What should I do if I am behind in my rent?

You should talk with your landlord. If you think you will be able to pay your rent soon, maybe your landlord will agree to let you stay until you are able to pay. If you are expecting to receive money soon, you should try to take proof of that to the landlord so the landlord knows you will be getting money soon. Make sure to get any agreement with the landlord in writing.

Where can I get financial resources to help with my rent?

Township Trustee Assistance

Each Township Trustee has special funding for residents in emergency circumstances. To find out more about your Township Trustee office, eligibility requirements, and application instructions, contact your local office. (Rental assistance may not be available if a resident is already behind in rent or an eviction has been filed.)

Find your Township Trustee: https://in.wayeo.us/

Community Centers

Local community centers often have limited funds available for individuals with an emergency financial need. Contact a Community Navigator (by calling 2-1-1) to find your local community center.

Energy Assistance Program

The Energy Assistance Program provides financial assistance to low-income households to maintain utility services during the winter heating season. Learn more on the website or by contacting a community navigator.

Statewide Program: https://www.in.gov/ihcda/4067.htm 

Indianapolis Program: http://indyeap.org/

Additional Resources

Other possible sources of financial assistance include places of worship or other social service agencies, such as a mental health provider, that an individual may already be connected with.

Where can I get other resources?

Shelter Referrals

To find a shelter near you and to check availability, speak with a community navigator by calling 2-1-1.

Coordinated Entry into Housing

Contiuums of Care (CoCs) throughout the state operate Coordinated Entry Systems (CES) that rehouse members of the community experiencing homelessness. To find an Access Point for the CES near you, contact 2-1-1.

Indiana 211

Website: https://in211.communityos.org/

Phone: 2-1-1

Find community resources and referrals by speaking with a Community Navigator over the phone or browsing the online databases.

Mental Health 9-8-8 Hotline

Call 9-8-8 for immediate mental health services, or other resources and referrals.

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Apply Online (24 Hours)

Non-criminal, civil legal issues including public benefits such as food stamps, SSI/SSDI terminations, unemployment, land sale contracts, etc.

By Phone:
(844) 243-8570
M - F 10am to 2pm (EST)
Indiana Legal Services Online Application

The application should take about 20 minutes to complete. You will need to answer questions about your income, assets, and household size. Submitting an application does NOT mean that we will accept your case. You should hear from us within about 14 days with a decision on whether we will be able to take your case.

Indiana Legal Services, Inc. (ILS) is a nonprofit law firm and the largest provider of free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income people in Indiana. ILS helps clients who are faced with legal problems that harm their ability to obtain basic needs such as food, shelter, income, medical care or personal safety. ILS also handles cases in other areas including family law where there is domestic violence, housing, consumer law, access to health care, and access to government benefits. ILS does not handle any criminal matters.