What kind of assistance is available? Who is eligible for Township Assistance? What information must I have to apply? How do I apply for assistance? What happens after the application?

	Employment Services	- clients who are unemployed are referred to the employment services department.  Resume development, job search and pre-employment training are provided.  In some cases a client may be assigned to do workfare.  If you fail to complete workfare requirements or all of your assignments, you will be ineligible for further assistance.
	Housing	- rent or mortgage / contract payments.  Sleeping rooms, shelters or missions are available depending on household size and likely length of assistance needed.
	Utilities / Fuel	- We can assist with current bills, in your name, at your current address.
	Food	- for households not receiving food stamps.  The Trustee will not supplement food stamps except for specific emergencies, i.e. theft, spoilage and special medical dietary requirements.
	Household Supplies	- items necessary for cleaning and personal hygiene.
	Clothing	- if needed for employment, school, health or common decency.  In August, we have a special program for children enrolled in grades K - 12.  Private schools are not eligible.
	Transportation	- to maintain employment until receipt of first paycheck, or for medical necessity.
	Burials	- for deceased indigents.
	Traveler's Aid	- those stranded in Indianapolis, without money, the Trustee can help once with a tank of gasoline or a bus ticket to your legal residence.
	Payee Representative Program	- applicants who are eligible to receive SSI, but are unable to manage their income.

In order to be eligible to receive Township Assistance, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Live in Center Township
2. Be in need of basic necessities
3. Have little or no income or assets
4. Be willing to help yourself as much as possible

If we cannot assist you, we will always try to provide you with information / referrals to an agency or organization that may be able to provide the help you need.

1. Photo ID
2. Social Security cards for each member of your household
3. Verification of income and assets
4. Receipts for payments made or verifications for bills you owe.  Normally we need to review your income and expenses for the preceding month.  For utility assistance, we may ask for income and expense documentation starting a month before the date of the first unpaid utility bill.

To apply for assistance from Center Township, you must come to our office and fill out the application form, and then a caseworker will interview you.  The application is a legal affidavit and must state your situation as accurately and completely as possible.  There are criminal penalties for deliberately giving false information.  The head of the household usually signs applications.  No appointments are necessary (or given); applications are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you have an immediate or emergency need such as food, shelter or prescriptions, the Trustee can give you help that same day.  In most situations, however, it will be necessary to make a home visit before assistance can be granted.  If a decision cannot be made on your case at the time you apply, you will be given a "Notice of Pending Case Form" which will tell you when your home visit will be made and what additional paperwork you will have to have ready for the caseworker.

If the Trustee's Office determines you are not eligible for assistance, you will be given a "Notice of Township Assistance" which is a written statement explaining the decision and the reasons for it.  It also explains how to appeal our decision.

888 Contact Center Township Trustee's Office:  (317) 633-3610.