Senior benefits in Jennings County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for Jennings 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

Jennings 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. Jennings County has 11 townships; find your trustee through the county offices. (2) Thrive Alliance for senior case management, meals, and PathWays/CHOICE (812-372-6918). (3) The regional Community Action agency for EAP utility help. (4) The county hospital Financial Assistance Programs for healthcare. (5) Salvation Army / St. Vincent de Paul / Catholic Charities / Love Chapel (Columbus). (6) Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana (serving South Central Indiana). (7) Dial 211 for general referrals.

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

Jennings County hospital safety net: Jennings = Ascension St. Vincent Jennings (North Vernon, critical access) — 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://healthcare.ascension.org/locations/indiana/ineva/north-vernon-ascension-st-vincent-jennings/financial-assistance. Phone: 800-582-8258.

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

In this county: Jennings: Jennings = Ascension St. Vincent Jennings (North Vernon, critical access) — the county anchor. Each hospital runs its own Financial Assistance Program (no Indiana state-mandated charity-care law).

Jennings County's Area Agency on Aging is Thrive Alliance (Area 11 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); rural transportation; affordable housing; and home modifications. Thrive Alliance has served South Central Indiana since 1981 and is one of Indiana's 16 AAAs. Apply by calling 812-372-6918.

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