INDIANAPOLIS — With prices up on everything from food to energy, families may find their budgets are tighter than usual.
Below are resources available if you or someone you know is looking for assistance.
Bills
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
What: Energy and water bill assistance
Who: Indiana households making 60% of the state median income. For a single parent of two kids, it's $44,952 a year; a two-parent home with two children, it's about $53,515 a year.
When: Application open until May 15, 2023, at 5 p.m. ET
Where: Click here to apply for EAP.
United Way Winter Assistance Fund
What: Heat and electricity bill assistance
Who: Marion County households that fall just above the qualifications for the federal Energy Assistance Program (EAP). For a single parent of two children, the earning limit is around $51,817. If you're a two-parent home with two kids, it's $62,437.
When: Application open until April 2023, or as long as funding is available
Where: There is no online application. To receive help, identify your local chapter and apply via email, in person or over the phone.
Affordable Connectivity Program
What: Internet bill assistance. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households.
Who: Households at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income internet program
- Participates in one of these assistance programs: Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program; SNAP; Medicaid; Federal Housing Assistance, including Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers), Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/Section 202/ Section 811, Public Housing, Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives or Native Hawaiians; Supplemental Security Income (SSI); WIC; Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits; Lifeline
When: Year-round
Where: Apply online here.
Food
Community Compass
What: The app and website help find the pantries and meals in your neighborhood
Who: Central Indiana residents
When: Year-round
Where: Central Indiana
Home Matters
The Legal Resource Center
What: Free court navigators and legal assistance
Who: Anyone
When: Year-round; Court navigators are available Monday through Friday; Volunteer attorneys are available on Thursdays from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Where: Community Justice Center at 675 Justice Way on the east side of Indianapolis
Indy Free Tax Prep
What: Free tax filing
Who: In 2022, the service was for individuals and families with a combined household income of $66,000 or less in 2021. The guidelines for the 2022 tax year are to be determined. If you make more than $66,000, there is a free online service available.
When: Dates are expected to be announced in January 2023
Where: Locations are expected to be announced in January 2023
Other assistance
Indiana 211
What: Indiana 211 is a free and confidential statewide service that helps Hoosiers find local resources they need, including housing or warming centers, utility assistance, health care and food.
Who: Anyone
When: Year-round
Where: To contact a navigator, call 211 or 866-211-9966; Text your zip code to 898-211; Visit IN211.org.
