Benefits and Resources for Senior Veterans in Tennessee

Last updated: January 21, 2026

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Quick help box (keep this handy)

If you’re in crisis, need a roof tonight, or have a time‑sensitive claim, start here.

Tip: If you’re not sure where to start, call your County Veteran Service Office (CVSO). They file claims, help with paperwork, and make referrals. Use the TDVS locator: Find your local TDVS office.

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How to use this guide

• Start with the Emergency section above if safety, housing, or health is urgent.
• Then scan the tables and sections most relevant to you: health care, money and taxes, long‑term care, transportation, and housing.
• Every fact or benefit is linked to an official state or federal source. Click through when you’re ready to apply.

Reality check: Programs can have waitlists or paperwork. Benefits often require proof of service and income/asset checks. Work with a CVSO or accredited service officer to avoid delays.

Source notes and figures: VA projections show that more than 400,000 veterans live in Tennessee, and a large share are age 65 or older. See VA population data: Veteran population by state (VA NCVAS).

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What to do first if you need help fast

1. Safety and health come first.
   • For a crisis, call 988 and press 1 or use Veterans Crisis Line.
   • For medical advice or same‑day care, contact your nearest VA Medical Center (links in the Quick help box).
2. Get a benefits checkup and file key claims.
   • Book a CVSO appointment: Find your TDVS office.
   • Bring your DD‑214. If you need a copy, request it from the National Archives: Get your military records.
3. Stabilize housing and food.
   • Housing: VA homeless services (HUD‑VASH, SSVF) at VA Homeless Programs.
   • Food: Apply for SNAP through TN DHS: SNAP in Tennessee and call 211.
4. Line up transportation.
   • Use VA Beneficiary Travel: Travel pay reimbursement.
   • Find local rides: Find My Ride TN and MyRide TN.
5. Organize your documents.
   • DD‑214, VA rating letter, ID, Social Security card, proof of income, bank statements, and medication list. Your CVSO can help you build a simple folder.

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Core benefits at a glance

The programs below are the most-used by senior veterans and their families in Tennessee.

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Health care and mental health in Tennessee

You can use VA care alone, or together with Medicare, TRICARE, TennCare, or private insurance. Your CVSO or a VA benefits advisor can help you coordinate.

Major VA health and counseling locations

What to expect and tips:

• Enrollment: Start here: How to apply for VA health care. Bring your DD‑214 and insurance cards.
• Appointments: If you’re having trouble getting an appointment, call the Patient Advocate at your VA facility (find contact on each facility’s page).
• Mental health: Every VA in Tennessee offers same‑day mental health services. If you cannot wait, use the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (press 1).
• Access in rural areas: Use VA Video Connect on your phone or tablet and ask about internet help via VA’s Digital Divide consult: VA Connected Care (Digital Divide).
• Travel: Save receipts and mileage. File for travel pay here: VA Travel Reimbursement.

Coordinating with Medicare and other coverage:

• Medicare + VA: You may keep both. Many veterans use Medicare for community providers and VA for prescriptions/primary care. Get free counseling from TN SHIP: Tennessee SHIP (Medicare counseling).
• TRICARE/CHAMPVA: Ask the VA eligibility office at your facility for help coordinating coverage. Basics: TRICARE and CHAMPVA.

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Long‑term care, home care, and caregiver support

Staying at home longer is possible with the right mix of benefits. If nursing home care is needed, start early—beds can be limited.

Your main options

Reality checks:

• CHOICES has medical and financial eligibility. There can be waitlists for certain “at home” slots.
• State Veterans’ Homes may have waitlists. Contact the admissions office early via TSVH Admissions.
• Aid & Attendance can take months to approve. File with a CVSO and ask about “intent to file” to protect your effective date.

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Money, taxes, and everyday savings

These programs can help stretch a fixed income and protect your home.

Cash benefits and tax relief (summary)

Other savings and supports:

• Utility bills: Apply for LIHEAP and Weatherization Assistance.
• Food: Apply for SNAP and ask about home‑delivered meals through TCAD: Senior nutrition programs.
• Hunting/fishing discounts: TN Wildlife Resources Agency offers reduced licenses for eligible disabled veterans: TWRA military & veteran licenses.

Practical example:

• A 78‑year‑old Army veteran in Knoxville uses VA Disability Compensation, Medicare + VA for health care, Aid & Attendance to pay a family caregiver, and the TN Property Tax Relief program. The mix keeps him in his home and lowers monthly costs. Each program required its own form, but the CVSO handled most of the filings.

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Housing and homelessness prevention

If you’re behind on rent, at risk of eviction, couch‑surfing, or living outdoors, use these steps:

1. Call the VA Homeless Veterans line (877-424-3838). Ask about SSVF (prevention and rapid rehousing) and HUD‑VASH (vouchers with VA case management): VA Homeless Programs.
2. If you’re a senior with limited income, ask your Area Agency on Aging about emergency housing funds and case management. Use TCAD’s ADRC: Aging & Disability Resource Connection.
3. For homeowners, contact your mortgage servicer right away and ask about loss mitigation. THDA has homeowner resources: Tennessee Housing Development Agency.
4. Consider downsizing or moving closer to services. Get a benefits review to see if Aid & Attendance or CHOICES can support in‑home care.

Helpful links:

• HUD‑VASH info: HUD‑VASH overview
• SSVF provider locator: Find SSVF providers
• Local housing options and counseling: THDA resources

Reality check: Vouchers and supportive housing are limited. If you can, apply in multiple places and keep all paperwork (ID, DD‑214, income proof) ready.

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Transportation: to the doctor, the VA, and around town

You have several choices. Mix and match based on where you live and your health needs.

Tips:

• Ask your VA clinic about “VAride” partnerships or local ride options.
• Book DAV rides early; volunteer capacity is limited.
• Keep a trip log for reimbursement and tax purposes.

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Education, work, and small business

You can still use education benefits later in life, switch careers, or start a small business.

• Helping Heroes Grant (Tennessee): Tuition support for honorably discharged veterans meeting service criteria; administered by the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC). Learn more and apply: Helping Heroes Grant (TSAC).
• Education for dependents: Tennessee offers education benefits for eligible dependents of certain veterans: TDVS — Educational benefits for dependents.
• American Job Centers (Priority of Service): Veterans get priority access to job and training services. Contact the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development: Veteran employment services.
• VA Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E): Job counseling and training for veterans with service‑connected disabilities: VR&E program.
• State contracting (SDVBE): Tennessee certifies Service‑Disabled Veteran‑Owned Businesses for procurement opportunities through Go‑DBE: Go‑DBE program.
• APEX Accelerator (government contracting help): Free help with registrations, bids, and certifications: Tennessee APEX Accelerator.

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Legal help, records, IDs, and consumer protection

• Get your DD‑214 and service records from the National Archives: Request Military Records.
• File claims and appeals through accredited officers. Start with TDVS: Find a local TDVS office.
• Free or low‑cost legal help (civil matters like housing, benefits, family law): HELP4TN (TALS) — phone 844-HELP4TN.
• Driver license veteran designation and military plates: TDVS explains how to add it and what records you need: Veteran ID and license info (TDVS).
• Hunting & fishing discounts: TWRA — Military & Veteran Licenses.
• Consumer scams: Report to the Tennessee Attorney General’s Consumer Affairs: Consumer Affairs — TN AG.

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Burial and memorial benefits

• State veterans cemeteries: Tennessee operates state cemeteries in Middle and East Tennessee. Eligibility mirrors federal rules. Pre‑apply through TDVS: State Veterans Cemeteries (TDVS).
• National cemeteries: Several are in Tennessee (e.g., Chattanooga, Nashville/Madison, Mountain Home, Memphis). Eligibility and scheduling: National Cemetery Administration — find a cemetery.
• VA funeral and burial benefits: Headstones/markers, burial flags, and allowances: VA Burial Benefits.

Tip: Keep discharge papers and marriage certificates accessible. Tell your family where they are.

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Inclusive supports: meeting diverse needs

LGBTQ+ senior veterans

• Every VA facility has an LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator who can help you navigate care and benefits. Learn more: VA LGBTQ+ Veteran resources.
• If you’ve had past negative experiences, ask the Patient Advocate to connect you with a coordinator at your facility (links at the top under Health Care).

Disabled senior veterans

• You may qualify for Special Monthly Compensation, home modifications, equipment, and in‑home support. Start with your VA primary care team and a CVSO. Programs overview: VA Adaptive Housing & Auto allowances and Automobile allowance & adaptive equipment.
• For home care and long‑term support, see TennCare CHOICES: CHOICES in LTSS.

Female senior veterans

• TDVS has a Women Veterans Program to help with claims and referrals: Women Veterans — TDVS.
• VA Women’s Health offers gender‑specific primary care, mammograms, and MST counseling: VA Women’s Health.

Rural senior veterans and limited internet

• Use VA Video Connect and ask your clinic for a “Digital Divide” consult if internet cost or access is a problem: VA Connected Care.
• Transportation: Start with Find My Ride TN, DAV Transportation, and VA Travel Pay.
• Phone‑based benefits help: Call your CVSO and ask for mailed forms if you can’t print.

Tribal and Native veterans in Tennessee

• There are no federally recognized tribes based in Tennessee, but many Native veterans live in the state and may get services through tribal programs or IHS depending on tribal citizenship and location. VA’s Office of Tribal Government Relations can help connect you: VA Tribal Government Relations.
• Nashville Area Indian Health Service (which serves tribes in the eastern U.S.) information: IHS Nashville Area.

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Resources by region (East, Middle, West)

Use these hubs plus your county CVSO to build a local plan.

East Tennessee

• VA medical: Mountain Home VA Medical Center (Johnson City)
• Vet Centers: Use the locator to find centers in Knoxville, Chattanooga, and nearby: Find a Vet Center
• Aging services/ADRC: Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)
• TDVS local help: Find your county TDVS office

Middle Tennessee

• VA medical: Tennessee Valley Health Care (Nashville & Murfreesboro)
• Vet Centers: Nashville and surrounding: Vet Center locations
• State Veterans’ Home: Murfreesboro location (TSVH) (see TSVH for all locations)
• ADRC and MyRide: ADRC and MyRide TN

West Tennessee

• VA medical: Memphis VA Medical Center
• Vet Center: Memphis area: Vet Center locations
• ADRC and transit: ADRC and Find My Ride TN

All regions

• County Veteran Service Officers (CVSO): Find a TDVS office by county
• Meals, caregiver help, and SHIP (Medicare counseling) are coordinated through your Area Agency on Aging: TCAD programs

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I get help filing for Aid & Attendance in Tennessee?

• Contact your County Veteran Service Office via TDVS: Find your local TDVS office.
• Bring a list of daily care needs, medical records, and financial documents. Program details: VA Aid & Attendance.

Q: Can I use Aid & Attendance with TennCare CHOICES?

• Yes, many veterans use both. Aid & Attendance is a VA pension add‑on; CHOICES is TennCare’s long‑term care program. They have different rules. Talk to a CVSO and a TennCare counselor to avoid affecting eligibility. Learn more: CHOICES in LTSS.

Q: Where are the State Veterans’ Homes and how do I apply?

• Tennessee operates multiple State Veterans’ Homes. Each has its own admissions office. Start at: Tennessee State Veterans’ Homes. Admissions staff can explain eligibility, costs, and waitlists.

Q: I live in a rural county. How can I get to VA appointments?

• Check the DAV Transportation Network, see Find My Ride TN, and ask your VA clinic about VA travel pay: VA Travel Reimbursement.

Q: How do I get a veteran designation on my Tennessee driver license?

• TDVS explains what you need (usually a DD‑214 with honorable discharge) and how to add the designation: Veteran ID and License info (TDVS).

Q: Are there property tax breaks for disabled veterans or seniors?

• Yes. Tennessee’s Property Tax Relief program helps eligible disabled veterans and surviving spouses. Seniors with limited income may also qualify for the Tax Freeze program. Details: Property Tax Relief and Property Tax Freeze. Apply through your county trustee.

Q: Where do I get help with Medicare choices that fit with VA care?

• Call Tennessee SHIP for free counseling: Tennessee SHIP.

Q: I think I qualify for a discharge upgrade. Who can help?

• TDVS and accredited VSOs can help you request an upgrade or a correction: TDVS local offices. Find forms and guidance at DoD: Discharge upgrade info.

Q: Does Tennessee offer hunting/fishing discounts for veterans?

• Yes. Disabled veteran licenses are available; requirements apply. Details and how to buy: TWRA Military & Veteran Licenses.

Q: Who do I call if a veteran is homeless tonight?

• Call 877‑424‑3838 (24/7). More options: VA Homeless Veterans. In addition, dial 211 to find local shelters and services: Tennessee 211.

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Resource tables you can use today

Health and counseling contacts

Long‑term care and caregiver supports

Money and housing

Transportation

Legal and ID

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Common challenges and how to handle them

• Delays on claims or pensions: File an “Intent to File” with VA to protect your start date. Work with a CVSO to avoid missing forms. Track status at VA.gov.
• Limited beds in State Veterans’ Homes or housing programs: Apply early, keep alternate options open, and make sure your contact info is current.
• Rural access: Use telehealth and ask about the VA Digital Divide consult: Connected Care. For rides, book early with DAV or MyRide TN.
• Scams: If someone promises “guaranteed approval” for a fee, walk away. Report scams to the TN Attorney General: Consumer Affairs — TN AG.

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Sources (official and well‑established)

• Tennessee Department of Veterans Services: TDVS home • Find a local office • Women Veterans • State Veterans’ Cemeteries • Veteran ID/license info
• Tennessee State Veterans’ Homes: TSVH
• TennCare Long‑Term Services & Supports (CHOICES): CHOICES in LTSS
• Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability: TCAD • SHIP • Nutrition programs • MyRide TN • ADRC
• Tennessee Comptroller: Property Tax Relief • Property Tax Freeze
• Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA): LIHEAP • Weatherization
• Tennessee DHS: SNAP
• VA health systems: Tennessee Valley HCS • Memphis VA • Mountain Home VA
• VA benefits: Disability • Pension • Aid & Attendance • Caregiver Support • VR&E • Burials
• VA Homeless and housing: Homeless Veterans • HUD‑VASH • SSVF
• TWRA: Military & Veteran Licenses
• TSAC/THEC: Helping Heroes Grant
• Veterans Crisis Line: Get help now
• VA LGBTQ+ care: LGBTQ+ Veteran resources
• VA population data: NCVAS — Veteran population
• Tennessee 211: Tennessee 2‑1‑1
• Tennessee APEX Accelerator (PTAC): TN APEX
• TN Department of Revenue: Hall Income Tax (repealed)

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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: May 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.

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Disclaimer

This guide is for general information only. Benefits can change, and eligibility depends on your specific situation. Always confirm details with the official agency or program, and consider working with a County Veteran Service Officer or accredited Veterans Service Organization when filing applications.