Senior benefits in White County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for White 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 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 Area IV (765-447-7683).

Estimated bill savings: $100–$625 a year

White 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. White County has 12 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

White County hospital safety net: White = IU Health White Memorial Hospital (Monticello, IU Health critical access) — 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://iuhealth.org/. Phone: 574-583-7111.

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

In this county: White: White = IU Health White Memorial Hospital (Monticello, IU Health critical access) — the county anchor. Each hospital runs its own Financial Assistance Program (no Indiana state-mandated charity-care law).

White 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

White County Public Transit, run by the White County Council on Aging in Monticello, serves White County residents of all ages (plus Jefferson Township in Carroll County). There is no set fare — a donation of about $1.00 is suggested for trips around Monticello and about 40 cents per mile for longer trips. Schedule 24 hours ahead (24-48 hours for Lafayette medical trips): 574-583-9119 or 800-913-3582.

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

In this county: White: open to everyone, donation-based. Call 574-583-9119 a day ahead (two for Lafayette medical trips).