Center Township Government Center

Township Assistance

Center Township, Indiana is here to help residents facing financial emergencies. This assistance is intended to address urgent, short-term needs during times of crisis.

Our goal is not only to provide immediate support, but also to help set you up for long-term success. To do this, our team may connect you with additional resources, training programs, and local charities that can help you build stability moving forward.

Eligibility for assistance is determined on a case-by-case basis; however, all applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a resident of Center Township

  • Submit all required forms and supporting documentation (see category-specific list)

  • Sign the application (all adults in the household must sign)

  • Meet in person with a Township staff member to review the completed application

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE

Township Assistance applications can be found online or in person at our office.

Option 1: Apply Online
Complete your application here:
https://townshipassistance.salesdisclosuresonline.com/

Option 2: Apply In Person
Pick up an application at our office.

Next Step: Call Our Office
After completing your application (online or physical application), you must call to schedule your intake appointment.

Complete Your Application In Person
Your application is NOT complete until you:

  • Bring all required documents

  • Sign all paperwork (all adults in the household must sign)

  • Meet with a Township staff member

 

Have documents electronically?
You may email them to: info [at] centerhancockin.gov
 

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Below are the documents you may need depending on the type of assistance you are requesting.

 

RENTAL ASSISTANCE

Please bring:

  • Social Security cards for all household members

  • ID/Driver’s license for all adults

  • Proof of income for the past 30 days (all household members). This includes paystubs or Social Security award/benefit letter (if applicable).

  • Rent receipts for the past 2 months

  • Bank statements (checking & savings accounts, including Chime, Venmo, Apple Pay, or similar platforms). These must be originals and we cannot accept screenshots of banking statements.

  • Lease agreement (full copy)

  • Landlord letter accepting voucher (can be found below in PDF form)

  • Most recent tax return

  • Divorce/separation papers (if applicable)

  • Custody paperwork (if applicable)

  • Doctor’s note (if not working due to medical reasons)

  • Food stamp allowance verification

  • Any other government assistance documentation (ICAPP, etc.)

 

UTILITY ASSISTANCE

Please bring:

  • Social Security cards for all household members

  • ID/Driver’s license for all adults

  • Proof of income for the past 30 days (all household members)

  • Bank statements (checking & savings accounts, including Chime, Venmo, Apple Pay, or similar platforms). These must be originals and we cannot accept screenshots of banking statements.

  • Copy of the utility bill (must be in applicant’s name)

  • Most recent tax return

  • Divorce/separation papers (if applicable)

  • Custody paperwork (if applicable)

  • Doctor’s note (if not working due to medical reasons)

  • Completed job search sheet (blue sheet from application packet)

  • Food stamp allowance verification

  • Any other government assistance documentation (ICAPP, etc.)

  • Social Security award/benefit letter (if applicable)

 

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

The township will, in cases of necessity, promptly provide medical assistance for qualifying Township Assistance applicants who are not provided for in public institutions; have coverage under a private insurance policy; or receiving governmentally subsidized medical benefits, such as: Medicaid or Medicare. The township shall only pay the cost of the following medical services for the eligible and qualifying poor of the township:

(IC §12-20-16-2)

 

FUNERAL ASSISTANCE

Please provide:

  • Proof of residence

  • Death certificate

  • Funeral home invoice

  • ID and Social Security card

  • Proof of prior income

 

 

TOWNSHIP PAYEE PROGRAM

Helping Citizens Manage their Money

In an effort to further serve the citizens of Hancock County, the Representative Payee Program was implemented in December 2024. This free program ensures that the current needs of Social Security beneficiaries are met on a monthly basis.  This includes food, shelter, medical care and other items for the beneficiaries’ personal comfort.  If any money is left after meeting day-to-day and personal needs, it is saved.  Social Security benefits are directly deposited into a bank account.  This method is safe and secure.

More Financial Stability

In this program the Social Security Administration and the beneficiary are regularly updated on expenses paid and on the use of the benefits received as well as the amount of any benefits that have been saved for the beneficiary.

More Housing Stability

By making direct payments to landlords & utility companies in a timely manner, participants are better protected against eviction, homelessness, late fees, and utility disconnection.

Our mission is to provide the best possible services to the people who are unable to manage their funds and provide for their basic needs, while protecting taxpayers resources. We are very proud to provide this program, as it accomplishes just that.

Program Requirements

  • Must be a beneficiary of some type of Social Security.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must be a resident of Center Township.
  • Must be deemed by a physician unable to manage their own financial affairs.
  • DO NOT have to be recipients of Center Township’s Township Assistance.

Application Process

Interested beneficiaries and their caregivers are asked to call the office for more information and to set up a time to meet with the Trustee.

After this appointment, the Trustee applies with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to become your representative payee, or to the Veterans Affairs (VA) to become your fiduciary.

If the application is approved, then the township’s Representative Payee Program will take care of establishing your new banking, bill payment, and debit card services so that your bills are successfully handled each month.

All you must do is maintain monthly contact with your Case Manager, informing us of your continued need for our services and of any budget changes you would like to make. 

 

View PDF of Page