Marion County, Indiana – Indiana households now have a lifeline to assist them control the rising heating house costs as the temperatures start to drop. Officially starting its application process for the 2024–2025 season, the Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) offers low-income households grappling with power bills vital financial support.
Under administration by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA), the program provides assistance with both natural gas and electric bills in addition to protecting qualified homes from utility disconnection for non-payment throughout the winter. The application window will stay available until April 14, 2025; homeowners are advised to respond quickly since the screening procedure can span several weeks.
Applicants seeking this much-needed help will have to compile documentation of their last three months of income. On the EAP website, individuals interested in the measure will be able to find all eligibility requirements as well as application forms. For homes trying to make ends meet during Indiana’s severe winter, the financial help given might be very significant.
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Discounts and credits for Citizens Energy customers
There is better news for those who get their natural gas supply from Citizens Energy Group. Those eligible for EAP help will get a 10% to 25% decrease on their natural gas bills immediately. Customers of Citizens Energy will also gain from a wastewater bill credit, therefore reducing the financial load on low-income households as utility rates increase with colder weather.
The idea of energy disconnection can be terrifying for many families. Indiana’s winter months can bring extreme cold, thus access to heat becomes not only a comfort but also a survival and safety issue. This is where the protection against disconnection offered by EAP becomes vital. Once registered in the system, homes will be protected from the risk of having their utilities turned off owing to non-payment, therefore providing much-needed peace of mind during the coldest months of the year.
Additional help for Marion County residents: Winter Assistance Fund
Although many low-income individuals throughout the state rely heavily on the EAP, some Marion County families and individuals can find themselves in a special situation. Some homes might not fit the rigorous eligibility requirements for government aid programs even if they are having financial challenges. Using its Winter Assistance Fund (WAF), the United Way of Central Indiana has stepped in to offer these locals a safety net.
WAF, which runs from January 1 to May 30, 2025, is designed specifically for Marion County individuals who require assistance with their heating expenses but are not eligible for EAP. Supported by kind donations from AES, Citizens Energy Group, the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, and individual contributors, the fund offers a lifeline to families who would otherwise find themselves in difficult circumstances. Applications may be accessed online at the United Way of Central Indiana’s website or by calling 211, a helpline aimed at connecting individuals with nearby providers.
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Resources to manage utility bills: How to apply for Indiana Energy Assistance Program?
Apart from the help given by EAP and WAF, Citizens Energy Group has created a comprehensive document listing other financial sources accessible for the home-heating season 2024–2025. Available on their website, this report provides direction on projects in energy efficiency, budget billing systems, and flexible payment choices. As the winter season often drives expenses higher, these resources are priceless for homes trying to actively control their utility expenses.
Emphasizing that no household should have to go through winter without heat or electricity, Citizens Energy Group and IHCDA both The IHCDA, which is committed to promoting affordable housing solutions and fostering economically stable communities, has reiterated its dedication to ensuring that Indiana’s most vulnerable residents have access to safe, warm homes.
Indiana Energy Assistance Program in fighting energy poverty
Programs for energy assistance such as EAP and WAF are part of a greater endeavor to eradicate energy poverty in Indiana, not only temporary remedies. Compared to higher-income homes, many low-income households pay disproportionately more for utilities and spend far more of their income on heating and electricity. Winter, when energy demand surges, often worsens this burden.
The goal of companies like IHCDA is clear: they want to offer not only critical assistance but also long-term solutions enabling residents to create better lives. These initiatives—direct financial aid, flexible payment plans that relieve financial pressure, or energy efficiency programs that lower consumption—all help to create a more stable, safe future for low-income Indiana residents.
The value of these initiatives cannot be overstated as the state gets ready for the cold of winter. Thousands of Hoosiers will have the tools gathered by Citizens Energy Group, United Way’s Winter Assistance Fund, and the Indiana Energy Assistance Program to help them be warm, safe, and financially stable in the next months.
For those requiring help, now is the moment to act. Gathering the required paperwork and applying early will assist to guarantee that relief arrives in time for the coldest days of winter, as application deadlines approach. These programs are meant to ensure that nobody has to suffer with the freezing temperatures without the fundamental comfort of a heated house.
