Senior benefits in Shelby County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for Shelby County residents is delivered through Human Services, Inc. (HSI), the Community Action agency for Bartholomew, Decatur, Jackson, Johnson, and Shelby counties. 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 HSI (812-372-8407 or 800-296-8026; application drop box at 1609 S. Miller St., Shelbyville).

Estimated bill savings: $100–$625 a year

Shelby 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. Shelby County has 13 townships; find your trustee through the county offices. (2) CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions for senior case management, meals, and PathWays/CHOICE (317-803-6131). (3) The county EAP Local Service Provider for utility help. (4) The county hospital Financial Assistance Programs for healthcare. (5) 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

Shelby County hospital safety net: Shelby = Major Health Partners / MHP Medical Center (Shelbyville, INDEPENDENT) — 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. MHP says patients with a household income of 300% of the Federal Poverty Level or less may be eligible for discounts of 25% to 100% of the balance owed. Apply through MHP Patient Financial Services (317-421-2012, 2451 Intelliplex Drive, Shelbyville) or ask a Patient Advocate (317-421-5717); the policy and application are at https://www.mymhp.org/patients-guests/resources/billing/financial-assistance/.

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

In this county: Shelby: Shelby = Major Health Partners / MHP Medical Center (Shelbyville, INDEPENDENT) — the county anchor. Each hospital runs its own Financial Assistance Program (no Indiana state-mandated charity-care law). MHP: "Patients with a household income level of 300% of the Federal Poverty Level or less may be eligible for discounts ranging from 25% to 100% of the balance owed."

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 at the Horizon Center – Shelby Senior Center (317-398-0127; applications each month while supplies last). Participating locations: Major Hospital (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and Grandma's Pancake House & Restaurant. Questions: CICOA Meals & More, 317-803-6042.

Estimated service value: $100–$600 a year

In this county: Shelby: for adults 60+. Suggested contribution $3 per meal, up to eight meals a month; enrollment required. Call 317-398-0127.

Shelby County's Area Agency on Aging is CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions — Area 8 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); transportation; and home modifications. One of Indiana's 16 AAAs. Apply by calling 317-803-6131.

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

CICOA's Community Health Workers give up to 90 days of free, one-on-one support in Shelby 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 Shelby 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. Apply online or call CICOA's Way2Go line at 317-803-6153 (option 4).

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

ShelbyGo, coordinated by Shelby County Senior Services, provides demand-response rides in Shelby County. Anyone can ride: passengers under 60 pay $4.00 per boarding within Shelbyville and $7.00 per boarding outside a 4-mile radius of downtown, while passengers 60 and older ride on a donation basis. Call 317-398-6414 to schedule.

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

In this county: Shelby: open to everyone; riders 60+ pay a donation instead of the set fare. Call 317-398-6414 to schedule.