Penn Township Assistance

The Penn Township Assistance Program provides financial assistance for those who qualify.

How do I get started?

You should bring any papers that help explain your situation and contact the Trustee's office. For example, your rent or house payment will show where you live, how much your rent or house payment is, to whom you make your payments, etc. You must also bring receipts for any money you have spent for the last 30 days. This will help show how you spent your money. To show what your income has been, bring check stubs or statements from any person or agency helping you. Providing as much information as possible about your situation can help speed up the application process.

The Trustee, by law, may verify (by phone or mail) any information you provide on your application. If you are asking for help with utilities, bring your most current bills with you. If you are presently receiving TANF or Food Stamps, bring the most recent Certificate of Action from your caseworker. You must first apply for these other programs and bring us the Penn Township referral form. The Trustee may require additional documentation depending on an individual's situation.

What Happens After the Application?

If you have an immediate need, such as food, or prescriptions, the Trustee may be able to help the same day. In some situations, it will be necessary to make a home visit before assistance can be granted. You may be asked to bring in additional information before a decision can be made. In most cases a determination can be made within three (3) business days, excluding weekends and holidays. If the Trustee determines you are not eligible for assistance, you will be given a "Notice of Poor Relief Action" which is a statement of the decision and the reason for it.

How Do I Find Out More About the Trustee's Procedures?

The Trustee is an elected official and like all elected officials, is governed by laws and standards. The laws are in Indiana code 12-2-1-1 and following. The Trustee has adopted a set of standards to give more detail about eligibility and office procedures. These Township Assistance Standards are available for anyone to see at the Trustee's office.