Senior benefits in Starke County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for Starke County residents is delivered through North Central Community Action Agencies, Inc. (NCCAA), the Community Action agency 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 NCCAA (574-772-7070; toll-free 866-871-1200).

Estimated bill savings: $100–$625 a year

Starke 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. Starke County has 10 townships; find your trustee through the county offices. (2) NWICA (Area 1 Agency on Aging) for senior case management, meals, and PathWays/CHOICE (219-794-1829). (3) NWICA Community Action + LCCS 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

Starke County hospital safety net: Starke = Northwest Health - Starke (Knox IN, CHS critical access) — the county anchor; same network as Porter/LaPorte. 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.nwhealthstarke.com/. Phone: 574-772-6231.

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

In this county: Starke: Starke = Northwest Health - Starke (Knox IN, CHS critical access) — the county anchor; same network as Porter/LaPorte. Each hospital runs its own Financial Assistance Program (no Indiana state-mandated charity-care law).

Starke 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

Lake County Community Services (LCCS) provides curb-to-curb transportation for seniors and people with disabilities in Jasper, Newton, Pulaski, and Starke counties, including Starke County, with a general-public fare as well. Seniors and riders with disabilities pay $5.00 each way (unless subsidized); the general-public fare is $7.00 each way. Call (219) 663-3869 to schedule — reservations require 48 hours notice.

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