Senior benefits in Porter County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for Porter County residents is delivered through CoAction, the regional Community Action agency formerly known as Northwest Indiana Community Action (NWICA). 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 CoAction (800-826-7871; Porter County office 219-464-9736).

Estimated bill savings: $100–$625 a year

Porter 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. Porter County has 12 townships (Boone, Center, Jackson, Liberty, Morgan, Pine, Pleasant, Portage, Porter, Union, Washington, Westchester); find yours through the county trustee offices. (2) Northwest Indiana Community Action (NWICA) — Area 1 Agency on Aging for senior case management, meals, and PathWays/CHOICE (219-794-1829). (3) Northwest Indiana Community Action (NWICA) for EAP utility help. (4) The county hospital Financial Assistance Programs for healthcare. (5) Salvation Army / St. Vincent de Paul / Catholic Charities. (6) Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. (7) Dial 211 for general referrals.

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

Porter County hospital safety net: Porter = Northwest Health – Porter (Valparaiso, 301-bed) — the county anchor, with Franciscan Health and the Calumet systems reaching the western edge. 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.nwhealthporter.com/. Phone: 219-983-8300.

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

In this county: Porter: Porter = Northwest Health – Porter (Valparaiso, 301-bed) — the county anchor, with Franciscan Health and the Calumet systems reaching the western edge. Each hospital runs its own Financial Assistance Program (no Indiana state-mandated charity-care law).

Porter County's Area Agency on Aging is CoAction, the new name of Northwest Indiana Community Action (NWICA) and the designated Area I Agency on Aging for Lake, Porter, Pulaski, Jasper, Newton, and Starke counties. Services for people 60 and older include the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) — options counseling to plan long-term care and help starting a Medicaid PathWays for Aging waiver request; in-home services arranged by a care manager; home-delivered and senior-center meals; caregiver support; and ombudsman help. Since July 1, 2025 the level-of-care assessment for PathWays is done by Maximus (1-833-597-2777), but CoAction can still help start the process. Call 219-794-1829 or toll-free 800-826-7871.

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

Porter County Aging and Community Services runs a door-to-door, demand-response transportation service for elderly residents and residents with disabilities of Porter County. Fares are $1.00 one way / $2.00 round trip, and riders with disabilities ride free. Service is weekday daytime only (first pickup 7:45 a.m., last 3:30 p.m.); schedule at 219-462-4302 (8 a.m.-3 p.m.). In Valparaiso, the V-Line city bus also offers a $0.50 reduced fare for seniors and students with ID (219-462-1161).

Estimated service value: $200–$1,000 a year

In this county: Porter: PCACS rides are for elderly riders and riders with disabilities — no published age cutoff, so call 219-462-4302 to confirm you qualify. Weekday daytime only.