Senior benefits in Gibson County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for Gibson County residents is delivered through the Community Action Program of Evansville & Vanderburgh County (CAPE). 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 online through IHCDA's LITT portal (opens October 1, 2026; linked from in.gov/ihcda) or book a CAPE application appointment (930-212-1991; Gibson County office, 115 N. Prince St., Princeton, 812-386-6576, application pickup only).

Estimated bill savings: $100–$625 a year

Gibson 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. Gibson County has 10 townships; find your trustee through the county offices. (2) SWIRCA & More for senior case management, meals, and PathWays/CHOICE (812-464-7817). (3) the Community Action Program of Evansville & Vanderburgh County (CAPE) for EAP utility help. (4) The county hospital Financial Assistance Programs for healthcare. (5) Salvation Army / St. Vincent de Paul / Catholic Charities of Evansville. (6) Tri-State Food Bank. (7) Dial 211 for general referrals.

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

Gibson County hospital safety net: Gibson = Deaconess Gibson Hospital (Princeton, Deaconess Health System) — 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.deaconess.com/pay-my-bill/financial-assistance. Phone: 812-450-3435.

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

In this county: Gibson: Gibson = Deaconess Gibson Hospital (Princeton, Deaconess Health System) — the county anchor. Each hospital runs its own Financial Assistance Program (no Indiana state-mandated charity-care law).

Gibson County's Area Agency on Aging is SWIRCA & More — Area 12 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 812-464-7817 or 866-400-0779.

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

Ride Solution provides rural public transportation across ten southwestern Indiana counties, including Gibson County. Anyone can ride, at any age, for any purpose. One-way fares are $2.00 in town, $4.00 within one county, and $6.00 county-to-county, plus $1.00 for an extra in-town stop; children 7-12 ride for $1.00 with a paying adult and children 6 and under ride free. There is no senior discount — the benefit is the low, subsidized fare itself. Call (812) 254-3225, Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., to schedule a ride.

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