Payment assistance

The winter Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is a government program that runs from October through May. The Summer Cool program runs from June through August if funds are available. You must meet income guidelines to qualify for these programs.  

How it works

• Electric service is protected from disconnection December 1 through March 15

• One-time payment toward your winter electricity bill

• One-time payment toward your summer electricity bill (pending availability of funds)

The federally funded EAP is available this year to assist lower-income customers with winter heating bills.

Who qualifies?

Eligibility is based upon household income.

How to apply (Updated October 2021)

Get started by applying online or scheduling an appointment with your local EAP provider:

• Marion County Residents: On or after October 25, 2021, visit indyeap.org to apply for assistance or to schedule an appointment. You can also call 317-808-2378 to schedule an appointment. Please do not go to EAP locations until you have received an appointment. Appointments start November 8, 2021.

• Customers Outside Marion County: Find your local EAP provider

Prepare your application

Please have the following items available for your application:

• Proof of income for three months prior to date of application for ALL household members age 18 and older

• Social security cards for ALL household members 

• Most recent heating and electric bills

• If at least one utility is included in your rent, you will need your current lease

• Picture ID

• Documentation of loss of employment, if claiming drastic loss of income

The Winter Assistance Fund runs from December 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022 for Marion County residents. You must meet income guidelines to qualify. The Winter Assistance Fund helps those who cannot afford heat and electricity but do not qualify for the government's Energy Assistance Program.

Who qualifies?

Eligibility is based upon household income:

How to start

Call Connect2Help at 2-1-1 to find the closest application site or view the list of Winter Assistance Fund sites. Note: Due to the COVID-19 virus, some face-to-face appointments may be substituted with phone appointments; if so, you may be asked to submit documentation electronically via email.

Prepare for your application

Please have the following items available for your application:

• Proof of income for three months prior to date of application
• Most recent heating and electric bills
• Government-issued photo ID

What if I need assistance now?

For possible assistance, call the Community Center in your neighborhood, your Township Trustee office or Connect2Help at 2-1-1. View the list of Community Centers and Township Trustees. 

Note: As of July 9, 2020, Indiana 2-1-1 is integrated with FSSA to better connect Hoosiers with services.

How it works

• AES Indiana's emergency relief fund is available thanks to donations from AES Indiana and our customers. The program was created by AES Indiana with input from community groups and stakeholders to offer a hand up during a time of need.

• One-time assistance is available for income-qualified customers who have an outstanding balance of at least $50 and have received a disconnection notice.

• Grant recipients must apply for LIHEAP assistance.

Who qualifies?

• Residential customers who qualify for participation in income-eligible programs. Either:

  • LIHEAP participant

  • LIHEAP eligible

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

  • Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP)

  • Medicaid

• Customers must currently be living in the home with a single metered electric service. Utility costs may not be shared. 

• The adult customer of record or their spouse may apply.

• Customers must show a sincere effort of payment, characterized by having paid at least $60 toward their AES Indiana bill in the last 90 days. LIHEAP assistance and pledges made on the applicant's behalf or other grants may be counted toward the sincere effort of payment.

How to apply

AES Indiana has partnered with Dollar Energy Fund, a 501(c)3 nonprofit to administer program funds. Dollar Energy Fund works with local partner agencies to accept grant applications.

• Locate an agency near you. Call or visit to complete an application. The partner agency will walk you through the application process.

• Upon approval, the assistance pledge will be posted to your AES Indiana account.

• Customers can apply for grants anytime throughout the year, while funding is available.