Senior benefits in Washington County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for Washington County residents is delivered through Hoosier Uplands Economic Development Corporation (Community Action), which is both the Area 15 AAA and 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), with a Crisis benefit for imminent disconnection. Apply through the Indiana EAP client portal (in.gov/ihcda) or Hoosier Uplands (812-849-4457).

Estimated bill savings: $100–$625 a year

Washington 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. Washington County has 12 townships; find your trustee through the county offices. (2) Hoosier Uplands for senior case management, meals, and PathWays/CHOICE (812-849-4457). (3) Hoosier Uplands 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) Hoosier Hills Food Bank (serving South Central Indiana). (7) Dial 211 for general referrals.

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

Washington County hospital safety net: Washington = Ascension St. Vincent Salem (Salem, county district hospital) — the county anchor. 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://wcmhosp.org/. Phone: 812-883-5881.

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

In this county: Washington: Washington = Washington County Memorial Hospital (Salem, county district hospital) — the county anchor. Each hospital runs its own Financial Assistance Program (no Indiana state-mandated charity-care law).

Washington County's Area Agency on Aging is Hoosier Uplands (Area 15 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; licensed home health & hospice; and affordable housing. Hoosier Uplands is a combined AAA + Community Action Agency and one of Indiana's 16 AAAs. Apply by calling 812-849-4457 or 800-238-2937.

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

The Southern Indiana Transit System (SITS), run by Blue River Services, provides rural public transportation in Washington County (service area: Crawford, Harrison, Scott, Washington, and Floyd counties). Anyone can ride. One-way fares are distance-based: $2.00 up to 10 miles, $3.00 for 11-20 miles, $4.00 beyond 20 miles, plus $1.25 per mile outside the service area. Call 812-738-1681 (toll-free 866-738-1681) to schedule.

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