Written & Reviewed by
Last updated: April 28, 2026
This guide is for older adults in Nashville and Davidson County who need help with food, rent, utilities, health care, home repairs, rides, property taxes, or staying safe at home. Most are not cash grants. They are services, bill help, vouchers, repairs, tax relief, meals, or case help.
Bottom line: Start with the Area Agency on Aging and Disability, then use the program that matches your most urgent need. Ask to be screened for more than one program at the same time.
Contents
- Urgent help in Nashville
- Quick starting points
- Key Nashville facts
- Health and care
- Food and meals
- Housing, utilities, and repairs
- Property tax help
- Rides and local travel
- How to apply faster
- FAQs
Urgent help in Nashville
Call 911 if someone is in danger, if there is a fire, if you smell gas, or if a medical problem cannot wait. For suspected abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, Tennessee Adult Protective Services says its hotline is open 24/7 at 1-888-277-8366, and reports can also be made through the APS report page when it is safe.
For local food, shelter, utility, transportation, or crisis referrals, call 2-1-1 or use Tennessee 211 before shutoff or eviction. For thoughts of self-harm or a mental health crisis, call or text 988.
| Need right now | Fastest first step | What to say |
|---|---|---|
| Danger, fire, medical crisis | Call 911 | Give your address first, then the problem. |
| Elder abuse or exploitation | Call APS at 1-888-277-8366 | Say if the person is safe right now. |
| No food, shelter, or utility shutoff | Call 2-1-1 | Ask for Davidson County senior resources. |
| Medicare or health bill confusion | Call SHIP at 1-877-801-0044 | Ask for a free Medicare cost review. |
Quick starting points for Nashville seniors
Many Nashville programs use different forms and rules. Still, a few doors can connect you to several kinds of help. Tennessee says the AAAD directory is a good first step because it connects callers to local aging services. You can also call 1-866-836-6678.
| Start here | Best for | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Nashville AAAD | Meals, home help, caregiver support, options counseling | Some services depend on need and funding. |
| Tennessee SHIP | Medicare, Part D, Medicare Savings Programs | Open enrollment calls can be heavy. |
| Metro Action | LIHEAP, rent, mortgage, water, prescriptions, senior services | Help is one-time per program period and funds can run out. |
| MDHA | Public housing and vouchers | Waitlists may be closed. |
| 2-1-1 | Same-week local referrals | Availability can change daily. |
For a wider view of state programs, use our Tennessee guide after you check the local Nashville options on this page.
Key Nashville facts that shape help
Senior help in Davidson County is spread across state, county, nonprofit, and health programs. Census QuickFacts reported 712,334 residents in the July 1, 2023 estimate, with 13.3% age 65 or older and a 14.0% poverty rate in the 2018-2022 data. Use the Census county facts as background, not as an eligibility rule.
What this means in real life: rent, taxes, energy bills, transportation, and home care are the pressure points. Apply early. Ask for a waitlist, appeal step, or backup referral if the first answer is no.
Health, Medicare, and care at home
Free Medicare counseling
Tennessee SHIP gives free, unbiased help to Medicare-eligible people, families, and caregivers. SHIP counselors do not sell plans. Use the TN SHIP page to call 1-877-801-0044, ask for a plan review, and check cost help.
Who may qualify: Anyone with Medicare can ask for counseling. People with limited income may also be screened for Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help with prescriptions, and plan changes that lower costs.
Where to apply: SHIP can guide you, but TennCare Connect handles Tennessee Medicaid and Medicare Savings Program applications. Use TennCare Connect for the application or call TennCare Connect at 855-259-0701.
Reality check: Bring your Medicare card, drug list, pharmacy name, Social Security award letter, and plan notices. A low premium can still cost more if your medicines are not covered well.
Phone script: “Hello, I live in Nashville and I have Medicare. I need a free SHIP review. Can someone check my Part D or Medicare Advantage plan and also screen me for Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help?”
TennCare CHOICES and home care
TennCare CHOICES helps older adults age 65 and older and adults with physical disabilities age 21 and older who need long-term services and supports at home, in the community, or in a nursing facility. Tennessee’s CHOICES page says applicants must meet medical and financial rules, and 2026 long-term care financial rules include a monthly income limit of $2,982 and a $2,000 resource limit for many applicants.
What it helps with: Depending on the group and care plan, CHOICES may cover nursing facility care or home and community-based services that help with daily needs.
Who may qualify: Seniors age 65 or older, or adults with physical disabilities, who need help with daily living and meet TennCare financial rules.
Where to apply: If you are not already on TennCare, call the Area Agency on Aging and Disability at 1-866-836-6678. If you are already on TennCare, call your health plan and ask for a CHOICES screening.
Reality check: You may need a care assessment. If income is too high, ask about a Qualified Income Trust before giving up.
OPTIONS and non-Medicaid home help
If you need help at home but do not fit TennCare CHOICES, ask about OPTIONS for Community Living and Title III-B in-home services. Tennessee’s HCBS page says these services can include homemaker services, personal care, home-delivered meals, and some local services such as transportation or assistive technology.
Who may qualify: OPTIONS is for Tennessee residents age 18 or older who meet daily living need rules. Title III-B in-home services are for adults age 60 or older who meet need rules.
Where to apply: Call 1-866-836-6678 and ask for the Greater Nashville Area Agency on Aging and Disability intake line.
Reality check: OPTIONS has no income eligibility requirement listed by the state, but a sliding fee scale may apply. Services are based on need and availability, so ask to be screened and put on any list that fits.
Clinics and dental help
Medicare does not cover most routine dental care. For lower-cost care, check Nashville clinics directly. Meharry’s School of Dentistry describes dental care through the Meharry dental clinic, and Neighborhood Health lists clinics across the Nashville area on its patient services page. For more state options, use our Tennessee dental guide as a next step.
Reality check: Dental clinics may charge reduced fees, not free care. Ask for the price before treatment and whether payment plans or charity care are available.
Food, meals, and grocery help
SNAP food benefits
SNAP helps eligible households buy groceries with an Electronic Benefit Transfer card. Tennessee DHS says SNAP is managed by the state and that people can apply online through the One DHS portal. Start at the Tennessee SNAP page and use the medical deduction if you are 60 or older or have a disability.
What it helps with: Monthly grocery benefits for approved households.
Who may qualify: Tennessee households that meet income, residency, citizenship, resource, and other rules. Seniors may have helpful deductions for out-of-pocket medical costs.
Where to apply: Use One DHS, mail an application, or contact a DHS office if you need a paper form.
Reality check: Missing proof is a common delay. Include rent, utilities, Medicare premiums, prescription costs, copays, and medical rides if they apply.
Meals at home and group meals
Tennessee’s Aging Nutrition Program serves adults age 60 and older through group meal sites and home-delivered meals. The state says the network served more than 3.5 million meals in 2024 and has services in all 95 counties. Use the Aging Nutrition page to start through the local aging network.
For Davidson County meal questions, the Greater Nashville Regional Council lists home-delivered meals in Davidson County at 615-880-2292 and the Information and Assistance helpline at 615-255-1010 on its GNRC meals page for local steps.
Reality check: Home-delivered meals usually require an intake review. Group meals are often easier to start, but you may need to call the site for days and times.
Senior food boxes
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program gives monthly food boxes to some low-income older adults. The Tennessee Department of Health says Davidson County residents should contact Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee at 615-329-3491 to apply; see the CSFP state page for county sites and rules.
Reality check: Income wording can vary across program pages, so call Second Harvest before you rule yourself out. Ask what proof they need and where the closest pickup site is.
Housing, utilities, and home repairs
Rent help and affordable housing
In Nashville, the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency runs public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher program. MDHA says the voucher program helps families find safe private-market housing and helps pay rent and utilities. Check the MDHA voucher page for program details, then check the application page for waitlist status.
As of the latest review, the MDHA application page said MDHA was not accepting applications for affordable housing waiting lists. Check MDHA waitlists often because openings can be short.
What it helps with: Rent support through vouchers or income-based housing when lists are open.
Who may qualify: Low-income households that meet HUD and MDHA rules. Older adults may still need to meet the same income, household, and paperwork rules as other applicants.
Reality check: A closed waitlist is not a denial. Ask MDHA how to sign up for updates, and ask 2-1-1 for shelters, eviction help, or senior housing referrals if the need is urgent.
For broader state housing paths, see our Tennessee housing guide after checking MDHA.
Utility bills and LIHEAP
In Davidson County, Metro Action handles utility assistance for many residents. Metro Action says LIHEAP helps eligible Davidson County residents with electric, gas, propane, and other energy bills, and its main page says limited funding can make crisis cases the priority. Use the Metro Action page to check the current notice before applying.
THDA says Tennessee LIHEAP is one-time assistance, funding is limited, and 2025-2026 applications opened November 1, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. Central. THDA also says 2025-2026 benefits range from $174 to $750 based on energy burden; use the THDA LIHEAP page for statewide rules and the application portal.
What it helps with: A one-time payment toward heating or cooling costs, usually paid to the vendor or utility.
Who may qualify: Low-income households that meet the current income rule and provide the required bill, income, identity, and residence proof.
Where to apply: In Davidson County, start with Metro Action and follow the current LIHEAP instructions.
Reality check: If you are disconnected, have a shutoff notice, or rely on medical equipment, say that clearly. Keep applying even if funds are limited because some agencies use waiting lists.
Phone script: “Hello, I am a Davidson County senior. I need help with my electric or gas bill. I have a shutoff notice or high bill. Can you screen me for LIHEAP, crisis help, and any senior services?”
Home repairs and weatherization
THDA’s Emergency Repair Program is for low-income homeowners who are elderly age 60 or older or disabled and have an essential system or critical structural problem that creates an immediate health or safety danger. Start at the THDA repair page and ask which local agency handles Davidson County.
Weatherization can lower heating and cooling costs by improving home energy efficiency. THDA says weatherization is aimed at low-income households, with special focus on older adults, people with disabilities, and homes with children. Use the THDA weatherization page to find the current process.
What it helps with: Emergency repairs may cover safety-critical systems. Weatherization may include energy-saving work after an energy review.
Who may qualify: Low-income owners for emergency repair, and low-income households for weatherization. Renters may need landlord approval for some work.
Reality check: These are not remodeling programs. Roof, heat, electrical, plumbing, septic, and access problems are stronger fits.
For more repair paths, our home repair guide can help you compare national and local routes.
Property tax help for Nashville homeowners
Tennessee Property Tax Relief helps some low-income elderly and disabled homeowners, disabled veteran homeowners, and surviving spouses. The state says this is a reimbursement program, not an exemption, and you still receive and pay your property tax bill. Use the state tax relief page for the statewide rule and contact details.
Davidson County also has local Property Tax Relief and Property Tax Freeze information through the Metropolitan Trustee. The Trustee says these programs are state and Metro-funded and are meant to lower the tax burden for older Nashvillians, 100% disabled veterans, and disabled homeowners. Use the Trustee tax page for current Nashville filing details.
What it helps with: Tax Relief may reimburse part of taxes paid. Tax Freeze may lock the tax amount for qualified senior homeowners who keep meeting rules.
Who may qualify: Homeowners age 65 or older, disabled homeowners, some disabled veterans, and some surviving spouses. Each program has its own income, ownership, residency, and filing rules.
Where to apply: Contact the Davidson County Trustee. Ask about both Tax Relief and Tax Freeze, because some homeowners may fit more than one path.
Reality check: The 2026 application window listed by the Trustee had April deadlines. If you missed them, call anyway and ask about vouchers, next cycle dates, and whether any local relief or deferral path is still open.
For a deeper state overview, see our Tennessee tax guide after you call the Trustee.
Rides and local travel
Transportation can decide whether a benefit is useful. Nashville seniors may use regular WeGo bus routes, paratransit, volunteer rides, medical rides, or help through an aging program.
The Nashville government WeGo page lists bus fares, schedules, and AccessRide services through WeGo transit for local routes and customer care. If you cannot use regular bus service because of a disability, ask WeGo about paratransit eligibility and trip rules.
Senior Ride Nashville gives volunteer rides for adults age 60 and older in Davidson County. Use Senior Ride Nashville to check membership, ride fees, service area, and how much notice is needed.
What it helps with: Medical appointments, grocery trips, pharmacy trips, senior centers, and other local needs.
Who may qualify: Seniors 60 and older for Senior Ride Nashville; riders with disabilities for paratransit if approved; TennCare members may have medical transportation for covered care.
Reality check: Book early. Volunteer rides and paratransit trips may not be available the same day. Have the full address, appointment time, return time, and mobility needs ready.
Caregivers, veterans, and people with disabilities
Caregivers should call the AAAD and ask about respite, counseling, homemaker help, meals, and in-home options. If a family member asks about pay, start with our caregiver pay guide and then ask TennCare or the AAAD about fit.
Seniors with disabilities should ask about CHOICES, OPTIONS, property tax relief, paratransit, weatherization, home repair, and APS help if safety is at risk. Our disabled seniors guide can help you prepare questions.
Veterans should ask about VA benefits, Aid and Attendance, property tax relief, rides, and local referrals. Our veterans guide gives Tennessee steps.
How to start without wasting time
Do not apply for one program, wait for a denial, and then start over. Make a one-page list of needs and ask each helper to screen you for related programs.
| Bring or gather | Why it matters | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID and proof of Davidson County address | Shows who you are and where you live | Most local programs |
| Social Security, pension, and income letters | Shows monthly income | SNAP, TennCare, LIHEAP, tax relief |
| Medicare card and drug list | Lets SHIP check plan costs | Medicare savings |
| Lease, mortgage, tax bill, or utility bill | Shows housing cost or emergency | Rent, utilities, tax relief |
| Medical bills and pharmacy receipts | May support deductions or hardship | SNAP, Metro Action, appeals |
| Shutoff, eviction, or denial notices | Shows urgency and deadlines | Crisis help and appeals |
Phone script: “I am 60 or older and live in Davidson County. I need help with more than one thing. Can you screen me for food, utility help, home-delivered meals, transportation, and help at home?”
Phone script: “I was denied or delayed. Can you tell me the reason, the appeal deadline, what papers are missing, and whether someone can help me file the appeal?”
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for the bill to become a crisis: Some programs run out of funds. Apply as soon as you know the bill will be hard to pay.
- Leaving out medical costs: For SNAP and some hardship programs, out-of-pocket medical costs can matter.
- Assuming closed waitlists mean no help: Ask about newsletters, next openings, other housing lists, and emergency referrals.
- Paying for help that should be free: SHIP and AAAD help are free. Be careful with anyone who asks for gift cards, wire transfers, or bank logins.
- Using old deadlines: Property tax and energy programs change by year. Check the official page before you mail forms.
What to do if denied, delayed, or overwhelmed
Ask for the reason in writing. Ask what proof is missing. Ask for the appeal deadline. If you need benefits appeal or civil legal help and cannot pay, Tennessee DHS lists Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands at 1-800-238-1443 on its legal aid page for free legal help contacts.
Keep a folder with forms, notices, screenshots, confirmation numbers, and names of people you spoke with. If calls are hard, ask whether a family member, caregiver, case manager, or legal aid worker can join.
Backup options when one program is closed
- If housing lists are closed: Call 2-1-1, ask MDHA about updates, and ask local nonprofits about eviction or shelter prevention.
- If LIHEAP funds are limited: Ask Metro Action about crisis status, utility payment plans, and other household assistance.
- If CHOICES is delayed: Ask the AAAD about OPTIONS, meals, caregiver respite, and safety checks while the case is reviewed.
- If dental care is too costly: Ask clinics for written estimates, student clinic openings, and charity care steps before treatment.
Related GrantsForSeniors.org guides
Use these only when you need a deeper state guide. Each one covers a related part of this Nashville page: Tennessee AAADs, emergency help, benefits portals, and Medicare savings for details.
Resumen en español
Las personas mayores en Nashville pueden empezar llamando a la Agencia de Envejecimiento y Discapacidad al 1-866-836-6678. Pida ayuda para comida, comidas a domicilio, cuidado en casa, transporte, Medicare, vivienda, servicios públicos y apoyo para cuidadores.
Si hay peligro, llame al 911. Si sospecha abuso, negligencia o robo de dinero a una persona mayor, llame a Adult Protective Services al 1-888-277-8366. Para ayuda local con comida, refugio o facturas, llame al 2-1-1.
Antes de aplicar, junte identificación, prueba de dirección, cartas de ingresos, tarjeta de Medicare, facturas médicas, contrato de renta o hipoteca, factura de servicios públicos y cualquier aviso de corte o desalojo.
Frequently asked questions
Where should a Nashville senior start first?
Start with the Area Agency on Aging and Disability at 1-866-836-6678. Ask for a screening for meals, home help, caregiver support, rides, and other senior services.
Can Nashville seniors get direct cash grants?
Sometimes, but most help is not paid as cash. It may be a utility payment, food benefit, rent help, tax relief, home repair, meal service, or health cost help.
What can help with Medicare costs?
Call Tennessee SHIP at 1-877-801-0044. Ask for a Medicare plan review and a screening for Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help.
Is there help for home repairs in Nashville?
Yes, but repair help is usually limited to health and safety needs. Ask THDA or the local repair agency about emergency repairs, and ask about weatherization if high energy bills or drafts are the problem.
What if MDHA housing lists are closed?
Check MDHA often, sign up for updates if offered, call 2-1-1 for local housing referrals, and ask about emergency help if you have an eviction notice or nowhere safe to stay.
Can I get help if I was denied?
Yes. Ask for the reason and appeal deadline in writing. For civil legal help, call Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands at 1-800-238-1443.
About this guide
We check this guide against official government, local agency, and trusted nonprofit sources. GrantsForSeniors.org is independent and is not a government agency.
Program rules, funding, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply.
See something wrong or outdated? Email info@grantsforseniors.org with corrections.
Last updated: April 28, 2026
Next review: August 1, 2026
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