Emergency Assistance for Seniors in Tennessee

Emergency Assistance, Resources, and Programs for Seniors in Tennessee (Authority Hub Guide)

Last updated: August 2025


Quick Help Box (always visible)

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Need What to do right now Official link
Medical or safety emergency Call 911 Your local emergency services
Mental health crisis Call or text 988 (or Tennessee’s Statewide Crisis Line 855-274-7471) 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ • TN Crisis Services: https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/crisis-services.html
Abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an older adult Call Adult Protective Services at 888-277-8366 TN Adult Protective Services: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/adults/adult-protective-services.html
Disaster help (storms, flooding, tornadoes) Check TEMA updates; if a federal disaster is declared, apply at DisasterAssistance.gov TEMA: https://www.tn.gov/tema.html • FEMA TN: https://www.fema.gov/locations/tennessee • DisasterAssistance.gov: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
Food, shelter, bills, local help Call 211 or search online Tennessee 211: https://tn211.org/
TennCare (Medicaid) eligibility or help Call TennCare Connect at 855-259-0701 or apply online TennCare Connect: https://tenncareconnect.tn.gov/
Medicare counseling (SHIP) Free, unbiased help TN SHIP: https://www.tn.gov/aging/our-programs/state-health-insurance-assistance-program–ship-.html

Reality check: In real emergencies, start with 911 or 988. For resources like SNAP, LIHEAP, or TennCare, applications can take time—apply as soon as you can and ask about “expedited” pathways where available.


About Tennessee Seniors: A Snapshot

This guide focuses on Tennessee-specific programs, the real steps to take, and direct links to official sources. Expect both quick actions and longer-term solutions.


How to Use This Guide

  • Start with the Emergency section for same-day help.
  • Then use the topic sections (healthcare, money and bills, food, housing, transportation, legal).
  • Check inclusive resources (veterans, LGBTQ+ seniors, rural seniors, Native/tribal).
  • Use the Resources by Region to find local contacts.
  • Verify details at the official links provided; programs change over time.

Emergency Help First: What To Do Today

1) Safety, Medical, and Mental Health

Tip: If you’re calling for a loved one, have their medication list and doctor names nearby.

2) Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation

Reality check: You do not need proof—report what you see or suspect. APS will determine next steps.

3) Disaster and Severe Weather

Tip: Keep a list of medications and doctors in your go-bag. After disasters, beware of contractor and charity scams—verify with TEMA/FEMA and the Tennessee Attorney General: https://www.tn.gov/attorneygeneral/working-for-tennessee/consumer.html

4) Same-Day Food and Shelter

5) Homelessness Prevention and Re-Housing

6) Lost Medications or Medical Supplies

  • Talk to your pharmacist. After declared disasters, emergency refills may be allowed. Keep your prescription info handy.
  • Medicare coverage info for emergencies: https://www.medicare.gov/

7) Urgent Utility Shutoff

  • LIHEAP may help with energy bills (details below), but it is not instant. Ask your utility about emergency assistance and medical necessity protections.
  • See links for major utility assistance programs in the “Money & Bills” section.

Emergency Aid at a Glance (What, Who, How)

Situation First step Next steps Official source
Immediate danger Call 911 Follow responders’ instructions Local emergency services
Mental health crisis Call/text 988 or 855-274-7471 Ask about mobile crisis team 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ • TN Crisis: https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/crisis-services.html
Abuse/neglect Call APS 888-277-8366 Provide details; you can remain confidential TN APS: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/adults/adult-protective-services.html
Disaster damage Check TEMA If eligible, apply at DisasterAssistance.gov TEMA: https://www.tn.gov/tema.html • FEMA: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
No food today Call 211 Visit nearest pantry; apply for SNAP TN 211: https://tn211.org/ • SNAP TN: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap.html
Power shutoff notice Call your utility Ask about hardship funds and LIHEAP LIHEAP (THDA): https://thda.org/energy-programs/liheap

Documents to Gather (Saves Time)

  • Photo ID, Social Security number
  • Proof of Tennessee address (bill, lease)
  • Proof of income (Social Security, pensions, pay stubs), bank statements
  • Medical bills (for some programs), list of medications
  • Utility bills (for LIHEAP)
  • For disasters: photos of damage, insurance info

Tip: Keep copies in a safe, waterproof folder and digital photos on your phone or emailed to yourself.


Healthcare and Long-Term Care

TennCare (Medicaid) for Older Adults

  • What it is: Medicaid in Tennessee for low-income residents. It can cover doctor visits, hospital care, and long-term services at home or in nursing facilities.
  • Who it helps: Low-income Tennesseans; seniors who meet income and asset rules; people who need long-term services and supports (LTSS).
  • How to apply:

CHOICES in Long-Term Services & Supports (LTSS)

ECF CHOICES (for Adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities)

Medicare, Extra Help, and Medicare Savings Programs

Long-Term Care Ombudsman (Problems in Facilities)

Family Caregiver Support


Money and Bills (Energy, Repairs, Phones, Taxes)

Energy Help: LIHEAP and Weatherization

  • LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
    • What it does: Helps pay utility bills; sometimes crisis help for disconnection.
    • Who it helps: Low-income households (eligibility varies by household size/income).
    • How to apply: Through local agencies funded by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA). Program info and local contacts: https://thda.org/energy-programs/liheap
    • Reality check: Funds are limited each year. Apply early and ask about crisis appointments.
  • Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

Emergency Home Repairs for Seniors

  • THDA Emergency Repair Program for the Elderly (ERP)
    • What it is: Grants for essential repairs to keep seniors safe at home (e.g., heating, roof, accessibility).
    • Who it helps: Low-income homeowners age 60+ (income and repair criteria apply).
    • Learn more and find the local contact on THDA’s site (search “Emergency Repair Program for the Elderly”): https://thda.org/
    • Reality check: ERP funds are competitive and limited; apply early each program year.

Telephone and Internet Discounts

  • Lifeline (phone/internet discount for low income): https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
    • Reality check: The separate Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended due to lack of funding in 2024. Some households may still get help through Lifeline or provider-based low-cost plans. Check with your provider and Lifeline.

Property Tax Relief and Freeze (Seniors)

Reality check: You must apply every year and meet income/age requirements. Bring proof of income and property info to your county trustee’s office.

Major Utility Hardship Funds (Examples)

Not every utility offers the same help. Start by calling your provider and ask for “hardship assistance” or “third-party charity funds.” Some examples:

Utility Program Details Link
Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) Plus-1 Emergency energy assistance funded by donations; apply through partner agencies https://www.mlgw.com/residential/plus-1
Nashville Electric Service (NES) Project Help Emergency energy assistance via NeedLink Nashville https://www.nespower.com/project-help/
Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) Project Help Energy assistance for households in crisis https://www.kub.org/accounts-billing/assistance/project-help/
EPB (Chattanooga) Power Share/assistance resources Works with local partners; also efficiency support https://epb.com/home-customer-support/energy-assistance/

Tip: If you use medical equipment at home, ask your utility about medical necessity flags to help avoid shutoffs.


Food and Nutrition

SNAP (Food Stamps) for Seniors

Meals at Home and Community Dining

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

  • What it is: Vouchers for low-income seniors to buy fresh fruits and vegetables from authorized farmers’ markets.
  • Tennessee program (administered through TCAD/local partners). Learn more and check availability: https://www.tn.gov/aging.html (search “Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program”)

Housing: Rent, Vouchers, and Homelessness Prevention

Reality check: Rental assistance funds that started during COVID-19 have largely ended. Today, help often comes from standard programs like housing vouchers, public housing, ESG prevention, and local charities. Waitlists can be long—get on them as soon as you can.

Tip: Keep copies of all letters and notices. If you get an eviction notice, contact Legal Aid immediately (see Legal section) and 211.


Transportation

Tip: Schedule rides early and ask about accessibility if you use a walker or wheelchair.


Legal and Consumer Protection

Tip: Never pay for help to apply for TennCare, SNAP, or LIHEAP. Application help is free through official agencies and AAADs.


Veteran Seniors (Tennessee-Specific Help)

Reality check: VA benefits can be complex. Bring your DD-214 and use TDVS or a VA-accredited representative to file claims correctly the first time.


LGBTQ+ Seniors

Tip: If you face discrimination in a care setting, contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman: https://www.tn.gov/aging/our-programs/long-term-care-ombudsman.html


Native/Tribal Resources

Reality check: Tennessee does not have federally recognized tribes within the state. Many American Indian/Alaska Native elders in Tennessee are members of tribes based elsewhere. If this is you:

  • Indian Health Service (IHS), Nashville Area: https://www.ihs.gov/nashville/
  • United South and Eastern Tribes (USET) Headquarters (Nashville): https://www.usetinc.org/
  • You can use Medicare, Medicaid (TennCare), and tribal/IHS resources for which you are eligible. Contact your tribe for enrollment and benefits documents.

Rural Seniors and Limited Access

Reality check: In rural areas, there may be waitlists or fewer providers. Apply early, ask about waitlists, and use multiple options (churches, food banks, AAADs).


Key Tennessee Programs at a Glance

Program What it provides Who it helps How to apply/learn more
TennCare (Medicaid) Health coverage and LTSS Low-income Tennesseans; seniors meeting criteria TennCare Connect: https://tenncareconnect.tn.gov/
CHOICES (LTSS) Home care, nursing facility care Seniors needing long-term care https://www.tn.gov/tenncare/long-term-services-supports/choices-in-long-term-services-and-supports.html
LIHEAP Energy bill help Low-income households THDA LIHEAP: https://thda.org/energy-programs/liheap
Weatherization (WAP) Free energy-saving home upgrades Low-income households https://thda.org/energy-programs/weatherization-assistance-program
Emergency Repair Program for the Elderly (ERP) Essential home repairs Low-income homeowners 60+ THDA: https://thda.org/ (search “Emergency Repair Program”)
SNAP Monthly food help Low-income individuals/families https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap.html
CSFP Monthly senior food package Low-income adults 60+ USDA contacts: https://www.fns.usda.gov/csfp/state-contact-list
SHIP Medicare counseling Medicare beneficiaries https://www.tn.gov/aging/our-programs/state-health-insurance-assistance-program–ship-.html
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Help with facility issues Residents of long-term care https://www.tn.gov/aging/our-programs/long-term-care-ombudsman.html
Property Tax Relief Pays part of property tax Qualifying seniors https://comptroller.tn.gov/office-functions/pa/property-taxes/property-tax-relief-program.html

Practical Steps: From Crisis to Stability

  1. Today
  • Safety first (911, 988, APS).
  • Call 211 to find immediate food and shelter.
  • Contact your utility for hardship assistance and request a medical necessity flag if applicable.
  1. This week
  1. This month
  • If a homeowner age 60+, ask about THDA Emergency Repair Program for the Elderly.
  • Review Medicare costs; check for Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs through SHIP.
  • Apply for Property Tax Relief/Freeze if eligible.
  1. Ongoing

Health, Safety, and Special Situations


Resources by Region (Find Your Local Aging Office and Key Help)

Your Area Agency on Aging & Disability (AAAD) is your best local starting point for meals, in-home help, caregiver support, and benefits counseling. If a link below changes, use TCAD’s website to find the current contact: https://www.tn.gov/aging.html

Region Counties (examples) AAAD/Key Site
Memphis/Shelby & surrounding Shelby, Fayette, Lauderdale, Tipton Aging Commission of the Mid-South: https://agingcommission.org/
Northwest Tennessee Obion, Weakley, Henry, Dyer, Lake, Carroll, Benton, Gibson Northwest TN AAAD (NWTDD): https://www.nwtdd.org/area-agency-on-aging-disability/
Southwest Tennessee Hardeman, Haywood, Chester, Decatur, Hardin, Henderson, Madison, McNairy Southwest TN AAAD (SWTDD): https://swtdd.org/aaad/
Middle Tennessee (Nashville area) Davidson, Sumner, Robertson, Wilson, Cheatham, Dickson, Rutherford, Williamson, Maury Greater Nashville Regional Council Aging & Disability: https://www.gnrc.org/aging-disability
Mid-Cumberland Surrounding Middle TN counties (outside Metro) Mid-Cumberland HRA Aging & Disability: https://www.mchra.com/aging-and-disability-programs
South Central Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Marshall, Perry, Wayne South Central TN AAAD (SCTDD): https://www.sctdd.org/aaad
Upper Cumberland Putnam, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Overton, Pickett, Smith, Van Buren, Warren, White Upper Cumberland AAAD (UCDD): https://www.ucdd.org/aaad/
East Tennessee Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier, Union ETHRA Aging Services: https://www.ethra.org/programs/aging/
Southeast Tennessee Hamilton (Chattanooga), Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, Rhea Southeast TN AAAD (SETAAAD): https://www.setaaad.org/
Northeast Tennessee (Tri-Cities) Washington, Sullivan, Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi First TN AAAD (FTDD): https://www.ftdd.org/area-agency-on-aging-disability/

Additional local resources:


Frequently Asked Questions (Tennessee-Specific)

Q: I can’t pay my power bill and got a shutoff notice. What can I do today?

  • Call your utility immediately to request hardship assistance and ask about medical necessity protections if you use essential medical equipment.
  • Apply for LIHEAP with your local agency: https://thda.org/energy-programs/liheap
  • Call 211 for emergency funds and cooling/warming centers: https://tn211.org/

Q: How fast can I get SNAP?

Q: My mom needs help at home. Is CHOICES faster than a nursing home?

Q: Are there any emergency cash programs for seniors in Tennessee?

  • Tennessee’s main supports are SNAP, LIHEAP, housing programs, and TennCare—not general cash aid. Some counties offer limited emergency funds through charities. Use 211 to locate options: https://tn211.org/

Q: Who can help me understand Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap?

Q: My landlord is evicting me. Where do I go?

Q: I’m a veteran and behind on rent. Is there veteran-specific help?

Q: I live in a rural county without transportation. What are my options?

Q: How do I report suspected elder abuse?

Q: Can I get help lowering my property taxes?

Q: Does Tennessee have senior home repair programs?

  • THDA’s Emergency Repair Program for the Elderly funds critical repairs for qualifying seniors. Start at https: https://thda.org/ and ask your AAAD about local partners.

Q: I lost my Medicare card in a storm. How do I replace it quickly?

  • Create or log in to your Social Security account to print a replacement Medicare card: https://www.ssa.gov/

Q: Are there resources for LGBTQ+ seniors?


Tables You Can Use

Table: Who to Call for Different Emergencies

Emergency Call/Action Source
Life-threatening 911 Local
Mental health 988; Tennessee Crisis 855-274-7471 https://988lifeline.org/https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/crisis-services.html
Elder abuse APS 888-277-8366 https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/adults/adult-protective-services.html
Disaster TEMA; FEMA if declared https://www.tn.gov/tema.htmlhttps://www.disasterassistance.gov/
No food today 211; local food banks https://tn211.org/
Utility shutoff Your utility; LIHEAP https://thda.org/energy-programs/liheap

Table: Energy and Home Repair Programs

Program What it covers Admin Link
LIHEAP Heating/cooling bills; crisis help THDA/local agencies https://thda.org/energy-programs/liheap
Weatherization Insulation, air sealing, minor energy repairs THDA/local agencies https://thda.org/energy-programs/weatherization-assistance-program
ERP for the Elderly Critical home repairs for 60+ THDA/local partners https://thda.org/

Table: Food Assistance Options for Seniors

Program What you get Who qualifies Where to start
SNAP Monthly benefits to buy food Income-based; seniors get deductions for medical expenses https://onedhs.tn.gov/
Home-delivered meals Meals to your home Varies by AAAD availability https://www.tn.gov/aging/our-programs/nutrition-services.html
CSFP Monthly food box (60+) Low-income seniors https://www.fns.usda.gov/csfp/state-contact-list
SFMNP Farmers’ market produce vouchers Low-income seniors (seasonal) https://www.tn.gov/aging.html

Table: Medicare and Long-Term Care Help

Need Program Contact
Medicare billing/plan choices SHIP counseling https://www.tn.gov/aging/our-programs/state-health-insurance-assistance-program–ship-.html
Help with Medicare drug costs Extra Help (SSA) https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/prescriptionhelp/
Help paying Medicare premiums Medicare Savings Programs https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/medicare-savings-programs
Long-term care at home/facility CHOICES (TennCare) https://www.tn.gov/tenncare/long-term-services-supports/choices-in-long-term-services-and-supports.html

Table: Property Tax Relief and Consumer Protection


Reality Checks, Warnings, and Tips

  • Benefits take time. Start now, even if you’re still gathering documents.
  • Don’t pay anyone to “guarantee” benefits. Official application help is free.
  • After storms, verify contractors and never sign under pressure. Check with your city/county codes and the TN Attorney General’s site.
  • For housing, get on multiple waitlists (PHAs, USDA, senior complexes) and keep your contact info updated with each office.

Resources (Official and Well-Established)


Disclaimer

Program details, eligibility rules, phone numbers, and links can change. Always verify information with the official agency or program website provided here. This guide is for general information and is not legal, medical, or financial advice.


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: August 2025
  • Sources Verified: August 2025
  • Next Review: February 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.