Senior benefits in Hendricks County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for Hendricks County residents is delivered through Area IV Agency on Aging and Community Action Programs, Inc. 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 Area IV's Hendricks County EAP office (7230 Arbuckle Commons, Suite 102, Brownsburg; 765-447-7683 ext. 265).

Estimated bill savings: $100–$625 a year

Hendricks 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. Hendricks County has 12 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

Hendricks County hospital safety net: Hendricks = Hendricks Regional Health (Danville, INDEPENDENT 141-bed Magnet) + IU Health West (Avon) — the western-suburbs anchors. 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 through Hendricks Regional Health's Financial Assistance page. Do not start with the hospital's main switchboard — (317) 745-4451 is General Information, not financial assistance.

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

In this county: Hendricks: Hendricks = Hendricks Regional Health (Danville, INDEPENDENT 141-bed Magnet) + IU Health West (Avon) — the western-suburbs anchors. Each hospital runs its own Financial Assistance Program (no Indiana state-mandated charity-care law).

CICOA Dine Dollars lets adults age 60 and over eat at participating hospital cafeterias and restaurants. For a suggested contribution of $3 per meal, you get a reusable meal card good for up to eight meals a month — breakfast, lunch or dinner. Enrollment is required. Enroll through Hendricks County Senior Services (317-745-4303, 1201 Sycamore Lane, Danville). Participating location: Hendricks Regional Health (breakfast and lunch). Questions: CICOA Meals & More, 317-803-6042.

Estimated service value: $100–$600 a year

In this county: Hendricks: for adults 60+. Suggested contribution $3 per meal, up to eight meals a month; enrollment required. Call 317-745-4303.

Hendricks 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 Hendricks 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 Hendricks 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

LINK Hendricks County provides reservation-based, demand-response transportation to the general public in Hendricks County — and seniors 60 and older ride FREE. General-public fares are $6.00 per stop within town limits and $8.00 per stop outside town limits (one way). Call 317-718-4474 to schedule.

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

In this county: Hendricks: seniors 60+ ride free — just book at 317-718-4474. Open to all ages ($6-$8 per stop under 60).