PUBLIC ASSISTANCE

LISTS OF DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

The following is a list of documents you will need to bring to your appointment if you are planning to apply for township assistance:

• Two (2) forms of verification required (i.e., lease, IN Driver’s License, IN State ID and/or Voters Registration Card and/or Alien ID Card).
• Valid Indiana photo I.D. for all household members 18 years and older.
• Social security card for all household members.
• Birth certificate for entire family in the household.
• Marriage license
• Divorce decree (court documents)
• If applicable, all applicants with minor children in the household must apply for child support and verify application. (Court Documents)
• Income verification must be presented for all household members- If you and/or a household member are working, tax forms (W-2 statement), pay stubs for the past thirty days; if you and/or a household member receive unemployment benefits, child support or pension, Veterans benefits (proof of amounts), bank statements, credit union statements, bring documentation of the amount(s) received and printouts reflecting payment history are required.
• Personal property: cars, boats, trailers, etc. with titles & loan statements.
• Shelter costs: Rent receipts, lease Agreement, mortgage statement, Section 8 contract, proof of non-payments.
• Proof of benefits if you receive or do not receive:
  • TANF
  • Food Stamps
  • Medicaid
  • Social Security
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI/SSD)
• Proof of all pending applications (i.e. Medicaid, SS/SSI, Food Stamps, Unemployment, Child Support, etc.)
• Current bills for the assistance being requested (i.e. NIPSCO bill, Water bill, Rent)
• Proof of current month’s income
• Applicants requesting utility assistance are required to apply for the Energy Assistance Program and present verification application was made.
• If you or any household member receives income, you must present receipts verifying how you spent your income during the previous month prior to your request for assistance. Applicants must show a hardship
• Confirmation of all medical restrictions and expenses (last 30 days).
• Doctors letter as to disabilities-restrictions.
• Workfare will be required from every able-bodied person in the household.
• PRINT OUTS from FAMILY SERVICES monthly, FSSA, Food Stamps, AFDC, TANF, State Child Payments, AEINC earned and AEFUI unearned income.
• Note: Additional documentation may be required after an application interview.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR LANDLORDS

If you are applying to receive rental assistance, please have your landlord provide the township with the following documentation: Landlord statement & current lease.

** Please remember all of your required documentation or your appointment will be re-scheduled.

1. Do NOT bring children to the appointment. 
2. Be ON TIME
3. Cancel within 24-48 hours in ADVANCE
4. Completely fill out application WITH signatures
5. Call with questions BEFORE the appointment –  219.942.0055.

APPEALS

In accordance to IC 12-20-15-1, an applicant for or recipient of township assistance is not satisfied with the decision of the township trustee as administrator of township assistance, the applicant or recipient may appeal to the Board of Commissioners.