Need Help Paying Bills or Rent? The Calumet Township Trustee's Office Can Help.
The Calumet Township trustee's office provides essential services and resources that can make a real difference in residents' lives. Now, under the leadership of Tai Adkins, former Gary City Council president, the office is working to ensure the community is fully aware of the programs available. From emergency assistance to other critical forms of support, the trustee's office is committed to helping local families access the help they need.
'I've always been focused on getting results that improve people's lives,' Adkins told Capital B Gary after winning the January caucus to become trustee.
'I worked hard to help small businesses and local nonprofits grow and serve our community,' she said. 'These experiences have shaped the approach I'll bring to this new role, and I'm excited to keep building on this momentum.'
Below, Capital B Gary has compiled a list of the services offered by the trustee's office and how to get the help you need.
The township's main office, at 610 Connecticut St., is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Applications are processed at the main office from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Rental/Mortgage Assistance
Rental or mortgage assistance is available for eligible applicants, with shelter space offered based on availability and qualification. All aid requires verification of eligibility.
Utility Assistance
Help with utility bills is available if the bill is in your name and you're living at the address listed. The specific paperwork needed to verify your information is listed below.
Food Assistance
If your household doesn't receive food stamps and you meet the guidelines, you may qualify for food vouchers. Emergency help with food stamps is sometimes available, too. Be ready to show proof of income, proof of residence, and keep in mind a few restrictions may apply.
Transportation Assistance
Transportation may be provided to eligible individuals who are stranded and seeking to return to their legal residence.
Burial Assistance
Assistance is available for families of deceased individuals who resided in Calumet Township and meet eligibility criteria.
Summer Internship Program
The summer program is available to high school students ages 16 or older and to college students pursuing an undergraduate degree. The program runs from June 9 to July 31. Applications are due Thursday, May 8. For more information, call the Calumet Township office at (219) 880-4007.
Standards of eligibility for most forms of assistance are set by Indiana code and are as follows:
Applicants seeking assistance must visit the Calumet Township office at 610 Connecticut St. and provide the required documentation (see below).
Two forms of verification are required, such as a lease, Indiana's driver's license, Indiana state ID or NIPSCO bill. The following may also be required:
Valid Indiana photo I.D. for all household members 18 years and older.
Social Security card for all household members.
Birth certificate for all minor children in the household.
Income verification must be presented for all household members. If anyone in the household is employed, documentation must include W-2 forms and pay stubs from the past 30 days. If a household member receives unemployment benefits, child support, or a pension, applicants must provide documentation of the amount received and printouts showing payment history.
Applicants must also provide proof of whether they receive the following benefits:
TANF
food stamps
Medicaid
Social Security
Supplemental Security Income (SSI/SSD)
In addition:
Applicants must provide proof of all pending applications, including Medicaid, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, food stamps, unemployment and child support.
Applicants must provide current bills for the assistance being requested. This includes utility bills such as NIPSCO, water and sewage, as well as the cost of prescriptions or medical tests.
Applicants requesting utility assistance are required to apply for Project Safe (Energy Assistance) and present verification an application was made.
If you or any household member receives income, you must present receipts verifying how you spent at least 80% of your income during the past 30 days prior to your request for assistance.
Additional documentation may be required after an application interview.
Yes. An applicant for or recipient of township assistance who 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.
The post Need Help Paying Bills or Rent? The Calumet Township Trustee's Office Can Help. appeared first on Capital B Gary.
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