Ind. Code § 12-20-17-1

Sec. 1. If a township trustee determines by investigation that a township assistance applicant or a township assistance applicant's household requires assistance, the township trustee shall, after determining that an emergency exists, furnish to the applicant or household the temporary aid necessary for the relief of immediate suffering. However, before any further final or permanent relief is given, the township trustee shall consider whether the applicant's or household's need can be relieved by means other than an expenditure of township money.