Senior benefits in Hamilton County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for Hamilton County residents is delivered through Area IV Agency on Aging and Community Action Programs, Inc., with local intake at Good Samaritan Network in Fishers. EAP provides a one-time credit each year toward heating costs (the amount depends on household circumstances and will not cover all annual heating and electric costs) 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 Good Samaritan Network's EAP office (12933 Parkside Drive, Fishers; 317-842-2603 ext. 205).

Estimated bill savings: $100–$625 a year

In this county: Hamilton: EAP via Area IV (intake at Good Samaritan Network, Fishers), ≤60% SMI (~$33,556 single for program year 2027, from October 1, 2026).

Hamilton 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. Hamilton County has 9 townships; find your trustee through the county offices. (2) CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions for senior case management, meals, and PathWays/CHOICE (317-803-6131). (3) The county EAP Local Service Provider for utility help. (4) The county hospital Financial Assistance Programs for healthcare. (5) Salvation Army / St. Vincent de Paul / Catholic Charities Indianapolis. (6) Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. (7) Dial 211 (Connect2Help) for general referrals.

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

Hamilton County hospital safety net: Hamilton = Riverview Health (Noblesville/Westfield, INDEPENDENT 156-bed) + IU Health North (Carmel) + Ascension St. Vincent (Fishers) — a crowded suburban market. 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.riverview.org/. Phone: 317-776-7999.

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

In this county: Hamilton: Hamilton = Riverview Health (Noblesville/Westfield, INDEPENDENT 156-bed) + IU Health North (Carmel) + Ascension St. Vincent (Fishers) — a crowded suburban market. Each hospital runs its own Financial Assistance Program (no Indiana state-mandated charity-care law).

Hamilton County's Area Agency on Aging is CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions — Area 8 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 317-803-6131.

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

CICOA's Community Health Workers give up to 90 days of free, one-on-one support in Hamilton County, at home or in the community. A trained worker helps you understand your health and medicines, get ready for and follow up after doctor visits, and find food, housing and transportation help. You may qualify if you had a hospital or ER visit in the last 30 days, a fall in the past 3 months, lost your main caregiver in the past 6 months, have not seen a primary care doctor in 12 months, have a chronic health condition, or need help with food, housing or transportation. Caregivers of someone who meets one of these can join too. Sign up with the online form or call CICOA's Resource Center at 317-803-6131.

CICOA's My Freedom program gives adults age 60 and older, and people of any age with a disability, discounted rides around central Indiana, including Hamilton County. Riders pay 25% of the trip cost. Rides can be for any purpose — work, medical visits, church, groceries, the pharmacy or seeing friends — and run 24 hours a day, every day, through zTrip, with wheelchair-accessible minivans (book those 48 hours ahead). An escort or personal care assistant rides at no extra cost. Apply online or call CICOA's Way2Go line at 317-803-6153 (option 4).

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

Hamilton County Express provides reservation-based, demand-response transportation to the general public in Hamilton County. Fares are $3.00 one way or $6.00 round trip, with a 10-trip pass for $30.00; there is no senior fare tier. Call 317-773-2688 to schedule.

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

In this county: Hamilton: open to everyone — no age requirement or senior discount. Call 317-773-2688 to schedule.