Senior benefits in Union County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for Union County residents is delivered through Southeastern Indiana Economic Opportunity Corporation (SIEOC), the regional Community Action agency. 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 through the Indiana EAP client portal (in.gov/ihcda) or Southeastern Indiana Economic Opportunity Corporation (SIEOC) (888-292-5475).

Estimated bill savings: $100–$625 a year

Union 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. Union County has 6 townships; find your trustee through the county offices. (2) LifeStream Services for senior case management, meals, and PathWays/CHOICE (765-759-1121). (3) The regional Community Action agency for EAP utility help. (4) The county hospital Financial Assistance Programs for healthcare. (5) Salvation Army / St. Vincent de Paul / Catholic Charities. (6) Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana. (7) Dial 211 for general referrals.

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

Union County hospital safety net: Union = no in-county acute hospital; served by Reid Health (Richmond, Wayne County). 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://reidhealth.org/Patient-Resources/Billing-and-Insurance/Financial-Assistance. Phone: 765-983-3000.

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

In this county: Union: Union = no in-county acute hospital; served by Reid Health (Richmond, Wayne County). Each hospital runs its own Financial Assistance Program (no Indiana state-mandated charity-care law).

Union County's Area Agency on Aging is LifeStream Services (Area 6 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; Meals on Wheels and congregate meals; caregiver support (NFCSP); transportation (TRAM); and home modifications. LifeStream is one of Indiana's 16 AAAs, serving 12 East Central Indiana counties. Apply by calling 765-759-1121 or 800-589-1121.

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

Whitewater Valley Regional Transit (formerly Union County Transit) provides public transportation in Union County. Anyone can ride — there is no age requirement. Fares are zone-based with exact change: $1.00 within Liberty, $2.25 to $4.50 for trips farther out toward the county line — and Union County residents ride free within the county on Fridays. Register and reserve by calling (765) 458-7277 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., at least 24 hours ahead.

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

In this county: Union: open to everyone; residents ride free in-county on Fridays. Call (765) 458-7277 (8 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon-Fri) to register and book 24 hours ahead.