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Last updated: 18 September 2026
Older adults in Nashville and Davidson County can get help with food, energy bills, housing, home care, repairs, property taxes, transportation, Medicare, and other daily needs. Most of this help is not a cash grant. It may be a benefit, service, voucher, tax program, repair grant, meal, or payment made to a provider.
Bottom Line: If you are not sure where to begin, call Tennessee’s Area Agency on Aging and Disability line at 1-866-836-6678. It routes callers to the local aging network. If your need is urgent, call 2-1-1 for Davidson County referrals. Then use the program section below that matches your biggest problem.
Need Help Right Now?
Call 911 for immediate danger, a fire, a serious medical emergency, or a crime in progress. For suspected abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, Tennessee Adult Protective Services accepts reports through its adult abuse report page and at 1-888-277-8366, 24 hours a day.
For food, emergency shelter, utility shutoff, transportation, or other local crisis referrals, call 2-1-1. For a mental health or suicide crisis, call or text 988.
Start Here
- Call the aging network: Tennessee says Area Agencies on Aging are a starting point for older adults and people with disabilities. Call 1-866-836-6678.
- Name every problem: Say if you need help with food, utilities, home care, transportation, repairs, Medicare, caregiving, or housing. One intake call may uncover more than one path.
- Keep notices and bills: Bring shutoff notices, denial letters, tax bills, medical costs, and proof of income. These papers can change what help is available.
For a broader list of state programs, see the Tennessee senior assistance guide.
| Need | Start with | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Meals, home help, caregiver support | AAAD, 1-866-836-6678 | Services depend on need and funding. |
| Medicare costs or plan questions | TN SHIP, 1-877-801-0044 | SHIP advises; it does not sell plans. |
| Energy bill | Metro Action | LIHEAP is one-time help per program year and funding is limited. |
| Affordable housing | MDHA | Affordable housing and voucher waiting lists are currently closed. |
| Property tax relief | Davidson County Trustee | Relief and freeze have different rules and annual filing steps. |
What Has Changed
- MDHA waiting lists: The Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency says it is not currently accepting applications for affordable housing or voucher waiting lists. Check the MDHA application page for new opening notices.
- LIHEAP applications: Metro Action now directs electricity, natural gas, propane, and wood-service LIHEAP applications through THDA’s SmartSimple system. Current 2025-2026 LIHEAP awards range from $174 to $750 based on household energy burden.
- Property tax cycle: Nashville Trustee pages now label the next Property Tax Relief and Property Tax Freeze window as Fall 2026 through April 5, 2027. Because the pages also contain older office-calendar wording, call the Trustee before relying on a last-day office date.
- SNAP pilot: Tennessee says the planned Healthy SNAP Tennessee pilot, which was scheduled to begin July 31, 2026, was suspended after a June 20, 2026 federal court ruling. Standard SNAP applications still go through One DHS.
Health, Medicare, and Help at Home
Free Medicare counseling
Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or TN SHIP, provides free and unbiased Medicare counseling. The state says counselors help Medicare-eligible people, families, and caregivers and do not promote insurance agencies. Call 1-877-801-0044 or use the TN SHIP page.
Ask about: Part D drug coverage, Medicare Advantage choices, Medicare Savings Programs, and Extra Help with prescription costs. If you want more detail before calling, the Tennessee Medicare savings guide explains the main cost-help programs.
Reality check: Bring your Medicare card, current drug list, pharmacy name, income letters, and plan notices. A plan with a low premium can still be costly if your medicines or doctors are not covered well.
TennCare CHOICES
CHOICES is Tennessee’s long-term services and supports program for people who need nursing-facility care or certain services at home and in the community. The current CHOICES program page says Medicaid long-term care applicants generally cannot have income above $2,982 per month in 2026 and generally cannot have countable resources above $2,000. Other rules also apply.
Who may qualify: Adults age 65 or older and some adults with physical disabilities who meet care-need and financial rules. The home you live in is not counted in the same way as ordinary liquid resources, but transfer and ownership rules can be complex.
Where to start: If you do not already have TennCare, call the AAAD at 1-866-836-6678. If you already have TennCare, contact your health plan and ask for a CHOICES screening. TennCare also lists TennCare Connect for Medicaid applications and case management.
Reality check: Do not assume income over $2,982 automatically ends the inquiry. The state says some applicants may be able to use a Qualified Income Trust. Ask the intake worker how the rule applies to your household before moving money or changing accounts.
OPTIONS and non-Medicaid help
If CHOICES does not fit, ask about OPTIONS for Community Living and Title III-B in-home services. Tennessee’s home care services page lists homemaker help, personal care, and home-delivered meals, with some services varying by region.
OPTIONS is for Tennessee residents age 18 or older who meet daily-living need rules. The state says there is no income eligibility requirement for OPTIONS, but a sliding fee may apply. Title III-B in-home services are for adults age 60 or older who meet need rules. Services depend on availability.
Food, SNAP, and Meals
SNAP grocery benefits
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits help approved households buy food. Tennessee says eligibility can depend on income, resources, household circumstances, and deductions. Adults age 60 or older and people with disabilities may be able to claim qualifying out-of-pocket medical costs as a deduction.
Start with the Tennessee SNAP page. You can apply online through the One DHS portal, or use a paper application. Keep proof of rent, utilities, Medicare premiums, prescriptions, copays, and other medical costs that may apply. The Tennessee SNAP senior guide gives more preparation help.
Current note: Tennessee says implementation of the Healthy SNAP Tennessee pilot was suspended in June 2026. Do not let older notices about a July 31 start date stop you from using ordinary SNAP benefits or applying through One DHS.
Meals at home or in groups
Tennessee’s Aging Nutrition Program serves adults age 60 and older through congregate meal sites and home-delivered meals for people who qualify. The state says home-delivered meal eligibility is assessed through the local aging network.
For Davidson County, Greater Nashville Regional Council lists 615-880-2292 for home-delivered meals and 615-255-1010 for its Information and Assistance helpline on its Nashville meals page.
Monthly senior food boxes
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides monthly food packages to some low-income adults age 60 and older. Tennessee’s senior food box page says Davidson County applicants should contact Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee at 615-329-3491. Ask what income proof is needed and which pickup location serves you.
Housing and Utility Help
MDHA housing and vouchers
The Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA) manages affordable housing and the Housing Choice Voucher program in Nashville. As of September 12, 2026, MDHA says it is not accepting applications for affordable housing or voucher waiting lists. That can change, so use the official application page rather than an old social post or saved form.
A closed waiting list is not the same as an individual denial. Check MDHA for reopening notices and ask 2-1-1 about emergency shelter, eviction prevention, or other local housing routes if you cannot wait. The Tennessee housing assistance guide covers statewide alternatives.
Energy bills and LIHEAP
Metro Action serves Davidson County residents with energy and other household assistance. Its current utility assistance page says applicants must live in Davidson County and meet program rules. Call 615-862-8860 for Metro Action customer care.
For the 2025-2026 program year, THDA says Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) awards range from $174 to $750, based on household energy burden, and are available while funding lasts. See the THDA LIHEAP page for the current portal and rules.
Important application change: Metro Action says THDA now requires LIHEAP applications for electricity, natural gas, propane, and wood service through the SmartSimple portal. Other Metro Action requests, such as water, rent, mortgage, property tax, deposits, or prescription help, use a different local application route.
Home Repair and Weatherization
Tennessee Housing Development Agency’s Emergency Repair Program is a real grant program for urgent health and safety repairs. THDA says it is for low-income homeowners who are age 60 or older or have a disability and have an essential system or critical structural problem that creates an immediate danger.
The official Emergency Repair Program also requires the applicant to occupy the property as a principal residence, have lived there for at least three years, and have an ownership interest. Homeowners do not apply directly to THDA; they apply through a local program agency.
Weatherization is different. THDA’s Weatherization Assistance Program helps eligible low-income households reduce energy use through work such as air sealing, duct sealing, and insulation after an energy assessment. Funding and local agency capacity can limit service.
Reality Check: These programs are not general remodeling funds. A failed heating system, active roof leak, dangerous electrical problem, or serious accessibility issue is a much stronger fit than cosmetic work. For more options, see the Tennessee home repair guide.
Property Tax Relief for Nashville Homeowners
Tennessee Property Tax Relief is not a property-tax exemption. It is a state-funded reimbursement program for qualifying low-income elderly or disabled homeowners and certain disabled veterans or surviving spouses. The Davidson County Trustee also administers a separate Property Tax Freeze for qualifying older homeowners.
The current Nashville Tax Relief page lists a $38,470 qualifying income limit for elderly and disabled homeowners for the 2026 program, based on 2025 income. The current Tax Freeze page lists a $63,470 Davidson County income limit for the 2026 program. Different rules apply to disabled veterans and surviving spouses.
The Trustee pages label the next application period as Fall 2026 through April 5, 2027. However, they also contain an older sentence about an April 2026 Saturday office date. Because that wording conflicts, call the Trustee at 615-862-6330 before relying on the final in-office day.
Ask about both programs: Tax Relief can reduce what you ultimately pay through a reimbursement. Tax Freeze can hold the tax amount at a base level for a qualifying senior who continues to meet the rules. The Tennessee property tax guide explains the statewide differences.
Transportation and Rides
WeGo Public Transit offers fixed-route service and discounted fares for some seniors, people with disabilities, and Medicare cardholders after they obtain a WeGo Discount ID. For riders whose disability prevents use of regular fixed-route buses, WeGo Access provides ADA paratransit in Davidson County. The current Access fare is $3.70 each way, and rides normally must be reserved in advance.
Senior Ride Nashville also serves adults age 60 and older in Davidson County. Its transportation programs page warns that enrollment and ride capacity can depend on driver availability and funding. If transportation is keeping you from medical visits, groceries, or benefits appointments, ask the AAAD whether another ride program also fits.
How to Start Without Wasting Time
Make one folder before you start calling. You may not need every item below, but having them ready can prevent repeat trips and missed deadlines.
| Document | Why it helps | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID and address proof | Shows identity and Davidson County residence | Local assistance, housing, utilities |
| Income letters | Shows Social Security, pension, wages, or other income | SNAP, TennCare, LIHEAP, tax programs |
| Medicare card and drug list | Lets a counselor compare coverage and costs | SHIP, Part D, cost assistance |
| Lease, mortgage, tax, utility bills | Shows housing costs and urgent balances | Housing, utilities, property tax |
| Medical expense records | Some programs consider out-of-pocket costs | SNAP deductions, hardship screening |
| Denial or shutoff notices | Shows deadlines and urgency | Appeals, crisis help, utility assistance |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Calling only one program: Tell the intake worker all your needs. Food, utilities, transportation, and home care often overlap.
- Leaving out medical costs: Older SNAP households may miss deductions if they do not report eligible out-of-pocket medical expenses.
- Using an old housing notice: MDHA waiting lists open and close. Check the current official page before trying to apply.
- Confusing tax relief with exemption: Tennessee Tax Relief does not automatically erase your tax bill. Follow the Trustee’s payment and voucher instructions.
- Paying someone to “guarantee” benefits: SHIP counseling and AAAD information are free. Never pay with gift cards or give a stranger your bank login.
- Assuming a maximum is typical: A program’s top award is not a promise that your household will receive that amount.
Denied, Delayed, or Overwhelmed
Ask for the decision and reason in writing. Ask what document is missing, what deadline applies, and how to request an appeal or reconsideration. The Tennessee Department of Human Services lists Middle Tennessee legal aid at 1-800-238-1443 for people who want a lawyer and cannot afford one.
If a waiting list or funding source is closed, ask for a backup route instead of ending the call. For emergency bill or housing options, the Tennessee emergency help guide can help you prepare the next questions.
Phone Scripts You Can Use
For the AAAD
“I am an older adult in Davidson County. I need help with food, transportation, home care, and bills. Can you screen me for programs and tell me which local office I should contact first?”
For TN SHIP
“I have Medicare and want a free cost review. Can you check my drug or Medicare Advantage coverage and tell me whether I should apply for a Medicare Savings Program or Extra Help?”
For Metro Action
“I live in Davidson County and need help with an energy bill. Which application should I use for my type of bill, what documents do I need, and does my situation count as a crisis?”
For the Trustee
“I am a Nashville homeowner age 65 or older. Can you check whether I should apply for Property Tax Relief, Tax Freeze, or both, and confirm the deadline and documents for this application cycle?”
Resumen en Español
Las personas mayores en Nashville y el condado de Davidson pueden pedir ayuda para comida, facturas de energía, vivienda, cuidado en casa, reparaciones, impuestos de propiedad, transporte y Medicare. Para empezar, llame a la Agencia de Envejecimiento y Discapacidad al 1-866-836-6678.
Si hay peligro inmediato, llame al 911. Para reportar abuso, negligencia o explotación financiera de un adulto vulnerable, llame a Adult Protective Services al 1-888-277-8366. Para ayuda local urgente con comida, refugio o facturas, llame al 2-1-1.
Antes de solicitar ayuda, reúna identificación, comprobante de domicilio, cartas de ingresos, tarjeta de Medicare, facturas médicas, contrato de alquiler o hipoteca, factura de servicios públicos y cualquier aviso de corte, desalojo o denegación. Si le niegan ayuda, pida la razón y la fecha límite para apelar por escrito.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should a Nashville senior start first?
Call the Area Agency on Aging and Disability line at 1-866-836-6678. Ask for screening for meals, home help, caregiver support, transportation, and other senior services in Davidson County.
Can Nashville seniors get direct cash grants?
Most assistance is not direct cash. One true grant path in this guide is THDA’s Emergency Repair Program for qualifying urgent home repairs. Other help may be a food benefit, utility payment, tax program, housing subsidy, meal service, transportation, or health-cost assistance.
Are MDHA housing waiting lists open?
No. As of September 12, 2026, MDHA says it is not accepting applications for affordable housing or voucher waiting lists. Check the MDHA application page regularly because opening periods can change.
What are the 2026 CHOICES financial limits?
TennCare says Medicaid long-term services and supports applicants generally face a 2026 income limit of $2,982 per month and a $2,000 resource limit. Other rules apply, and some people over the income limit may be able to use a Qualified Income Trust.
How much can LIHEAP pay?
THDA says 2025-2026 LIHEAP assistance ranges from $174 to $750 based on household energy burden. Funding is limited, and approval depends on current eligibility and documentation.
What if I was denied benefits?
Ask for the reason and appeal deadline in writing. Ask what proof is missing. If you want legal help and cannot afford a lawyer, Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands is listed by Tennessee at 1-800-238-1443.
About This Guide
Sources: This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources linked in the article.
Editorial note
This guide is produced under the GFS Editorial Standards using official and other high-trust sources. GFS is not affiliated with a government agency and is not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Corrections
Despite careful review, errors may occur. Email info@grantsforseniors.org with corrections.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, medical, tax, disability-rights, immigration, or government-agency advice. Program rules, policies, funding, and availability can change. Readers should confirm current details directly with the responsible official program before acting.
Last updated: 18 September 2026 · Next review: 18 January 2027
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