Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP)

Quick Facts

• Purpose: Indiana’s Energy Assistance Program, funded by LIHEAP and administered by the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA), lowers winter heating and summer cooling costs for income-eligible households.
• Delivery model: Thirty-one Community Action Agencies (CAAs) and partner nonprofits conduct intake, verify documentation, and issue benefit authorizations to regulated utilities, municipal providers, and deliverable fuel vendors.
• Benefit suite: Includes a standard benefit applied to the primary heating source, a crisis benefit to prevent disconnection or refill fuel tanks, furnace repair and replacement assistance, and automatic referrals to weatherization and utility-sponsored affordability programs.
• Eligibility benchmark: Households qualify with gross income at or below 60% of the Indiana State Median Income (SMI), a more generous threshold than federal poverty percentages.
• Key tip: Applying early secures the full benefit matrix and positions your household for weatherization slots before winter peaks.

Program Overview

Indiana EAP is a cornerstone of the state’s strategy to combat high energy burdens, especially in rural counties where propane and heating oil prices spike, and urban neighborhoods where aging housing stock leaks heat. IHCDA coordinates funding, sets policies, and monitors local agencies. Each fall, agencies begin scheduling appointments, with priority given to seniors (60+), individuals with disabilities, and families with children under six.

EAP offers both regular benefits and crisis interventions. Regular benefits are based on a matrix that considers income level, household size, fuel type, and housing status (owner vs. renter). Crisis benefits target households facing immediate disconnection, low fuel tanks, or heating system failures. Unlike some states, Indiana also integrates its Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) intake with EAP, letting applicants address water arrears concurrently.

Participation opens pathways to other resources: weatherization upgrades, utility payment plans, budgeting classes, and workforce services. Many CAAs operate Head Start, housing counseling, and emergency food programs, so building a relationship with your local agency yields long-term support beyond one heating season.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Income: Households must have gross income at or below 60% of State Median Income. For a family of four in the 2025 program year, that equates to roughly $68,000 annually. Applicants can use the prior 3 months or 12 months of income. Use the shorter look-back if your income recently dropped.
2. Energy responsibility: Applicants must be responsible for paying heating and electric costs. Renters whose utilities are included in rent can still qualify if the landlord provides proof of energy cost responsibility.
3. Residency: You must live in Indiana and occupy the dwelling as your primary residence.
4. Identification: Provide Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) for all household members. Mixed-status households remain eligible as long as the applicant has a valid SSN or ITIN.
5. Documentation: Submit valid photo ID, income verification, utility bills, and landlord forms as required.

Priority scheduling goes to households with vulnerable members, disconnected service, or below 30% of fuel remaining. Veterans, foster youth transitioning to adulthood, and survivors of domestic violence can request confidential appointments and additional supports.

Benefit Details

• Regular benefit: Applied to the primary heating source (electric, gas, propane, oil, kerosene). Benefit levels range from $150 to over $1,000 depending on the benefit matrix. Payments go directly to the vendor. Renters with heat included receive a smaller credit applied to their electric bill.
• Crisis benefit: Provides additional assistance if service is disconnected or scheduled for shutoff, or if deliverable fuel falls below 25%. Crisis funds may cover reconnection fees, deposits, or emergency deliveries. Households can receive more than one crisis benefit if life-threatening conditions exist and funds remain.
• Furnace repair/replacement: If a heating system fails or poses a safety hazard, the agency can authorize repairs up to $1,500 or replacements using a combination of EAP, weatherization, and utility funds. Maintain documentation from licensed contractors.
• Summer cooling: When funded, IHCDA authorizes cooling assistance from June to August for households with seniors, medical needs, or children. Benefits include bill credits and, when medically necessary, window air conditioners or fans.
• Weatherization referral: Eligible households are queued for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which delivers insulation, air sealing, heating system upgrades, and health/safety fixes. WAP can reduce energy costs by 20% or more.

Benefit Matrix Snapshot (2025)

Application Steps

1. Find your local agency: Visit IHCDA’s provider map to locate contact information. Each agency lists preferred application channels (online portals, phone, drop-off boxes).
2. Pre-application: Many agencies allow online pre-applications. Completing them secures a spot and generates a document checklist.
3. Document collection: Gather IDs, Social Security cards, income statements, utility bills, landlord forms, and proof of crisis if applicable. Scan or photograph documents clearly.
4. Interview: Attend your appointment (in-person, phone, or virtual). Review your utility history, sign consent forms, and discuss additional services like weatherization or LIHWAP.
5. Vendor verification: Agencies contact utilities to confirm account status. Maintain active communication with your utility to ensure no changes occur mid-process.
6. Approval notice: Within 55 days, you should receive a determination letter. Crisis cases resolve within 48 hours after documentation is complete.
7. Follow-up: Confirm credits applied to your account, update your agency on address or household changes, and complete any remaining paperwork for bundled programs.

Documentation Checklist

• Government-issued photo ID for all adults (driver’s license, state ID, passport).
• Social Security cards or ITIN verification documents for each household member.
• Proof of income for the past 3 months or 12 months (pay stubs, unemployment, pension, VA benefits, child support, rental income, self-employment ledgers).
• Proof of zero income if applicable (self-declaration form plus support letters outlining how expenses are met).
• Most recent utility bills showing account numbers, usage, and arrearages.
• Disconnect notices, past-due statements, or vendor fuel level reports.
• Lease or landlord affidavit confirming responsibility for utilities if included in rent.
• Medical documentation for cooling assistance (doctor’s note specifying condition worsened by heat).
• Proof of homeownership (deed, mortgage statement) if applying for furnace replacement.

Organize documents chronologically and keep copies for future re-certifications. Many agencies provide secure upload portals—ensure file names include applicant last name and document type.

Timeline Strategy

• September: Attend community outreach events; agencies often open pre-applications. Complete furnace maintenance and budget for propane purchases before prices rise.
• October: Official program year launches. Seniors and people with disabilities receive priority. Schedule appointments early; by November slots fill quickly.
• November–January: Monitor accounts weekly, follow up on weatherization referrals, and enroll in budget billing. Request payment plans from utilities to stretch arrearage credits.
• February–March: Submit additional crisis requests if winter storms deplete fuel. Reassess income to ensure continued eligibility.
• April–May: Complete any outstanding paperwork before the May 20 deadline. Ask about LIHWAP or water payment plans.
• June–August: If eligible, apply for summer cooling assistance. Request air conditioning tune-ups or medically necessary equipment.

Maximizing Your Benefit

1. Bundle programs: Pair EAP with utility-sponsored programs like Duke Energy’s Neighbor to Neighbor, NIPSCO’s CARE Discount, or Vectren’s Universal Service Program.
2. Enroll in budget billing: Stabilize monthly payments and prevent seasonal spikes that lead to crisis situations.
3. Track energy usage: Use smart meters or utility portals to monitor daily consumption. Identifying spikes helps you adjust habits and demonstrate need for weatherization.
4. Attend energy education workshops: CAAs often offer classes covering thermostat strategies, appliance efficiency, and financial planning. Completing workshops may unlock weatherization priority or free efficiency kits.
5. Communicate with landlords: Renters should document maintenance issues affecting efficiency (drafty windows, broken thermostats). Provide written requests and photos; if landlords do not respond, agencies can issue letters supporting repairs.
6. Plan for fuel deliveries: For propane or heating oil, schedule deliveries before winter storms. Lock in pre-buy contracts when prices dip in late summer.
7. Protect medical needs: Submit physician statements to utilities for critical-care customer status, granting additional protection from disconnections during health emergencies.

Coordination Opportunities

• Weatherization Assistance Program: Accept energy audit appointments promptly. Document all improvements; they can reduce future EAP reliance.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Qualifying for SNAP can automatically verify income for EAP recertification and may increase utility allowances in SNAP budgets.
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) & Child Care Assistance: Coordinated case management ensures childcare and work supports align with utility relief.
• Veterans Assistance: County Veterans Service Officers can supplement EAP with emergency grants and negotiate with utilities.
• Health programs: Medicaid managed care plans often provide free air conditioners or space heaters for members with chronic conditions. Share EAP approval to demonstrate need.
• Housing stabilization funds: If you face eviction due to utility arrears, combine EAP with Emergency Rental Assistance or township trustee funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can I receive crisis assistance? You may receive more than one crisis benefit per year if life-threatening conditions exist and funds remain. Work closely with your agency to document emergencies.

What happens if my income exceeds the limit mid-season? Report changes within 10 days. You may complete the current benefit year but could be ineligible for additional crisis aid.

Can I apply if I use wood or pellets? Yes. Provide vendor invoices and proof of purchase. Agencies may issue vouchers or reimbursements.

Do I need to reapply each year? Yes. Benefits do not automatically renew. Mark your calendar to start the process each September.

Will EAP cover reconnection fees or deposits? Crisis funds can pay reconnection fees, deposits, or transfer fees if necessary to restore service.

Is self-employment income eligible? Absolutely. Maintain profit-and-loss statements, bank records, and receipts to substantiate income.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Missing documents: If you cannot obtain a document (e.g., lost Social Security card), request a temporary verification letter from the Social Security Administration. Submit proof of request and follow up when the permanent card arrives.
• Disputed meter readings: Ask your utility for a meter test. Provide results to the agency if inflated bills caused the crisis.
• Language access: Request interpreters or translated materials. Agencies are required to provide reasonable accommodations.
• Transportation barriers: Ask about mail-in or electronic applications if you cannot travel. Some agencies offer mobile intake events at libraries or churches.
• Appeals: File a written appeal with IHCDA within 15 days of denial. Include documentation, a timeline of events, and any correspondence with the agency.
• Weatherization waitlist: Call monthly to confirm status. Offer to take cancellations at short notice to move up the list.

Annual Home Energy Checklist

• Schedule HVAC tune-ups twice a year.
• Replace filters every 30–60 days during high usage.
• Install programmable thermostats and set setbacks (68°F winter, 78°F summer).
• Seal ducts and add insulation in attics and crawl spaces.
• Upgrade to LED lighting and ENERGY STAR appliances when possible.
• Conduct a blower-door test after weatherization to confirm improvements.
• Build a “fuel sinking fund” by saving small amounts each paycheck.
• Review utility bills for accuracy and report anomalies immediately.

60-Day Crisis Response Plan

• Week 1: Contact your local CAA, submit crisis documentation, and request immediate vendor contact.
• Week 2: Negotiate with the utility for a payment arrangement while benefits process. Document agreements in writing.
• Week 3–4: Provide any outstanding paperwork, confirm benefit authorization numbers, and monitor accounts daily.
• Week 5: Schedule weatherization energy audit or furnace inspection if system failure triggered the crisis.
• Week 6–8: Attend energy education, set up budget billing, and update your household spending plan to prevent future emergencies.

Key Resources

• Indiana Energy Assistance Program – IHCDA
• Energy Assistance Provider Map
• Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program
• Weatherization Assistance Program
• Indiana 211 – emergency referrals and utility assistance partners

Indiana’s Energy Assistance Program does more than cover a single bill—it anchors a broader resilience plan. By applying early, staying organized, and embracing the full suite of supports (weatherization, budget counseling, LIHWAP, and crisis planning), you can transform EAP into a yearly ritual that protects your household from unpredictable Midwest weather and volatile energy markets.