Senior benefits in Marion County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for Marion County residents is delivered through the county's designated Community Action Agency / Local Service Provider. 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 the Marion County Local Service Provider; dial 211 (Connect2Help) to be routed to the current Indianapolis provider.

$200–$675/yr

In this county: Marion: EAP via the county's Local Service Provider (dial 211 for the current Indianapolis provider). Income ≤60% SMI (~$33,556 single).

Marion County emergency aid: (1) DISTINCTIVE to Indiana — each of the county's 9 elected Township Trustees 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 (find yours at indy.gov). (2) CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions for senior case management and meals (317-803-6131). (3) The Marion County EAP Local Service Provider for HEAP utility help. (4) Eskenazi Health financial assistance + the hospital FAP network for healthcare. (5) Township + Trustee + 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

In this county: Marion: Indiana's township-trustee poor-relief system is the front-line emergency aid — each township has an elected Trustee who provides rent/utility/food help. Layered with CICOA, EAP, hospital FAP, and 211.

Marion County hospital safety net is anchored by Eskenazi Health (Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital) — a PUBLIC safety-net hospital owned by the Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County (which also runs the Marion County Public Health Department), the Indianapolis equivalent of a public hospital district. Eskenazi offers sliding-scale financial assistance and the Eskenazi Health Advantage program. The county is also served by IU Health (Methodist + University — academic flagship), Community Health Network, and Ascension St. Vincent, each with its own Financial Assistance Program. Indiana hospitals do not have a single state-mandated charity-care law (unlike NJ); each runs its own FAP, typically sliding 0-200/300% FPL. Apply at the hospital's financial counseling office or at https://www.eskenazihealth.edu/programs/financial-counseling.

$500–$30,000/yr

In this county: Marion: Eskenazi Health is the PUBLIC safety-net hospital (Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County) — sliding-scale financial assistance; IU Health / Community / Ascension St. Vincent each run their own FAP.

Marion County's Area Agency on Aging is CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions (Area 8 AAA, serving 8 central-Indiana counties). Services: Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) options counseling; enrollment/assessment for the Medicaid PathWays for Aging waiver and state CHOICE program; home-delivered and congregate meals; caregiver support (NFCSP); transportation; and home modifications. One of Indiana's 16 AAAs. Apply by calling CICOA at 317-803-6131 or the INconnect Alliance at 1-800-986-3505.

$1,500–$6,000/yr

In this county: Marion: AAA = CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions (Area 8, 8-county central Indiana). The single entry point for PathWays waiver, CHOICE, meals, and caregiver support.

IndyGo runs Indianapolis's bus network. The full fare is $2.75 (2-hour unlimited transfers); half fare is $1.35 for riders age 65 and over with a Medicare card or an IndyGo Half Fare ID card. With a MyKey account, fares cap automatically at $6.00/day and $24.75/week full fare ($3.00 and $12.15 at half fare). Apply for the free Half Fare ID at the Care Center Desk (replacement cards $5.00) or call 317-635-3344 to verify eligibility. IndyGo Access provides ADA paratransit.

$100–$500/yr

In this county: Marion: half fare starts at 65 (or any age with a Medicare card). Get the free Half Fare ID at the Care Center Desk; MyKey fare capping halves your daily/weekly maximums too.