SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Despite the ongoing federal government shutdown and lack of funding, Portage Township Trustee Jason Critchlow is urging residents to apply to the Indiana Energy Assistance Program. The EAP is still open, and successful applicants will receive an automatic pause on utility disconnects.

Ordinarily, the EAP is funded through the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and provides a single annual benefit to help with paying for heating and electric bills for low-income households statewide.

Applications will remain open from Tuesday to Monday, April 20, 2026, and only households earning less than 60 percent of Indiana's median income may qualify. The typical benefit amount would range from $100 to $675.

Those who qualify will also be protected from utility shutoffs from Monday, December 1 to Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Residents can either apply online, in person, or via mail at 1151 S. Michigan Street in South Bend. You should provide proof of income for the past 90 days, copies of your current utility bills, and the Social Security numbers for everyone in your household.