Automate poor relief workflows with statutory precision. From intake to investigation to decision, every step enforced by Indiana Code.
Township assistance (commonly called "poor relief") is governed by IC 12-20 and represents one of the most procedurally complex functions in Indiana local government. Every application triggers mandatory timelines, investigation requirements, and documentation standards that, if missed, expose the township to legal liability.
TownWorks encodes every requirement of IC 12-20 directly into the assistance workflow. When an application is received, the platform automatically enforces the 72-hour investigation deadline, tracks eligibility criteria, generates compliant decision letters, and maintains the audit trail required for appeals.
For townships facing SEA 270 scrutiny, this is especially critical: Criteria 1 (no assistance provided) and Criteria 7 (low application count relative to poverty data) directly measure whether the township is fulfilling its statutory obligation.
Establishes the framework for township-provided assistance to individuals unable to provide for basic necessities. Requires the trustee to accept and process applications, investigate eligibility, and make determinations within statutory timelines.
Mandates that the trustee must begin an investigation within 72 hours of receiving an application for assistance. TownWorks enforces this as a blocking deadline: staff cannot proceed past the investigation stage without documenting compliance.
Structured intake forms that capture every data point required by IC 12-20. No fields can be skipped that are statutorily required.
Automatic 72-hour countdown from application receipt. Escalation alerts and blocking validators prevent deadline violations.
Automated eligibility assessment based on statutory criteria including income thresholds, residency requirements, and resource limits.
Compliant approval and denial letters generated automatically with proper statutory citations and appeal rights notices.
Automated generation of TA-7 annual reports with accurate assistance data ready for state submission.
Full tracking of appeal proceedings with statutory timeline enforcement and documentation requirements.
SEA 270 includes two scoring criteria directly tied to township assistance performance:
Townships that provide zero assistance in a reporting period receive a point on the dissolution scorecard. TownWorks tracks and documents all assistance activity to demonstrate active program operation.
Townships with application counts disproportionately low relative to census poverty data may receive a point. TownWorks provides intake analytics and demographic context for proactive risk management.
Compliance guides and legislative analysis related to township assistance will be available in our resources section.
See how TownWorks enforces every IC 12-20 requirement from application intake through decision and appeal.
Legal Disclaimer: TownWorks, Inc. is a technology company, not a law firm. The information on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Municipalities should consult with qualified legal counsel regarding specific legal questions.