Senior benefits in Howard County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for Howard County residents is delivered through Area Five Agency on Aging & Community Services (Community Action), which is both the Area 5 AAA and 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), with a Crisis benefit for imminent disconnection. Apply through the Indiana EAP client portal (in.gov/ihcda) or Area Five (574-722-4451).

Estimated bill savings: $100–$625 a year

Howard 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. Howard County has 11 townships; find your trustee through the county offices. (2) Area Five Agency on Aging for senior case management, meals, and PathWays/CHOICE (574-722-4451). (3) Area Five Community Action for EAP utility help. (4) The county hospital Financial Assistance Programs for healthcare. (5) Salvation Army / St. Vincent de Paul / Catholic Charities. (6) Local food pantries and food banks serving North Central Indiana. (7) Dial 211 for general referrals.

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

Howard County hospital safety net: Howard = Community Howard Regional Health (Kokomo, Community Health Network) + Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo. 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.ecommunity.com/locations/community-howard-regional-health. Phone: 765-776-8422.

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

In this county: Howard: Howard = Community Howard Regional Health (Kokomo, Community Health Network) + Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo. Each hospital runs its own Financial Assistance Program (no Indiana state-mandated charity-care law).

Howard County's Area Agency on Aging is Area Five Agency on Aging (Area 5) (Area Five Agency on Aging & Community Services). 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; Energy Assistance + Weatherization; and home modifications. Area Five is a combined AAA + Community Action Agency and one of Indiana's 16 AAAs. Apply by calling 574-722-4451 or 800-654-9421.

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

Kokomo's City Line Trolley is free for every rider — Indiana's largest free-to-ride, fixed-route bus system. No fare, ID, or application is needed to board. For riders who cannot use the fixed routes, the Spirit of Kokomo demand-response service is available to riders age 65 and older and riders with qualifying disabilities. Call (765) 456-7556 with questions about either service.

Estimated service value: $300–$1,500 a year

In this county: Howard: the trolley is free for everyone — just board. Spirit of Kokomo demand-response requires age 65+ or a qualifying disability.