Senior benefits in Marshall County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for Marshall 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

Marshall 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. Marshall County has 10 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

Marshall County hospital safety net: Marshall = Saint Joseph Health System – Plymouth (Trinity Health) — 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.sjmed.com/patients-visitors/billing-and-assistance/financial-assistance. Phone: 574-948-4008.

$500–$30,000/yr

In this county: Marshall: Marshall = Saint Joseph Health System – Plymouth (Trinity Health) — the county anchor. Each hospital runs its own Financial Assistance Program (no Indiana state-mandated charity-care law).

Marshall 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

Marshall County Public Transit, run by the county Council on Aging, is open to everyone. Fares are distance-based: $2.50 per boarding up to 5 miles, $6.00 for 6-30 miles, and $11.00 for 31+ miles (donations always accepted; frequent-rider discount cards available). Riders age 60 and over can also ask about Older Americans Act Title III funds that help cover out-of-town medical transportation. Service runs Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 574-936-9904 (toll-free 1-866-936-9904).

$500–$2,500/yr

In this county: Marshall: open to everyone; if you're 60+, ask about Title III help with out-of-town medical trips when you call.