Indiana is home to nearly 7 million people. The seniors who call the state home may struggle financially, as they do in other states. They typically live on fixed incomes and cannot keep up with the rising costs of things like food, housing, healthcare, and utility bills. Being able to get assistance is crucial. The good news is that there are programs that offer financial assistance for seniors in Indiana.
The programs that provide financial assistance will helps seniors who have a low income be able to purchase food, pay their rent, pay their heating bill, and more. Those who can demonstrate that they have a low income may qualify for the programs that will help ensure basic needs are being met. The programs are typically funded through the federal and state government, as well as some by non-profit organizations.
Unlike loans, the assistance you receive through the programs below do not ever have to be paid back. The financial assistance is considered a gift to help people in the community. You can apply for as many as you feel are a good fit, because there is no limit. Some programs do limit how long you can receive assistance from them, while others will allow you to get the assistance without any term limits.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Seniors in Indiana who need food assistance will want to apply for SNAP. This federally-funded program, formerly called food stamps, will provide those who qualify with help paying for their groceries each month. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. The amount that the government will electronically add to a debit-style card for you to use as your payment source each month is determined in part by how many dependents there are in the home. There are no limits to how long you can get assistance from this program. To get more information and apply, click here.
Salvation Army – This faith-based organization has locations throughout the state and country and is known for providing people with assistance. They offer people free hot meals, bags of food to take home, and more. They also help with shelters, bill payment assistance, clothing, and more. To find a location near you, click here.
Feeding Indiana’s Hungry – This organization provides people with food from their pantries and banks. You can contact a food bank or pantry near you to get help with obtaining food supplies. Some places will help seniors by delivering the food to them, so they don’t have to go out and get it. To get more information and find a food bank or pantry near you, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Seniors who need help paying for their rent can apply for assistance through HUD. This is a federal agency that has programs I place to help people with their housing needs. They can help with rent assistance, finding affordable housing options, weatherization services, paying for house repairs, and more. To qualify for the programs, you have to be a citizen or legal non-citizen and meet the low income requirements. There is no limit to how long you can get the financial assistance as long as you continue to meet the requirements. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Indiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program – This is a program offered by the state government that will help people who need emergency rental assistance. To qualify, you have to be a resident of the state and meet the low income requirements. To get more information and apply, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Energy Assistance Program (EAP) – As cost of utilities rise, more seniors need help paying for the bill. This program, which is funded by the federal government, helps people pay for their heating bill. To qualify, you have to be the person responsible for paying the bill and meet the low income requirements. They begin taking applications each year on October 1, and stop taking them on April 14. You can apply online or in person. If you are approved, they will pay the bill on your behalf. You can re-apply for this program each year that you need bill payment assistance. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – By calling this number, the United Way can help you find sources near you that can help with bill payment assistance, as well as other things. They can find you local referrals to help with paying rent, buying groceries, and more. It is a free referral service they offer that is open to everyone. To get more information and contact them for local program referrals, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
Medicaid – Paying medical bills is one of the most financially challenging thing that people have to do in America. Seniors in Indiana who are under the age of 65 may qualify for this federal program, which will help them pay medical bills for the doctor, dentist, eye doctor, hospital, and buying prescription drugs. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply, click here.
Medicare – This program is similar to the one listed above, only it is for seniors who are age 65 and up. Plus, you do not have to meet any low income requirements to qualify for this program. It is open to all citizens and legal non-citizens, regardless of how much they earn or have. It is a program offered through the federal government that helps ensure that seniors have access to healthcare assistance. The program does not pay for 100% of the medical bill, but it does pay for a large percentage of it. There is no limit to how long you can receive financial assistance to pay for medical bills through this program. To get more information and apply for Medicare in Indiana, click here.
