The holidays should be a time for celebration, but it can be difficult for families struggling with the extra costs.
The Recorder has compiled a list of winter assistance programs and resources in Indiana and Marion County to help Hoosiers get through the winter.
Energy Assistance Program
The Energy Assistance program (EAP) is a federally funded program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to help families in need with heating and electric bills during the winter. This is often the first step for families seeking assistance as it provides eligible households with a one-time annual benefit to assist with high-cost energy and utility bills if heating and electricity has been shut off or is about to be shut off.
The benefits are paid directly to the applicant’s utility vendor for heating and electric costs. Households in crisis — threat of disconnect — qualify for up to $400 per utility.
Unfortunately, benefit amounts are expected to be lower than previous years, according to Indyeap.org, and the program does not assist with water bills, nor does it cover all annual heating and electric costs. Applicants should still pay bills regularly.
The program features a rolling process, which began accepting applications Oct. 1. The program began processing applications and submitting the first initial payments on Nov. 1, 2024. However, families can still apply until 5 p.m. on April 14, 2025.
Applications for EAP can be submitted via the online portal, by mail, in person or by calling 2-1-1.
READ MORE: An updated guide for staying warm in Indiana this winter
United Way of Central Indiana’s Winter Assistance Fund
United Way of Central Indiana offers a Winter Assistance Fund (WAF) for Marion County residents who make too much to qualify for EAP but are still struggling with increased costs of energy and utility bills. WAF is supported by AES, Citizens Energy Group, the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust and individual donors to provide financial support through the coldest winter months.
The application period for WAF is Dec. 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025. There are no online applications; applicants must apply in person at one of the intake centers around Marion County. For more information or to find an intake center, visit uwci.org/waf.
Warm Heart Warm Home Foundation
The Warm Heart Warm Home Foundation (WHWH), a nonprofit organization owned by Citizens Energy Group, provides financial assistance to customers struggling to pay natural gas, water and wastewater bills.
Grants from the WHWM Foundation aim to help customers maintain their utility services and catch up on past-due bills. For more information, or to see if you qualify for the program, visit info.citizensenergygroup.com/assistance. Eligible customers can apply by calling Citizens at 317-924-3311.
AES Indiana’s Power of Change
Power of Change is an AES program that awards a one-time grant to income-qualified customers to help with electricity bills regardless of approval or denial from EAP or WAF. To apply for the Power of Change grant, customers must first apply for EAP and either be an LIHEAP participant, LIHEAP qualified or have proof of eligibility in SNAP, TANF, HIP or Medicaid.
Email proof of the submitted application or approval to AES Indiana at aesindianaeap@aes.com. If approved, customers will receive a letter of approval from the Power of Change program partner and the assistance grant will be posted to the customer’s AES Indiana account.
If a request is denied, customers will receive a letter of explanation from the Power of Change program partner.
Customers can apply for Power of Change by locating the nearest agency and calling or visiting to fill out an application. For more information, visit aesindiana.com/payment-assistance.
Center Township Trustee’s Office
The Center Township Trustee’s office also partners with Indiana’s Energy Assistance Program and John Boner Community Center to help families fill out and submit applications. The Trustee’s Office also has a food assistance program where eligible families can pick up canned goods and nonperishable food items.
“Food-Tique Clothing,” which opened in 2023, provides essential clothing and personal hygiene items through the Forester Grant. Both the boutique and food pantry are open during regular business hours.
Lastly, the Trustee’s Office is hosting a Winter Coat Drive in partnership with Light of the World Christian Church until Dec. 4. New and gently used coats, scarves, socks and gloves can be dropped off at the Julia M. Carson Government Center, 300 E. Fall Creek Parkway N. Drive, during regular business hours or at Light of the World, 4646 N. Michigan Road, on Sundays 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays.
For more information, visit centergov.org/townshipassistance.
Additional community-based assistance programming that runs year-round can be found at Indiana 2-1-1, Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority and Marion County community centers and trustees.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
