Senior benefits in Vanderburgh County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for Vanderburgh County residents is delivered through the Community Action Program of Evansville & Vanderburgh County (CAPE). 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 book a CAPE application appointment (930-212-1991; Evansville office, 401 SE 6th St., Suite 001, 812-425-4241).

Estimated bill savings: $100–$625 a year

In this county: Vanderburgh: EAP via the Community Action Program of Evansville & Vanderburgh County (CAPE), ≤60% SMI (~$33,556 single for program year 2027, from October 1, 2026).

Vanderburgh 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. Vanderburgh County has 8 townships; find your trustee through the county offices. (2) SWIRCA & More for senior case management, meals, and PathWays/CHOICE (812-464-7817). (3) the Community Action Program of Evansville & Vanderburgh County (CAPE) for EAP utility help. (4) The county hospital Financial Assistance Programs for healthcare. (5) Salvation Army / St. Vincent de Paul / Catholic Charities of Evansville. (6) Tri-State Food Bank. (7) Dial 211 for general referrals.

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

Vanderburgh County hospital safety net: Vanderburgh = Deaconess Health System (Midtown flagship + Gateway, dominant SW-Indiana system) + Ascension St. Vincent Evansville (Level II trauma, ex-St. Mary's) — the two-system Evansville 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.deaconess.com/pay-my-bill/financial-assistance. Phone: 812-450-5000.

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

In this county: Vanderburgh: Vanderburgh = Deaconess Health System (Midtown flagship + Gateway, dominant SW-Indiana system) + Ascension St. Vincent Evansville (Level II trauma, ex-St. Mary's) — the two-system Evansville market. Each hospital runs its own Financial Assistance Program (no Indiana state-mandated charity-care law).

Vanderburgh County's Area Agency on Aging is SWIRCA & More — Area 12 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 812-464-7817 or 866-400-0779.

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

METS runs Evansville's fixed-route buses. The standard fare is $0.75; riders age 65 and older and riders with disabilities pay the reduced fare of $0.35 — show a state-issued photo ID proving age 65+, or a Medicare card with photo ID, or SSA disability documentation with photo ID. METS Mobility, the door-to-door paratransit service for riders over 60 or with documented disabilities, is $1.50 per trip (apply at the METS office). Call 812-435-6166.

Estimated service value: $25–$200 a year

In this county: Vanderburgh: reduced fixed-route fare at 65+; METS Mobility door-to-door service starts at 60+ (or with a documented disability). Call 812-435-6166.