Senior benefits in Montgomery County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for Montgomery County residents is delivered through Area IV Agency on Aging and Community Action Programs (Lafayette), the regional Community Action 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 Area IV (765-447-7683).

$200–$675/yr

Montgomery 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. Montgomery County has 11 townships; find your trustee through the county offices. (2) Area IV Agency on Aging for senior case management, meals, and PathWays/CHOICE (765-447-7683). (3) Area IV Community Action for EAP utility help. (4) The county hospital Financial Assistance Programs for healthcare. (5) Salvation Army / St. Vincent de Paul / Catholic Charities. (6) Food Finders Food Bank of Lafayette. (7) Dial 211 for general referrals.

$200–$3,000/yr

Montgomery County hospital safety net: Montgomery = Franciscan Health Crawfordsville (103-bed Franciscan 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.franciscanhealth.org/. Phone: 765-362-2800.

$500–$30,000/yr

In this county: Montgomery: Montgomery = Franciscan Health Crawfordsville (103-bed Franciscan Health) — the county anchor. Each hospital runs its own Financial Assistance Program (no Indiana state-mandated charity-care law).

Montgomery County's Area Agency on Aging is Area IV Agency on Aging and Community Action Programs. Services: Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) options counseling; enrollment/assessment for the Medicaid PathWays for Aging waiver and the state CHOICE program; Meals on Wheels (via Meals on Wheels Greater Lafayette / Mid-Land Meals); caregiver support (NFCSP); transportation; and home modifications. One of Indiana's 16 AAAs. Apply by calling 765-447-7683.

$1,500–$6,000/yr

Crawfordsville Area Transportation provides curb-to-curb, advance-reservation public transportation within Montgomery County and to out-of-county medical facilities. Anyone can ride. Seniors 60 and over are encouraged to donate the advertised fare but are not required to pay; riders under 60 pay $3.00 one way up to 5 miles, $5.00 for 6-10 miles, and $1.00 per mile beyond 10 miles (children under 13 ride for $1.00 with an adult). Reserve 48 hours ahead in-county (5 days for out-of-county medical): 765-364-5173.

$500–$2,500/yr

In this county: Montgomery: open to everyone; riders 60+ donate instead of paying the set fare. Call 765-364-5173 two days ahead (five for out-of-county medical trips).