Senior benefits in Marion County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for Marion County residents is delivered through John H. Boner Neighborhood Centers, which runs IndyEAP for Marion 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 IndyEAP (317-808-2378; indyeap.org).

Estimated bill savings: $100–$625 a year

In this county: Marion: EAP via John H. Boner Neighborhood Centers (IndyEAP), ≤60% SMI (~$33,556 single for program year 2027, from October 1, 2026).

Marion County emergency aid: (1) DISTINCTIVE to Indiana — each of the county's 9 elected Township Trustees 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 (find yours at indy.gov). (2) CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions for senior case management and meals (317-803-6131). (3) The Marion County EAP Local Service Provider for HEAP utility help. (4) Eskenazi Health financial assistance + the hospital FAP network for healthcare. (5) Township + Trustee + 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

In this county: Marion: Indiana's township-trustee poor-relief system is the front-line emergency aid — each township has an elected Trustee who provides rent/utility/food help. Layered with CICOA, EAP, hospital FAP, and 211.

Marion County hospital safety net is anchored by Eskenazi Health (Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital) — a PUBLIC safety-net hospital owned by the Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County (which also runs the Marion County Public Health Department), the Indianapolis equivalent of a public hospital district. Eskenazi offers sliding-scale financial assistance and the Eskenazi Health Advantage program. The county is also served by IU Health (Methodist + University — academic flagship), Community Health Network, and Ascension St. Vincent, each with its own Financial Assistance Program. Indiana hospitals do not have a single state-mandated charity-care law (unlike NJ); each runs its own FAP, typically sliding 0-200/300% FPL. Apply at the hospital's financial counseling office or at https://www.eskenazihealth.edu/programs/financial-counseling.

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

In this county: Marion: Eskenazi Health is the PUBLIC safety-net hospital (Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County) — sliding-scale financial assistance; IU Health / Community / Ascension St. Vincent each run their own FAP.

Marion County's Area Agency on Aging is CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions (Area 8 AAA, serving 8 central-Indiana counties). Services: Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) options counseling; enrollment/assessment for the Medicaid PathWays for Aging waiver and state CHOICE program; home-delivered and congregate meals; caregiver support (NFCSP); transportation; and home modifications. One of Indiana's 16 AAAs. Apply by calling CICOA at 317-803-6131 or the INconnect Alliance at 1-800-986-3505.

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

In this county: Marion: AAA = CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions (Area 8, 8-county central Indiana). The single entry point for PathWays waiver, CHOICE, meals, and caregiver support.

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 CICOA Meals & More (317-803-6042, by appointment) or the St. Vincent Hospital Community Outreach Department (317-338-6367, 2001 W. 86th St., Indianapolis). Participating location: St. Vincent Health (86th Street). Questions: CICOA Meals & More, 317-803-6042.

Estimated service value: $100–$600 a year

In this county: Marion: for adults 60+. Suggested contribution $3 per meal, up to eight meals a month; enrollment required. Call 317-803-6042.

CICOA's Community Health Workers give up to 90 days of free, one-on-one support in Marion 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 Marion 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. Trips that stay entirely inside Marion County are not covered (use IndyGo Access, 317-635-3344); trips from Marion County across a county line are. Apply online or call CICOA's Way2Go line at 317-803-6153 (option 4).

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

IndyGo runs Indianapolis's bus network. The full fare is $2.75 (2-hour unlimited transfers); half fare is $1.35 for riders age 65 and over with a Medicare card or an IndyGo Half Fare ID card. With a MyKey account, fares cap automatically at $6.00/day and $24.75/week full fare ($3.00 and $12.15 at half fare). Apply for the free Half Fare ID at the Care Center Desk (replacement cards $5.00) or call 317-635-3344 to verify eligibility. IndyGo Access provides ADA paratransit.

Estimated service value: $100–$500 a year

In this county: Marion: half fare starts at 65 (or any age with a Medicare card). Get the free Half Fare ID at the Care Center Desk; MyKey fare capping halves your daily/weekly maximums too.