Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Indiana. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in Indiana)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local rent, utility, food, and medical help, 24/7
- Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, the federal front door to your Area Agency on Aging
- BenefitsCheckUp.org screens you for every benefit you may qualify for
- Medicare 1-800-633-4227 | Social Security 1-800-772-1213 | VA Benefits 1-800-827-1000
- Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900 | National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311 | Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (Indiana SHIP)
Indiana's program is SHIP (the State Health Insurance Assistance Program), run by the Indiana Department of Insurance. Free, unbiased one-on-one Medicare counseling, plan comparisons, and help with claims and appeals, in person, by phone, or virtually. Statewide line: 1-800-452-4800. Online: in.gov/ship.
Medicaid in Indiana
Indiana Medicaid is run by the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). Apply online through the FSSA Benefits Portal (fssabenefits.in.gov) or by phone with the Division of Family Resources at 1-800-403-0864. You can also apply in person at your local DFR office. Indiana Medicaid can help pay Medicare premiums and long-term care costs for those who qualify.
Prescription help
Indiana's state drug program is HoosierRx, run by FSSA. It helps eligible residents 65 and older pay their monthly Medicare Part D (or Medicare Advantage drug plan) premium, up to $70 per month, when enrolled with a participating plan. As reported for the current cycle, the income limit is roughly $18,975 or less for one person and $25,605 or less for a married couple, and you must first apply for Medicare Extra Help through Social Security. Apply online at hoosierrx.fssa.in.gov or call 1-866-267-4679. Income limits adjust annually, so apply even if you were over before.
Energy and utility help
Indiana's LIHEAP is called the Energy Assistance Program (EAP), run by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) and delivered by local service providers statewide. The season runs roughly October 1 through mid-April, and households up to 60 percent of state median income may qualify for a one-time benefit, plus disconnection protection during the moratorium. Find your local provider by dialing 211, visiting in.gov/ihcda, or emailing eap@ihcda.in.gov.
Property tax relief (Indiana)
Indiana law for seniors changed recently, so confirm the current rules with your county auditor:
- Over 65 Credit: beginning with property taxes due in 2026, Indiana replaced the older Over 65 Deduction with an Over 65 Credit worth $150 on the property tax bill. As reported, the income limit is adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less for an individual, or $70,000 or less combined for a married couple, and the prior $240,000 assessed-value cap was removed. File with your county auditor by January 15 of the year taxes are first due.
- Over 65 Circuit Breaker Credit: a separate credit that limits how much your property tax bill can increase, to no more than 2 percent per year, for qualifying homeowners 65+. The income limits ($60,000 individual / $70,000 couple) and the January 15 county-auditor deadline apply here too, and the assessed-value cap was likewise removed. Ask your county auditor which credit fits your situation and whether you can receive both.
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
The FSSA Division of Aging (in.gov/fssa/da) funds Indiana's Area Agencies on Aging, which handle home-delivered meals, in-home care, caregiver support, and senior transportation in every county. Find yours through the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116), the Division of Aging, or by dialing 211. For free civil legal help, ask your Area Agency on Aging or 211 for the legal aid office serving your county.
Frequently asked questions
What is Indiana's SHIP program? The State Health Insurance Assistance Program, run by the Indiana Department of Insurance. Free Medicare counseling at 1-800-452-4800.
Does Indiana offer senior property tax relief? Yes. Beginning with taxes due in 2026, the Over 65 Credit gives a $150 credit (income limits about $60,000 individual / $70,000 couple), and the separate Over 65 Circuit Breaker Credit caps how fast a senior's tax bill can rise (no more than 2 percent a year). Apply with your county auditor by January 15.
How do Indiana seniors get help with prescription costs? Through HoosierRx, which helps pay the Medicare Part D premium (up to $70/month) for eligible residents 65+. Apply at hoosierrx.fssa.in.gov or call 1-866-267-4679.
How do Indiana seniors get help with heating bills? Through the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) from IHCDA. Find your local provider by dialing 211 or visiting in.gov/ihcda.
Sources
- IN.gov, Indiana SHIP: https://www.in.gov/ship/ . Verified June 6, 2026.
- FSSA / MHS Indiana, how to apply for Indiana Medicaid (DFR 1-800-403-0864): https://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/about-dfr/contact-dfr/ . Verified June 6, 2026.
- FSSA, HoosierRx: https://www.in.gov/medicaid/members/member-programs/hoosierrx/ . Verified June 6, 2026.
- IHCDA, Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): https://www.in.gov/ihcda/homeowners-and-renters/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap/ . Verified June 6, 2026.
- Indiana DLGF 2025 memo on deductions, exemptions, and credits: https://www.in.gov/dlgf/files/2025-memos/250612-Cockerill-Memo-Legislation-Affecting-Deductions,-Exemptions,-and-Credits.pdf and indy.gov Over 65 deductions/credits: https://www.indy.gov/activity/apply-for-over-65-property-tax-deductions . Verified June 6, 2026.