Senior benefits in LaPorte County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for LaPorte County residents is delivered through REAL Services. 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

In this county: LaPorte: EAP via REAL Services (≤60% SMI, ~$30,000 single).

LaPorte 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. LaPorte County has 21 townships (including Michigan, Center, Coolspring, New Durham, Noble, Scipio, and Springfield); find yours through the county trustee offices. (2) REAL Services — Area 2 Agency on Aging 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. (6) Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. (7) Dial 211 for general referrals.

$200–$3,000/yr

LaPorte County hospital safety net: LaPorte = Northwest Health – LaPorte + Franciscan Health Michigan City — two competing systems on the Lake Michigan shore. 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.nwhealthlaporte.com/. Phone: 219-326-1234.

$500–$30,000/yr

In this county: LaPorte: LaPorte = Northwest Health – LaPorte + Franciscan Health Michigan City — two competing systems on the Lake Michigan shore. Each hospital runs its own Financial Assistance Program (no Indiana state-mandated charity-care law).

LaPorte 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.

$1,500–$6,000/yr

In this county: LaPorte: AAA = REAL Services — Area 2 Agency on Aging — the single entry point for PathWays waiver, CHOICE, meals, and caregiver support.

TransPorte is the City of La Porte's demand-response bus service, open to everyone. Regular one-way fare is $3.25; seniors and riders with disabilities pay $2.50, with a 10-ride senior/disabled punch pass for $22.50 (cash, exact fare; passes sold at the office or from drivers). Service runs Mon-Fri 6 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Call (219) 362-6565 to schedule a ride. Michigan City operates its own separate transit system.

$50–$300/yr

In this county: LaPorte: the senior fare is $2.50 but no qualifying age is published — ask when booking at (219) 362-6565. Service covers the City of La Porte area; Michigan City's system is separate.