Housing Assistance for Seniors in Tennessee

Last Updated on January 24, 2024 by Rachel

Thirty-six percent of Tennessee’s population is over 50 years old. It has great attractions to retirees for the following reasons:


  • Low cost of living: Tennessee has a lower cost of living compared to many other states. This means that retirees can stretch their retirement income further and enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle.
  • Tax-friendly: Tennessee does not have a state income tax, which is a big advantage for retirees looking to minimize their tax burden. Additionally, property taxes in Tennessee are relatively low.
  • Mild climate: Tennessee has a mild climate, with four distinct seasons. The summers are warm but not too hot, and the winters are mild with occasional snowfall. This makes it an attractive location for retirees who want to avoid extreme weather conditions.
  • Access to healthcare: Tennessee has a strong healthcare system, with many top-rated hospitals and medical centers. This is especially important for retirees who may require more frequent medical attention.
  • Natural beauty: Tennessee is home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is a popular tourist destination and an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. The state is also home to many lakes and rivers, making it a great location for fishing and boating.
  • Cultural attractions: Tennessee is known for its rich musical heritage, with cities like Nashville and Memphis being major hubs for country, blues, and rock music. The state is also home to many historical sites and museums, making it a great destination for culture lovers.

Most seniors have a fixed income so the cost of living is a big factor to consider when retiring to a place. The overall cost of living index of Tennessee state is 89.9, which is below the nation’s average. The state’s life expectancy is 76 years. The percentage of seniors above 55 who are part of the labor force is 29.9%. When it comes to the population of concern, 16.2% of it is made up of seniors above 65 years. The median household income for households led by seniors above 65 is $39,773, which is below the nation’s income.

The housing cost of living index is 87.60, which is below the nation’s average. You can count it as one of the most affordable places to live since rent is below the nation’s average cost. A one-bedroom house goes for $623 a month and a two-bedroom one costs $770 per month.

Although housing costs of living are below average, some seniors may struggle with covering housing-related expenses. The state and local organizations have programs in place that favor seniors facing economic challenges putting them at risk of homelessness.

Housing Options for Seniors

Senior living costs are also much lower in this state compared to others in the USA. With $3,546 per month, you can get good home health care services. Adult care costs $1,408 per month and is perfect for seniors on independent living in need of health care services, therapy, and socialization.  There are several housing options for seniors in Tennessee which you can pick from depending on your needs and budget.

  • Independent living: Healthy and active seniors who prefer living alone can pick independent living facilities. You can choose to live in senior 55+ or 65+ apartments provided by the Volunteer State.
  • Assisted living: These facilities offer transportation, housekeeping, laundry, and social opportunities, together with round-the-clock care. The most expensive assisted living facilities are found in the Kingsport-Bristol areas and the cheapest is in the Morristown area. Assisted living cost is $3,595.
  • Memory Care: These facilities take care of older adults who suffer from dementia-related ailments. The costs range from $1,885 to $8,120 per month depending on the location and level of care required to manage dementia.
  • Nursing homes: Tennessee has a continuously growing senior population with 15.7% of the population being made up of older citizens. Nursing homes include adult day cares, hospice centers, and respite care facilities. These are the most expensive housing alternatives in the market. A semi-private room in a nursing facility costs $6,110 per month and a private one costs $6,600 monthly.

State Assistance for Seniors

The federal and state government have funds set aside for developing affordable housing for low and moderate-income families. They also set up policies to protect the vulnerable from exploitation due to financial constraints.

The Tennessee Housing Authority helps people facing financial challenges that put them at risk of being homeless. They can get affordable, safe, and secure homes thanks to programs run by this initiative. Tennessee Home for the Aged provides residential care services for seniors who are unable to live independently. This facility offers nursing care, rehabilitation services, and other support services. Tennessee State Veterans Homes operates four veterans’ homes that provide long-term care for veterans and their spouses. These homes offer nursing care, rehabilitation services, and other support services.

Emergency Food and Shelter Program is provided by the Tennessee Community Services Agency. Seniors in need of emergency shelter and other support services are beneficiaries of this program. Elderly and Disabled Tax Relief Program is a property tax relief program that provides tax relief to elderly and disabled homeowners who have limited income. The program provides a rebate of up to $140 on property taxes.

Rental Assistance for Seniors

Some programs have been put in place to offer rent assistance to older adults who are struggling to pay their rent. Tennessee Housing Choice Voucher Program-Section 8 is administered by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency. The program pays 70% of the beneficiary’s rent on flats, apartments, or houses of choice, especially for seniors above 62 years of age. The Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program is a federal program that provides funding to non-profit organizations to develop and manage affordable housing for low-income seniors. The program also provides rental assistance to eligible seniors who live in these properties.

The Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service is a state-funded program that provides rental assistance to low-income seniors who are at least 60 years old. The program provides up to $350 per month in rental assistance for eligible seniors. The Tennessee Emergency Rental Assistance Program (TERAP) is a state-funded program that provides financial assistance to households that are struggling to pay rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program can provide up to 12 months of rental assistance to eligible households.

The Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP) is a federal program that provides financial assistance to households that are at risk of becoming homeless or are already homeless. The program can provide rental assistance, utility assistance, and other financial assistance to eligible households. The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is designed to help families and seniors become self-sufficient. The program provides case management services and financial assistance to help participants increase their income and become more financially stable. The program may also provide rental assistance to eligible participants.

Home Repair Grants for Seniors

Which programs can assist seniors to pay for home improvements to improve the safety and standards of their homes? Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that assists with energy costs, including heating and cooling, to low-income households, including seniors.Weatherization Assistance Program helps with home weatherization to reduce energy costs. Senior Citizen Homeowner Assistance Program provides financial assistance to low-income seniors who need help with home repairs or modifications. The program can help with things like replacing a roof, fixing a leaky plumbing system or installing ramps for wheelchair accessibility.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) offers a Home Uplift Program that provides grants to eligible low-income homeowners for home repairs and weatherization improvements. The program can provide up to $10,000 in grant funds for eligible repairs, which may include roof repairs, window replacement, and insulation installation. The Rebuilding Together Nashville program provides free home repairs to low-income homeowners in Nashville and surrounding areas. The program is designed to help seniors and disabled individuals remain in their homes by providing necessary repairs and modifications.

The Aging Commission of the Mid-South provides home repair and modification services to seniors in the Memphis area. The program can assist with a variety of home repairs, including roof repairs, plumbing and electrical work, and accessibility modifications. The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) offers a Homeowner Rehabilitation Program that provides grants to low-income homeowners who need assistance with home repairs. The program can provide up to $40,000 in grant funds for eligible repairs, which may include roof repairs, plumbing and electrical work, and accessibility modifications. The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance offers a Home Modification Grant Program that provides grants of up to $5,000 to seniors who need modifications to their homes to accommodate disabilities or other special needs.

Housing Assistance from Local Organizations and Charities for Seniors

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization which builds and repairs homes for low-income families, including seniors. They also offer a variety of home repair and modification services to help seniors stay in their homes. Community Action Agencies provide a variety of services to low-income individuals and families, including housing assistance programs. They may offer rental assistance, utility assistance, and other types of financial assistance to seniors who are struggling to afford to house.

Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) provide a variety of services to seniors, including housing assistance. They can help seniors find affordable housing options, apply for rental assistance programs, and access home repair and modification services. Local Housing Authorities manage public housing programs and may offer rental assistance to eligible seniors. They can also provide information on affordable housing options in the area.

Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA) provides affordable housing options for low-income individuals and families in the Nashville area. They offer a variety of rental assistance programs, including Section 8 vouchers, and can provide information on affordable housing options. Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee offers a variety of services to low-income individuals and families in the Knoxville area, including housing assistance programs. They can provide rental assistance, utility assistance, and other types of financial assistance to eligible seniors.

Chattanooga Housing Authority manages public housing programs in the Chattanooga area and can provide rental assistance to eligible seniors. They also offer a variety of services to help seniors maintain their homes, including home repair and modification services. Memphis Housing Authority provides affordable housing options for low-income individuals and families in the Memphis area. They offer a variety of rental assistance programs, including Section 8 vouchers, and can provide information on affordable housing options.

Upper Cumberland Development District provides a variety of services to seniors in the Upper Cumberland region, including housing assistance programs. They can provide information on affordable housing options, home repair and modification services, and other types of assistance.

Low-interest Loans for Housing for Seniors

There are low-interest loans that seniors can apply for that can assist them to buy their dream home. Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) offers several programs that can help seniors with housing, including the Great Choice Home Loan program, which offers low-interest mortgages for low- to moderate-income borrowers, and the Hardest Hit Fund Down Payment Assistance program, which provides financial assistance for down payments and closing costs. Tennessee Reverse Mortgage Program is offered by The Tennessee Housing Development Agency. It allows seniors to convert the equity in their homes into cash. This can be a good option for seniors who want to stay in their homes but need additional income to cover expenses.

Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) offers a Homeownership for the Aged and Disabled (HAD) program that provides low-interest loans to eligible seniors and disabled individuals to help them purchase or make repairs to their homes. The program offers 30-year fixed-rate loans with interest rates as low as 2.5%. USDA Rural Development Program offers home improvement loans and grants to eligible low-income seniors living in rural areas. The loans have a fixed interest rate of 1% and can be used to make repairs and improvements to the home, including accessibility modifications.

Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee offers a home repair loan program for low-income seniors in the Knoxville area. The program provides loans with interest rates as low as 3% to help seniors make repairs and improvements to their homes. The Rebuilding Together Nashville program offers low-interest loans to eligible low-income homeowners in the Nashville area. The loans can be used to make repairs and modifications to the home, including accessibility improvements.

Home Repair Loan Program from the City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development offers low-interest loans to eligible low-income homeowners in the Memphis area. The loans can be used to make repairs and improvements to the home, including accessibility modifications. Home Improvement Loan Program from the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County offers low-interest loans to eligible low-income homeowners in the Nashville area. The loans can be used to make repairs and improvements to the home, including accessibility modifications. Shelby County Home Improvement Program offers low-interest loans to eligible low-income homeowners in Shelby County, including seniors. The loans can be used to make repairs and improvements to the home, including accessibility modifications.

Legal Assistance for Eviction for Seniors

Seniors can get free legal services, counsel, advocacy, and education on their rights to housing in times of eviction and foreclosure. Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands provides free legal services to eligible low-income seniors throughout Middle Tennessee. They can help with a variety of legal issues, including housing, consumer protection, and public benefits. Tennessee Senior Law Alliance provides legal assistance and representation to seniors on a range of legal issues, including estate planning, Medicaid, and nursing home abuse and neglect.

Legal Aid of East Tennessee provides free legal services to eligible low-income seniors throughout East Tennessee. They can help with a variety of legal issues, including housing, consumer protection, and public benefits. Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) offers legal services to seniors through its Adult Protective Services program. This program investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults and can provide legal assistance to victims. Tennessee Justice Center provides legal advocacy and representation for seniors and other vulnerable populations on a range of issues, including healthcare, public benefits, and education.

The availability of these resources may vary depending on the location and individual circumstances. Contact your local Department of Human Services or Aging and Disability Resource Center for more information on these programs in your area.