Senior benefits in Vigo County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for Vigo County residents is delivered through Western Indiana Community Action Agency (WICAA), 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 Western Indiana Community Action Agency (WICAA) (812-232-3500).

Estimated bill savings: $100–$625 a year

Vigo 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. Vigo County has 12 townships; find your trustee through the county offices. (2) Thrive West Central for senior case management, meals, and PathWays/CHOICE (812-238-1561). (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) Catholic Charities Foodbank of Terre Haute (serving the Wabash Valley). (7) Dial 211 for general referrals.

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

Vigo County hospital safety net: Vigo = Union Health (Union Hospital, dominant; discounts based on household size and income) + Terre Haute Regional (HCA) — merging under a 2025 state approval. 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.union.health/financial-assistance. Phone: 812-238-4411 (Public Benefits Office).

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

In this county: Vigo: Vigo = Union Health (Union Hospital, dominant; discounts based on household size and income) + Terre Haute Regional (HCA) — merging under a 2025 state approval. Each hospital runs its own Financial Assistance Program (no Indiana state-mandated charity-care law).

Vigo County's Area Agency on Aging is Thrive West Central (Area 7 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); rural transportation; and home modifications. Thrive West Central is one of Indiana's 16 AAAs, serving the 6-county Wabash Valley. Apply by calling 812-917-3145.

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

Terre Haute Transit's fixed-route buses and ADA paratransit are fare-free for all riders — every ride, every age, since January 1, 2025. No ID, application, or senior card is needed to board. Call 812-235-0109 (TDD 812-478-0192) with questions or for disability-related service modifications.

Estimated service value: $300–$1,500 a year

In this county: Vigo: every ride is free for everyone — just board.