East Chicago
Ask about East Chicago
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for East Chicago and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in East Chicago
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
State office
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Division of Family Resources, East Chicago Office
2200 Broadway St., East Chicago, IN 46312
Help here
- Public benefitsVisit this office for help applying for state public benefits.Apply online
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on secure.in.gov
Housing help · City office
East Chicago Housing Authority
4444 Railroad Ave, East Chicago, IN 46312
Help here
- Public and affordable housingContact the Housing Authority about public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher Program.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on echa-in.org
Utilities · City office
East Chicago Water Department
400 E. Chicago Ave, East Chicago, IN 46312
Help here
- Water bills and serviceGet help with water bills, payment options, and water service.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on eastchicago.com
Local office · City office
East Chicago Public Works Department
5400 Cline Avenue, East Chicago, IN 46312
Help here
- Garbage, recycling, streets, and parks maintenanceContact Public Works about garbage and recycling pickup, street repairs, and park maintenance.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on eastchicago.com
Local office · City office
City Hall
4525 Indianapolis Blvd, East Chicago, IN 46312
Help here
- City information and helpCall City Hall to find the city department that can help with your question.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on eastchicago.com
Local office · City office
East Chicago Works 311
Help here
- Report a city service problemSend and track reports about issues such as potholes, graffiti, streetlights, and garbage pickup.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on eastchicago.com
State office
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, East Chicago Branch
2001 E. Columbus Dr, East Chicago, IN 46312
Help here
- Driver licenses and state identificationVisit the branch for driver license, identification card, and other BMV services.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on in.gov
Library · City office
East Chicago Public Library
2401 E. Columbus Dr, East Chicago, IN 46312
Help here
- Library servicesVisit the library for books, research help, and other library services.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on ecpl.org
Parks and recreation · City office
East Chicago Parks & Recreation
1615 E. 142nd St, East Chicago, IN 46312
Help here
- Parks, recreation, and senior programsAsk about recreation programs, community centers, and events for adults age 55 and older.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on eastchicago.com
Checked on October 8, 2026
Nonprofits that serve East Chicago
Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.
Food bank
Food banks supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call or check the website to find one close by.
Nonprofit
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
6490 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Free legal help
Free help with civil legal problems, like eviction, benefits and family law, for people with low incomes. Funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Nonprofit
Indiana Legal Services, Inc.
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Community action
Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.
Nonprofit
CoAction
Listed on in.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Offices for all of Lake County
East Chicago is in Lake County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Child support · County office
Lake County Clerk Child Support
3000 W. 93rd Ave., Room 1160, Crown Point, IN 46307
Help here
- Child support servicesGet help with child support payments and payment records.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on lakecountyin.gov
State office
Lake County Division of Family Resources, Gary office
661 Broadway, Gary, IN 46402-2407
Help here
- Public benefitsApply for or manage SNAP, TANF, and health coverage benefits.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on in.gov
State office
Lake County Division of Family Resources, Crown Point office
1865 E. Summit St., Crown Point, IN 46307-2768
Help here
- Public benefitsApply for or manage SNAP, TANF, and health coverage benefits.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on in.gov
State office
Lake County Division of Family Resources, East Chicago office
2200 Broadway St., East Chicago, IN 46312-2224
Help here
- Public benefitsApply for or manage SNAP, TANF, and health coverage benefits.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on in.gov
State office
Lake County Division of Family Resources, Glen Park office
110 W. Ridge Road, Gary, IN 46409-2709
Help here
- Public benefitsApply for or manage SNAP, TANF, and health coverage benefits.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on in.gov
State office
Lake County Division of Family Resources, Hobart office
1871 E. 37th Ave., Hobart, IN 46342-2579
Help here
- Public benefitsApply for or manage SNAP, TANF, and health coverage benefits.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on in.gov
Indiana programs by kind of help
These are run by Indiana and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- Legal helpFree legal help with eviction, family law, benefits and more.
- SafetyHelp with abuse at home, a safe place to stay, and crisis lines.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - HealthCare.gov
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Call 1-800-318-2596 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- Indiana 211
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988