Senior benefits in Tippecanoe County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for Tippecanoe County residents is delivered through Area IV Agency on Aging and Community Action Programs (Lafayette), the regional Community Action agency. EAP provides a one-time annual benefit, paid to your utility, to help with heating and electric bills, and it can help if your service is shut off or about to be. Households at or below 60% of the State Median Income can qualify; the IHCDA page lists the income limits by household size. Applications for program year 2027 are open October 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027. Apply online through IHCDA's LITT portal (linked from in.gov/ihcda), or contact Area IV (765-447-7683) to apply by mail, in person, or by phone appointment.

Estimated bill savings: $100–$625 a year

In this county: Tippecanoe: EAP via Area IV (Community Action), at or below 60% of State Median Income (see the IHCDA income table for program year 2027, from October 1, 2026).

Tippecanoe 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. Tippecanoe County has 13 townships; find your trustee through the county offices. (2) Area IV Agency on Aging for senior case management, meals, and PathWays/CHOICE (765-447-7683). (3) Area IV Community Action for EAP utility help. (4) The county hospital Financial Assistance Programs for healthcare. (5) Salvation Army / St. Vincent de Paul / Catholic Charities. (6) Food Finders Food Bank of Lafayette. (7) Dial 211 for general referrals.

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

Tippecanoe County hospital safety net: Tippecanoe = Franciscan Health Lafayette East + IU Health Arnett — the two-system Greater Lafayette / Purdue market. 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.franciscanhealth.org/. Phone: 765-502-4000.

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

In this county: Tippecanoe: Tippecanoe = Franciscan Health Lafayette East + IU Health Arnett — the two-system Greater Lafayette / Purdue market. Each hospital runs its own Financial Assistance Program (no Indiana state-mandated charity-care law).

Tippecanoe County's Area Agency on Aging is Area IV Agency on Aging and Community Action Programs. Services: Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) options counseling; enrollment/assessment for the Medicaid PathWays for Aging waiver and the state CHOICE program; Meals on Wheels (via Meals on Wheels Greater Lafayette / Mid-Land Meals); caregiver support (NFCSP); transportation; and home modifications. One of Indiana's 16 AAAs. Apply by calling 765-447-7683.

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

CityBus runs Greater Lafayette's fixed-route buses. Fares effective January 1, 2026: one-way $2.00, 10-ride pass $15.00, 1-day pass $4.00, 31-day pass $50.00. Half fare is restricted to riders age 65 or older, Medicare recipients, riders with differing abilities, and school-enrolled children 9-19 — show a Medicare card, a CityBus E&D photo ID, proof of age 65+, or a school photo ID when boarding. CityBus ACCESS paratransit is $2.00 per trip, and ACCESS-certified riders ride fixed routes free. Call 765-742-7433.

Estimated service value: $100–$500 a year

In this county: Tippecanoe: half fare starts at 65 (or any age with Medicare). Show your credential each time you board; ACCESS-certified riders ride fixed routes free.