How to apply for OPTIONS for Community Living (Non-Medicaid In-Home Support)
Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging — delivered through the Area Agencies on Aging & Disability
Who it's for
OPTIONS is Tennessee's state-funded (non-Medicaid) home and community based services program. It provides homemaker services, personal care, and home-delivered meals to help adults with physical or cognitive disabilities stay in their own home. There is no income limit — a sliding fee based on income applies. Contact your Area Agency on Aging & Disability.
OPTIONS is non-Medicaid, needs-based support (distinct from TennCare CHOICES, which is Medicaid long-term care). The tn.gov page states eligibility as age 18+ with ADL/IADL limitations; it primarily serves older adults and adults with physical/cognitive disabilities (excluding intellectual disability). There is no income limit, but a sliding fee based on income applies. Services vary by region and may have waitlists.
People who qualify for one senior program often qualify for others. See everything you may qualify for — free, no SSN, about five minutes.
Find my benefitsWhat you'll need
- No documents required to start — contact your local Area Agency on Aging & Disability for an assessment
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-866-836-6678
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about OPTIONS for Community Living (Non-Medicaid In-Home Support). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need no documents required to start — contact your local Area Agency on Aging & Disability for an assessment — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"
Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.
Step by step
- Call the OPTIONS program toll-free at 1-866-836-6678 or apply online to get connected with your local Area Agency on Aging & Disability.
- Ask to be screened for OPTIONS for Community Living, the state-funded (non-Medicaid) in-home support program — not TennCare CHOICES, which is a separate Medicaid program.
- Schedule a needs assessment with your local Area Agency on Aging & Disability — no documents are required to start this process.
- Complete the in-home assessment, during which a staff member will review your daily living needs to determine what services may be available to you.
- Learn which services — such as homemaker help, personal care, or home-delivered meals — you may receive based on your assessed needs and your region.
- Ask the agency about any waitlists in your area and how a sliding fee based on your income may apply to your services.
What to expect: After your assessment is submitted, the Area Agency on Aging & Disability will determine your eligibility and the services that fit your needs. Processing times vary, so ask the agency for an estimate when you apply. Keep in mind that services differ by region and a waitlist may apply. Because OPTIONS is needs-based, there is no income limit to qualify, but you will be asked to contribute to the cost of services on a sliding scale based on your income. Enrollment is reviewed annually, so you will need to complete a renewal each year to continue receiving services.
Renewals
annual
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.