Housing Assistance for Seniors in Tennessee

Last updated: January 07, 2026

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If You Need Emergency Help

• Call 211 now (or visit Tennessee 211): Get connected to emergency shelter, rent help, and local nonprofits in minutes.
• Facing eviction? Contact free legal help immediately:
  • Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee & the Cumberlands
  • Legal Aid of East Tennessee
  • Memphis Area Legal Services
• Find nearby affordable rentals and senior housing:
  • Use the HUD Resource Locator.
• For homelessness assistance (street outreach, shelter, rapid rehousing):
  • Ask for “ESG-funded services” through 211, or check HUD’s Find Homeless Assistance.
• Utility shutoff or high energy bill?
  • Apply for LIHEAP via HHS’s Tennessee page: Find LIHEAP in Tennessee.

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Key Takeaways

• Tennessee seniors can get help with rent, utilities, home repairs, accessibility changes, and property taxes through federal, state, and local programs.
• Waitlists are common for rental assistance (Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing). Apply to multiple housing authorities and consider other options like Section 202 senior apartments and rural USDA rentals.
• COVID-era rent relief programs are closed in Tennessee. Look to ongoing programs (HUD vouchers, public housing, Section 202, LIHTC apartments) and emergency help through 211 and local nonprofits.
• Homeowners: Check Tennessee’s Property Tax Relief and Tax Freeze, USDA Section 504 repair grants/loans (62+), THDA energy/weatherization, and local home-repair programs.
• Always verify eligibility and current status on the official program websites linked below. Program details change.

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What This Guide Covers

This is a people-first, plain-language guide to housing help for Tennessee seniors (62+), including renters and homeowners. It explains what programs do, who qualifies, how to apply, and where to get help if you’re in crisis.

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At a Glance: Main Program Types

Reality check: Most rental programs have waitlists. Apply broadly, and use 211 and legal aid for immediate issues like eviction or homelessness.

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Rental Assistance in Tennessee

Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV/Section 8)

• What it does: Helps pay rent in private apartments/houses. You generally pay about 30% of your adjusted income; the voucher covers the rest up to a local limit.
• Where to apply: Through local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). Not all PHAs are open at all times; many have waitlists.
• Learn more: See HUD’s overview at Housing Choice Voucher Program and find PHAs via the HUD Resource Locator.

Tips:

• Apply to multiple PHAs you could reasonably live in.
• If a list is closed, sign up for alerts or check back regularly.
• Keep paperwork current (ID, Social Security cards, proof of income, bank statements).

Public Housing

• What it does: Offers below-market rent apartments owned/managed by housing authorities.
• Who qualifies: Income limits apply; seniors and people with disabilities often get preference in senior-designated buildings.
• How to find: Use the HUD Resource Locator and filter for public housing.

Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly

• What it does: Affordable apartments for older adults, often with on-site service coordinators and accessibility features.
• How to apply: You apply directly to each property (not through a PHA).
• Find properties: Search the HUD Resource Locator and look for “Elderly” properties or “202.”

Reality check:

• Section 202 properties are highly sought after. Waitlists are common. Apply to several and ask about waitlist preferences (age, disability, veteran status).

Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Apartments

• What it does: Privately owned buildings with income-restricted units. Rents are set by area income standards, not your personal income.
• How to apply: Contact each property’s leasing office. Some are age-restricted (55+ or 62+), some are general occupancy.
• Find properties: Use the HUD Resource Locator or your local PHA’s affordable housing listings.

USDA Rural Rental Housing (Sections 515/521)

• What it does: Rural affordable apartments; many offer USDA rental assistance that caps rent at 30% of adjusted income.
• How to find: Use the USDA Rural Rentals Map. Filter by county and senior properties where available.

COVID-Era Rent Relief Status (Important)

• Tennessee’s COVID-19 Rent Relief (ERAP) has closed. If you still see references to “TERAP” or COVID rent aid, those are no longer taking new applications.
• What to do now: Contact 211, apply for HCV/public housing/Section 202, and ask local nonprofits or churches about short-term help.

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Quick Eligibility Snapshot for Rental Programs

Note: Each program has detailed rules. Always check the official program’s site or call before applying.

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Utility Bills and Weatherization

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

• What it does: Helps pay home energy bills. May include crisis assistance to prevent shutoffs.
• Where to apply: Through local agencies listed on HHS’s Tennessee page.
• Learn more: Find LIHEAP in Tennessee.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

• What it does: Free energy-saving upgrades (insulation, air sealing, HVAC tune-ups) to cut bills and improve safety.
• How to apply: Through local weatherization providers.
• Learn more: DOE Tennessee Weatherization.

TVA Home Uplift (selected areas)

• What it does: Energy-efficiency upgrades for eligible low-income homeowners in participating TVA utility service areas. Availability and funding vary by local power company.
• How to check availability: See TVA Home Uplift and contact your local power company.

Reality check: These programs can be seasonal and funding-limited. Apply early and ask to be put on a waitlist if slots are full.

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Property Tax Relief for Seniors

Tennessee Property Tax Relief

• What it does: Provides reimbursement (a credit) for part of property taxes for qualifying elderly/disabled homeowners.
• Who qualifies: Income and age/disability rules apply. Amounts and processes vary by county.
• Learn more and apply: Tennessee Property Tax Relief (Department of Revenue).

Tennessee Property Tax Freeze Program

• What it does: Freezes the tax amount for qualifying elderly homeowners; the “freeze” keeps your tax from increasing while enrolled.
• Who qualifies: Age and income limits; administered by county trustees.
• Learn more: Tax Freeze Program (Comptroller of the Treasury).

Tips:

• Ask your County Trustee’s Office about both programs; many seniors qualify for one or both.
• Bring proof of age, income, and residency.

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Home Repair and Accessibility Programs (Owners)

Important corrections:

• “Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service (SCHAS)” is an in-home care nonprofit in parts of Tennessee. It does not provide rental assistance. If you need personal care or home help, ask your Area Agency on Aging about SCHAS or similar services.

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Supportive Housing, Assisted Living, and Long-Term Care

• Section 202 properties often provide on-site service coordination but are not nursing homes.
• Medicaid (TennCare) Long-Term Services & Supports may help eligible seniors with care at home or in a facility.
  • Learn more about CHOICES: TennCare CHOICES.
  • PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) operates in some areas: TennCare PACE.

Reality check: TennCare helps with care, but it does not usually pay regular rent in independent apartments. It may cover services in certain residential settings. Ask your care manager or TennCare for details.

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Special Focus: Veterans, Disabled, LGBTQ+, Tribal Members, and Rural Seniors

Veterans and Military Families

• State Veterans Homes: Long-term care for eligible veterans in multiple TN locations. Learn more at Tennessee State Veterans’ Homes.
• VA Housing Support:
  • HUD-VASH combines vouchers with VA case management (for eligible homeless veterans). Ask at your nearest VA and local PHA.
  • VA Aid & Attendance can help with care costs (not rent). See VA Aid and Attendance.
• Tennessee Department of Veterans Services can connect you with benefits: TDVS.

Seniors with Disabilities

• Public housing and HCV have disability preferences or accessible units in many areas.
• HUD Section 811 supports housing for people with disabilities (often waitlisted). Learn more at HUD Section 811.
• Home modifications: USDA 504 grants (62+), WAP health/safety measures, local rehab programs.

LGBTQ+ Seniors

• Fair housing protections include sexual orientation and gender identity under HUD’s enforcement of the Fair Housing Act. If you face discrimination:
  • File with HUD: How to File a Fair Housing Complaint
  • Tennessee Human Rights Commission: THRC Fair Housing
• When touring senior housing, ask about inclusive policies, roommate/partner rules, and staff training.

Tribal Members in Tennessee

• Tennessee has no federally recognized tribes headquartered in the state, but Tennessee residents who are members of federally recognized tribes can access tribal housing programs through their tribes and HUD’s Office of Native American Programs.
• Find your ONAP regional office (Eastern Woodlands): HUD ONAP Eastern Woodlands
• Urban Native elders can also seek help through local PHAs, 211, and HUD programs listed above.

Rural Seniors

• Focus on USDA programs:
  • Rural rental units: USDA Rural Rentals Map
  • Home repairs: USDA Section 504
• Many rural counties use Community Action Agencies for LIHEAP/WAP. Use the HHS/DOE links above to find your local office.
• Transportation can be a barrier. Ask your Area Agency on Aging about ride programs to application appointments.

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Avoiding Pitfalls and Scams

• Never pay for a Section 8 application. Applications are free.
• Be careful with “guaranteed approval” offers. Legit programs verify income and identity.
• Reverse mortgage caution: If considering a HECM reverse mortgage, get HUD-approved counseling first: Find HUD-Approved Counseling.

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Resources by Region (Selected)

Helpful local home-repair and assistance links (examples; availability varies):

• Nashville/Davidson:
  • Owner-occupied home repair and housing programs: Check MDHA and Metro Nashville Community Development: MDHA Programs.
  • Nonprofit repairs: Rebuilding Together Nashville.
• Memphis/Shelby:
  • City of Memphis Housing & Community Development (owner-occupied repair programs): Memphis HCD.
  • Legal help: Memphis Area Legal Services.
• Knoxville/Knox:
  • City of Knoxville Community Development housing programs: City of Knoxville Community Development.
  • Knox County CAC (energy help, home programs, senior services): Knox CAC.
• Chattanooga/Hamilton:
  • City housing and neighborhood services (owner-occupied repair/rehab varies by funding): Check City of Chattanooga Departments.
  • PACE and senior services (area-dependent): See TennCare PACE.
• Upper Cumberland:
  • Upper Cumberland Development District (aging services, housing programs): UCDD.

Statewide:

• Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA): rental programs, energy programs, and homeowner resources: THDA
• Tennessee Commission on Aging & Disability (Area Agencies on Aging & Disability locator): TCAD
• Fair housing protection and complaints: Tennessee Human Rights Commission

Note: City/county programs open and close based on funding. Always check the latest details on the official site or call first.

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How to Apply Well (Step-by-Step)

1. Gather documents now:
   • Photo ID, Social Security card, proof of income (SSI/SSDI, pensions, pay stubs), bank statements, lease or deed, utility bills, and proof of disability (if applicable).
2. Apply to multiple rental options:
   • HCV/public housing via your local PHAs; Section 202 senior apartments; USDA rural rentals if you live outside metro areas.
3. Ask about preferences:
   • Seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and local residents may have preferences.
4. If denied or waitlisted:
   • Ask why and how to improve your application. Re-apply when your situation changes.
5. Keep contact info updated:
   • Many applicants lose their spot because mail bounces or phone numbers change.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are there any statewide emergency rent programs still open in Tennessee?
A: No statewide COVID-era rent relief is open now. Use 211 to find local emergency funds, apply for HCV/public housing/Section 202, and contact legal aid if facing eviction.

Q: What’s the difference between Section 8 vouchers and public housing?
A: Vouchers help pay rent in private apartments; public housing is in buildings owned by the housing authority. Both use income limits and may have long waitlists.

Q: I’m 75 and own my home but can’t afford repairs. What’s my best option?
A: Start with USDA Section 504 (grants for 62+ in rural areas), Weatherization (WAP), and local city/county owner-occupied repair programs. See the Home Repair table above.

Q: Can TennCare help pay my rent?
A: TennCare’s CHOICES program pays for long-term care services (at home or in a facility). It does not typically pay standard rent in independent apartments. Ask TennCare about covered settings and services you may qualify for.

Q: How do I find senior-only apartments?
A: Search the HUD Resource Locator for elderly-designated properties, ask your local PHA, and check LIHTC or USDA rural properties that list senior units.

Q: I’m a veteran. Do I get priority?
A: Some programs have veteran preferences. Homeless veterans should ask about HUD-VASH at the VA and local PHAs. Contact TDVS for benefit navigation.

Q: My utility is about to be shut off. What can I do today?
A: Apply for LIHEAP immediately (see the LIHEAP link), call your utility to request a payment plan, and ask 211 about local crisis funds.

Q: Can I transfer a Section 8 voucher to another county or state?
A: Yes, vouchers are generally portable once certain conditions are met. Talk with your housing authority before moving.

Q: Is SCHAS a rental assistance program?
A: No. SCHAS is an in-home care nonprofit in parts of Tennessee. For rent help, use 211 and housing programs listed above.

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Important Program Links (Official Sources)

• HUD Resource Locator: Find affordable housing and PHAs
• HUD HCV (Section 8) info: Housing Choice Voucher Program
• HUD Section 202: Supportive Housing for the Elderly
• USDA Rural Rentals: USDA rental property search
• USDA Section 504 Repairs: Home Repair Loans & Grants
• LIHEAP Tennessee: How to apply for LIHEAP
• Weatherization in Tennessee: DOE WAP – Tennessee
• TVA Home Uplift: Energy upgrades in participating areas
• TN Property Tax Relief: Department of Revenue – Property Tax Relief
• TN Property Tax Freeze: Comptroller – Tax Freeze Program
• TennCare CHOICES: Long-Term Services & Supports
• TennCare PACE: Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
• TN Commission on Aging & Disability: Find your Area Agency on Aging & Disability
• Legal Aid (Middle TN & Cumberlands): LAS
• Legal Aid (East TN): LAET
• Legal Aid (Memphis Area): MALS
• Fair Housing: Tennessee Human Rights Commission and HUD Fair Housing Complaint
• 211: Find local help

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Reality Checks, Tips, and Warnings

• Waitlists and timing: Many lists are closed or have long waits. Apply to several programs at once. Keep copies of everything.
• Income verification: Programs verify income through documents and sometimes databases. Be honest and thorough.
• Accessibility: Ask property managers about units with roll-in showers, ramps, door widths, and grab bars. You may be able to request reasonable modifications.
• Scams: Avoid anyone asking for fees to “guarantee” housing or vouchers. Report fraud to your local PHA or HUD OIG.

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Program Comparison: Where to Start

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Disclaimer

Program rules, funding, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official agency or program linked in this guide. We do not administer these programs and cannot guarantee outcomes.

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About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

• Last Updated: January 2026
• Sources Verified: January 2026
• Next Review: April 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.