for an off-route deviation) with a $20 monthly unlimited pass. On-demand runs 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m. and the fixed route 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call (574) 267-4990 to schedule a ride (dispatch for cancellations: 574-267-4900).

$500–$2,500/yr

In this county: Kosciusko: KABS is open to all county residents — no age requirement, no application, no documents; just call (574) 267-4990 to schedule. On-demand fares are distance-based ($3-$5 one way; same-day booking adds $5). Book ahead when possible.