Senior benefits in Jefferson County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for Jefferson County residents is delivered through Ohio Valley Opportunities, Inc. (OVO), the local service provider IHCDA assigns to the county. 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 OVO in Madison (812-265-5858, option 1; toll-free 877-782-5882).

Estimated bill savings: $100–$625 a year

Jefferson 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. Jefferson County has 11 townships; find your trustee through the county offices. (2) LifeTime Resources for senior case management, meals, and PathWays/CHOICE (812-432-5215). (3) The regional Community Action agency (SIEOC) 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 Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. (7) Dial 211 for general referrals.

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

Jefferson County hospital safety net: Jefferson = Norton King's Daughters' Health (Madison, formerly King's Daughters', now Norton Healthcare) — 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://nortonhealthcare.com/location/loc0000192089/. Phone: 502-479-6300.

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

In this county: Jefferson: Jefferson = Norton King's Daughters' Health (Madison, formerly King's Daughters', now Norton Healthcare) — the county anchor. Each hospital runs its own Financial Assistance Program (no Indiana state-mandated charity-care law).

Jefferson County's Area Agency on Aging is LifeTime Resources (Area 9 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); Catch-A-Ride transportation; and home modifications. LifeTime Resources is one of Indiana's 16 AAAs, serving 5 Southeastern Indiana counties. Apply by calling 812-432-5215 or 800-742-5001.

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

Catch-A-Ride, run by LifeTime Resources, provides on-demand public transportation to anyone, for any purpose, across six southeastern Indiana counties (Dearborn, Ohio, Ripley, Switzerland, Jefferson, and Decatur). Riders age 60 and over pay a reduced fare: $2.00 for trips up to 5 miles instead of the standard $3.00, plus $0.25 per mile beyond 5 miles. Cash, Medicaid, Medicaid Waiver, Medicare, and Managed Care are accepted. Buses run Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 800-330-7603 to set up a rider account and schedule rides up to 30 days ahead.

Estimated service value: $100–$600 a year