Senior benefits in Fayette County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for Fayette County residents is delivered through Interlocal Community Action Program (ICAP), the regional Community Action agency. 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). Apply through the Indiana EAP client portal (in.gov/ihcda) or Interlocal Community Action Program (ICAP) (765-529-4403).

Estimated bill savings: $100–$625 a year

Fayette 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. Fayette County has 10 townships; find your trustee through the county offices. (2) LifeStream Services for senior case management, meals, and PathWays/CHOICE (765-759-1121). (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. (6) Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana. (7) Dial 211 for general referrals.

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

Fayette County hospital safety net: Fayette = Reid Health Connersville (former Fayette Regional, now Reid 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://reidhealth.org/Patient-Resources/Billing-and-Insurance/Financial-Assistance. Phone: 765-825-5131.

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

In this county: Fayette: Fayette = Reid Health Connersville (former Fayette Regional, now Reid Health) — the county anchor. Each hospital runs its own Financial Assistance Program (no Indiana state-mandated charity-care law).

Fayette County's Area Agency on Aging is LifeStream Services (Area 6 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; Meals on Wheels and congregate meals; caregiver support (NFCSP); transportation (TRAM); and home modifications. LifeStream is one of Indiana's 16 AAAs, serving 12 East Central Indiana counties. Apply by calling 765-759-1121 or 800-589-1121.

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

Whitewater Valley Regional Transit took over Fayette County public transportation in January 2025. Anyone can ride — there is no age requirement. Fares are zone-based with exact change: $2.00 within Connersville, up to $5.00 for trips out to the county line. Buses run Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Register and reserve by calling (765) 458-7277 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., at least 24 hours ahead. Medicaid members may qualify for free medical rides through their Medicaid transportation broker.

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

In this county: Fayette: open to everyone. Call (765) 458-7277 (8 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon-Fri) to register and book 24 hours ahead; bring exact change ($2-$5 by zone).