Asistans Finansye Ijans Dirèk (DEFA)

What Is Direct Emergency Financial Assistance?

Life can throw unexpected challenges your way. A sudden bill, an overdue utility notice, or an urgent medical cost can cause real stress. When you are living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), these financial pressures can also affect your health.

Direct Emergency Financial Assistance (DEFA) is a program from Health Plus Indiana that helps you handle these emergencies. DEFA provides assistance to help cover costs that you cannot pay on your own. This money can make the difference between staying stable and falling behind.

What DEFA Can Help Pay For

DEFA can be used for a variety of urgent needs. Here are the types of expenses the program covers:

• Rent — If you are behind on rent and at risk of losing your home, DEFA can help you catch up.
• Mortgage — Falling behind on your mortgage payment? DEFA can help you stay in your home.
• Utilities — If your electric, gas, or water is about to be shut off, DEFA can help you keep the lights on.
• Security deposits — Moving to a new place and need help with a deposit? DEFA can cover that cost.
• Medical copays — Doctor visits and medical tests often come with copays. DEFA can help pay for these so you do not skip important care.
• Insurance premiums — Keeping your health insurance active is important. If you are having trouble paying your premium, DEFA can help.
• Optical care — Need glasses or an eye exam? DEFA can help cover the cost of optical care.
• Dental care — Dental health is part of your overall health. DEFA can help pay for dental visits and treatments.

How DEFA Works

DEFA is designed to help with true emergencies. Here is what you need to know about how the program works:

• The amount you can receive depends on the grant which you qualify.
• You must present with a need — this means you need to show that you are facing a financial emergency.
• You must submit supporting documents — this could include a past-due bill, an eviction notice, a medical bill, as well as proof of residency and income.

Your case manager will help you through the process. They will let you know what documents you need and help you fill out any required paperwork. The goal is to get you the help you need as quickly as possible.

Who Can Use DEFA?

Direct Emergency Financial Assistance is available to all clients of Health Plus Indiana. If you are enrolled in services with us and are facing a financial emergency, you may qualify for DEFA.

Not sure if you qualify? Just ask. Our team is happy to talk with you about your situation and help you explore all of the options available to you.

How to Get Started

If you are facing a financial emergency, do not wait. Contact any Health Plus Indiana office to ask about DEFA and schedule an appointment. Bring any bills, notices, or documents related to your emergency. Our team will review your situation and work quickly to get you the help you need. You do not have to face financial emergencies alone — Health Plus Indiana is here for you.