Senior benefits in Brown County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for Brown County residents is delivered through South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP). EAP provides a one-time annual heating credit ($100–$625 for PY2026, plus up to $800 in winter crisis help) plus winter disconnection protection for households at or below 60% of the State Median Income (~$33,556/year for one person for program year 2027, which opens October 1, 2026), with a Crisis benefit for imminent disconnection. Apply through the Indiana EAP client portal (in.gov/ihcda) or South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP) (812-988-6636).

Estimated bill savings: $100–$625 a year

Brown 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. Brown County has 4 townships; find your trustee through the county offices. (2) Thrive Alliance for senior case management, meals, and PathWays/CHOICE (812-372-6918). (3) The regional Community Action agency for EAP utility help. (4) The county hospital Financial Assistance Programs for healthcare. (5) Salvation Army / St. Vincent de Paul / Catholic Charities / Love Chapel (Columbus). (6) Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana (serving South Central Indiana). (7) Dial 211 for general referrals.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$3,000 a year

Brown County hospital safety net: Brown = no in-county acute hospital; served by Columbus Regional Health + IU Health Bloomington. 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.crh.org/patients-visitors/follow-up-on-your-visit/financial-assistance. Phone: 812-376-5315.

Estimated bill savings: $500–$30,000 a year

In this county: Brown: Brown = no in-county acute hospital; served by Columbus Regional Health + IU Health Bloomington. Each hospital runs its own Financial Assistance Program (no Indiana state-mandated charity-care law).

Brown County's Area Agency on Aging is Thrive Alliance (Area 11 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); rural transportation; affordable housing; and home modifications. Thrive Alliance has served South Central Indiana since 1981 and is one of Indiana's 16 AAAs. Apply by calling 812-372-6918.

Estimated service value: $1,500–$6,000 a year

Access Brown County, operated by the Brown County Community YMCA, provides low-cost, wheelchair-accessible public transportation to Brown County residents of any age. Rides run by appointment Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call dispatch at 812-988-0185 (dispatch hours 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) to schedule.

Estimated service value: $500–$2,500 a year

In this county: Brown: open to all residents — no age requirement. Call 812-988-0185 in the morning (dispatch 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) to book.