Benefits · Compare

Cook County, Illinois vs Davidson County, Tennessee

What senior and caregiver benefit programs are available in each county. 25 federal programs are available in both. Because these counties are in different states, their state programs differ entirely.

Only in Cook County

26 programs not available in the other county

Caregiver Support

Illinois Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)

State

The Illinois Family Caregiver Support Program (the state's National Family Caregiver Support Program) helps unpaid family caregivers of adults 60+ (and older caregivers raising grandchildren) with information and assistance, caregiver counseling and training, support groups, respite care, and limited supplemental services. No strict income limit (services may be prioritized by need). Delivered through the 13 Area Agencies on Aging and their providers. Call the Senior HelpLine (1-800-252-8966).

$500–$5,000/yr

How to apply →Official source →1-800-252-8966Last verified · August 29, 2026

Cash Assistance

Illinois Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled (AABD) Cash Assistance

State

AABD Cash is a state cash-assistance supplement for Illinois residents age 65+, blind, or disabled who have little or no income. It supplements federal SSI up to the Illinois payment standard and is available to some seniors who do not qualify for SSI. Administered by IDHS; apply through ABE (abe.illinois.gov) or a local Family Community Resource Center.

$600–$6,000/yr

How to apply →Official source →1-800-843-6154Last verified · September 5, 2026

Emergency Aid

Illinois LIHEAP — Low Income Home Energy Assistance + PIPP

State

The Illinois Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills, with a one-time benefit and reconnection assistance. Illinois also offers the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) — a year-round plan capping the energy bill at a percentage of income with monthly bill credits. Households at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify (seniors 60+ and disabled get priority/early application). Delivered through local Community Action Agencies (in Cook County, CEDA). Apply via HelpIllinoisFamilies (877-411-9276) or your local agency.

$250–$1,500/yr

How to apply →Official source →877-411-9276Last verified · September 1, 2026

Illinois County Veterans Assistance Commissions — Emergency Financial Help

State

Illinois law directs counties to fund emergency and interim financial assistance for veterans in need through county Veterans Assistance Commissions (VACs). Under the Military Veterans Assistance Act, honorably discharged veterans, their families, and the families of deceased veterans who need assistance can receive help through the VAC in their county — typically short-term aid toward needs like food, shelter, and utilities, based on each commission's standards of need. The commissions are staffed by fellow veterans and run county by county, so the exact assistance and screening rules are local. An Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Veteran Service Officer can point to the nearest commission and help with the request.

How to apply →Official source →Last verified · September 3, 2026

Cook County LIHEAP — CEDA Energy Assistance (Cook County)

County

Illinois LIHEAP for Cook County residents is delivered through CEDA (the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County) — the designated Community Action Agency / LIHEAP administering agency for both the City of Chicago and suburban Cook. CEDA provides the one-time LIHEAP heating/cooling benefit, the year-round PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan) with monthly bill credits, reconnection assistance, weatherization, and CSBG emergency help (rent/utility/food). Households at or below 60% SMI (was modeled as 200% FPL; corrected 2026-07-07) qualify; seniors 60+ get priority. Apply via CEDA (855-499-2332) or HelpIllinoisFamilies (877-411-9276).

$250–$1,500/yr

How to apply →Official source →855-499-2332Last verified · September 8, 2026

Cook County Township General Assistance + Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination (Cook County)

County

Cook County emergency aid: (1) DISTINCTIVE to Illinois — township General Assistance (GA): suburban Cook County townships (e.g., Proviso, Thornton, Maine, Niles, Cicero, Worth, and others) provide emergency 'General Assistance' for residents with little or no income — help with rent, utilities, food, and personal needs (this is Illinois's analog to Indiana's township trustee relief). Find your township supervisor through the county. (2) For City of Chicago residents (Chicago is NOT in a township), the city's Department of Family & Support Services Community Service Centers + the Utility Billing Relief program. (3) CEDA for LIHEAP/CSBG utility and rent help. (4) Cook County Health CareLink for medical bills. (5) Salvation Army / St. Vincent de Paul / Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. (6) Greater Chicago Food Depository. (7) Dial 211.

$200–$3,000/yr

How to apply →Official source →211Last verified · June 14, 2026

Healthcare

Illinois Medicaid — Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD)

State

Illinois Medicaid AABD covers residents age 65+, blind, or disabled. Income limit (2026): 100% of the Federal Poverty Level — about $1,330/month for one person, $1,803/month for a couple. DISTINCTIVE: Illinois raised its AABD asset limit to $17,500 per individual in 2023 (one of the most generous in the country — far above the $2,000 limit in most states). A Medically Needy 'spend-down' is available for those over the income limit. Apply online through ABE (Application for Benefits Eligibility, abe.illinois.gov), at a local Family Community Resource Center, or by calling 1-800-843-6154.

$4,000–$30,000/yr

How to apply →Official source →1-800-843-6154Last verified · September 5, 2026

Illinois Medicare Savings Program (QMB / SLMB / QI)

State

Illinois Medicare Savings Programs help Medicare beneficiaries pay Medicare costs. QMB (income ≤100% FPL) pays Part A & B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance; SLMB (≤120% FPL) and QI (≤135% FPL) pay the Part B premium (~$185/month in 2026). DISTINCTIVE: Illinois has NO asset test for MSP — only income counts. QMB/SLMB/QI enrollees also get Extra Help (Part D low-income subsidy) automatically. Apply through ABE (abe.illinois.gov) or with SHIP counseling.

$2,200–$8,000/yr

How to apply →Official source →1-800-843-6154Last verified · September 6, 2026

Illinois SHIP — Senior Health Insurance Program (Medicare Counseling)

State

Illinois SHIP provides free, unbiased counseling on Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D drug plans, Medigap/supplements, Medicare Savings Programs, and Extra Help. Trained volunteers help compare plans during Open Enrollment, resolve billing/appeals, and screen for benefits. Free to all Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers. Call the Senior HelpLine (1-800-252-8966) to reach a local SHIP counselor.

up to $2,000/yr

How to apply →Official source →1-800-252-8966Last verified · August 30, 2026

Cook County Health — CareLink Financial Assistance + CountyCare (Cook County)

County

Cook County hospital safety net: Cook County Health (CCH) — the public safety-net system anchored by John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital and Provident Hospital plus a large clinic network. CareLink is CCH's financial-assistance program for uninsured/underinsured Cook County residents, giving a 30%, 50%, or 100% discount on clinic visits, labs, hospital stays, and ER/urgent care based on income (sliding to ~200-250% of the Federal Poverty Level). CCH also runs CountyCare, the county's Medicaid managed-care plan (the highest-rated Medicaid plan in Illinois). Apply for CareLink at Stroger Hospital (1969 W. Ogden Ave.) or any CCH site.

$500–$40,000/yr

How to apply →Official source →312-864-6000Last verified · August 30, 2026

Home Care

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

State

PACE is a comprehensive, integrated care program for seniors who are certified as needing a nursing-home level of care but want to keep living in the community. A single PACE organization becomes the participant's complete medical home — primary care, specialists, hospital care, prescriptions, physical and occupational therapy, dental, vision, hearing, mental health, transportation to appointments, meals, and adult day care at a PACE center. For Illinoisans who have both Medicare and Medicaid, PACE covers all of it with no out-of-pocket cost. Illinois launched PACE in 2024; designated organizations include OSF HealthCare PACE, Lawndale Christian Health Center (Chicago's West Side), Stella's Place (the Metro-East area), Kinship PACE, and BoldAge PACE. PACE is for people 55 and older who need a nursing-facility level of care, live within a PACE organization's service area, and can be served safely in the community. Participants agree to use only PACE-network providers.

$30,000–$80,000/yr

How to apply →Official source →Last verified · September 6, 2026

Illinois Community Care Program (CCP) — In-Home Services for Seniors 60+

State

The Community Care Program (CCP) is Illinois's flagship in-home and community-based service program helping residents age 60+ stay in their own homes instead of a nursing facility. Services: in-home care (homemaker, personal care), adult day services, and emergency home response. DISTINCTIVE — eligibility is by ASSESSED NEED, not income: there is NO income limit (income only affects any cost-share), and the non-exempt asset limit is $17,500. Applicants must be assessed (by a Care Coordination Unit) as needing nursing-home-level long-term care. Illinois's PASSPORT/CHOICE equivalent. Call the Senior HelpLine (1-800-252-8966) or your local CCU.

$3,000–$25,000/yr

How to apply →Official source →1-800-252-8966Last verified · August 31, 2026

Long Term Care

Comprehensive Care in Residential Settings (CCRS)

State

Comprehensive Care in Residential Settings is an Illinois demonstration project that offers a social model of affordable assisted living. It combines affordable rent with state-assisted care services provided through the Illinois Department on Aging's Community Care Program. Services include 24-hour security, three meals a day, help with activities of daily living, an emergency response system, housekeeping, laundry, and medication management. Services are tailored to each resident through an assessment done by a local Care Coordination Unit. To qualify you must be 60 or older, live in Illinois, be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen, have non-exempt assets of $17,500 or less (your home, car, and personal furnishings do not count), have an assessed need for long-term care measured by the Determination of Need assessment, and apply for Medicaid. Call the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 to find your local Care Coordination Unit.

How to apply →Official source →1-800-252-8966Last verified · August 25, 2026

Illinois Veterans' Homes (Long-Term Care)

State

Illinois operates five Veterans' Homes — in Anna, Chicago, LaSalle, Manteno, and Quincy — providing skilled nursing and memory care for qualified veterans, with limited independent-living (domiciliary) options at Anna and Quincy. Residents pay a maintenance charge based on monthly income only, and the inability to contribute to the cost of care does not prevent admission. Eligibility requires an honorable discharge, qualifying military service, and Illinois residency (entered service as an Illinois resident, or lived in Illinois for the year before applying). Spouses, widows, and widowers of honorably discharged veterans may be admitted at the Anna and Quincy homes, based on availability. Contact a home directly or an IDVA Veteran Service Officer to start an application.

How to apply →Official source →Last verified · August 31, 2026

Illinois Supportive Living Program — Medicaid-covered assisted living

State

Affordable assisted living for people who would otherwise need a nursing home. Illinois Medicaid pays a certified Supportive Living Program building for personal care, medication oversight, intermittent nursing, meals and snacks, housekeeping, laundry, social and health programs, and 24-hour staff. The resident lives in an apartment with a kitchenette and private bathroom and pays only room and board (a monthly charge based on the SSI rate; residents keep a $120 personal needs allowance). It is for Illinois residents age 65 and older, or ages 22 to 64 with a physical disability, who are screened as needing nursing-facility level of care. Find a certified building on the HFS provider list and call the Bureau of Long-Term Care at 217-782-0545 or toll-free 844-528-8444.

How to apply →Official source →1-844-528-8444Last verified · September 5, 2026

Nutrition

Illinois Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

State

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program gives income-eligible seniors age 60+ coupons/vouchers to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs at participating farmers markets and roadside stands. Income limit is about 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (~$2,413/month for one person in 2026). Benefits are seasonal and limited; distributed through local Area Agencies on Aging and senior centers. Call the Senior HelpLine (1-800-252-8966).

$50–$80/yr

How to apply →Official source →1-800-252-8966Last verified · August 29, 2026

Cook County Area Agencies on Aging — Chicago DFSS + AgeOptions (Cook County)

County

Cook County is served by TWO Area Agencies on Aging: the City of Chicago Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS) Senior Services Division is the AAA for the City of Chicago, and AgeOptions is the AAA for suburban Cook County. Both provide Aging & Disability Resource Network information and assistance, home-delivered and congregate meals, the Community Care Program intake (CCU referral), caregiver support, benefits enrollment (SNAP/Medicare/Benefit Access), and senior centers. Chicago residents call DFSS (312-744-4016); suburban Cook residents call AgeOptions (708-383-0258) or the Senior HelpLine (1-800-252-8966).

$1,500–$6,000/yr

How to apply →Official source →1-800-252-8966Last verified · September 3, 2026

Supportive Services

Illinois Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans

State

Illinois provides fishing and hunting licenses free of charge to veterans who receive VA compensation for a service-connected disability of 10% or greater, or a VA pension for total disability. The benefit applies regardless of the veteran's state of residency. To use it, get a Disability Affidavit (the Illinois Hunting and Fishing Privilege card) through a local IDVA Veteran Service Office — bring the DD-214 and current verification of VA compensation or pension. Veterans who do not meet the disability threshold can still buy Illinois resident hunting and fishing licenses at half the regular fee.

How to apply →Official source →Last verified · September 3, 2026

Illinois Veteran Service Officers (Free VA Claims Help)

State

Illinois Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) — trained and accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — provide free assistance to veterans and their dependents and survivors with federal and state benefits: VA disability compensation, pension, Aid and Attendance, healthcare, burial, and survivor claims. Getting the VA rating right matters twice in Illinois, because the rating drives federal compensation and the state property-tax exemption tier. IDVA runs full-time and part-time offices across the state, help is available remotely, and no one needs to pay a private company to file a VA claim. Find the nearest VSO through the locator on the IDVA website.

How to apply →Official source →Last verified · September 4, 2026

Illinois Care Connections (ICC)

State

Illinois Care Connections provides free technology and assistive devices to Illinoisans age 60 and older who live in the community. Devices are meant to help people stay safely at home, take part in activities, and keep in touch with family and friends. Examples include tablets, laptops, headphones and Wi-Fi routers; canes, walkers, wheelchairs, shower chairs and adaptive kitchen tools; and smart-home items like video doorbells, keyless locks and voice assistants. There are no income or asset limits, but there must be a physical, functional, cognitive, or psychological need that keeps you from doing a task at home or in the community, or that leaves you socially isolated. Devices and usage instructions are provided at no cost. You cannot refer yourself: a referral must come from an Area Agency on Aging, an AAA-funded provider, an Adult Day Service, Adult Protective Services, a Care Coordination Unit, or a Home Care Ombudsman. The program does not cover hearing aids, prescription items, installed grab bars or shower seats, or electric scooters and wheelchairs. Contact IATP at 217-522-7985 with questions about a referral.

How to apply →Official source →1-800-252-8966Last verified · September 4, 2026

Sunset Veterans Cemetery at Quincy (State Veterans Cemetery)

State

Illinois operates one state veterans cemetery: Sunset Veterans Cemetery, on the grounds of the Illinois Veterans' Home at Quincy. The cemetery provides interment and perpetual care for eligible veterans and spouses, with more than 7,000 veterans and spouses at rest there dating back to the Civil War. It is recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration as a state veterans cemetery. Contact the Quincy home to ask about eligibility and arrangements. Veterans elsewhere in Illinois can also use the VA national cemeteries in the state, such as Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery near Joliet.

How to apply →Official source →217-640-2488Last verified · August 30, 2026

Tax Relief

Illinois 70%+ Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemption (Property Tax Exempt up to $250,000 EAV)

State

An Illinois veteran with a service-connected VA disability rating of 70% or higher pays no property tax on the first $250,000 of the home's equalized assessed value (EAV) — for most homes, that wipes out the entire property tax bill. This is the top tier of the Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities (SHEVD) and one of the largest dollar benefits in Illinois. World War II veterans qualify for the exemption regardless of disability level. An unmarried surviving spouse can keep the exemption on the home, or carry it to a new primary residence. Apply with Form PTAX-342 at the Chief County Assessment Office, then re-verify each year with Form PTAX-342-R.

$3,000–$9,000/yr

How to apply →Official source →Last verified · September 8, 2026

Illinois Veterans with Disabilities Homestead Exemption (Partial, 30%–69% Rating)

State

Illinois reduces the taxable value of a disabled veteran's home based on the VA disability rating: a service-connected rating of 30–49% takes $2,500 off the home's equalized assessed value (EAV), and 50–69% takes off $5,000. The exemption applies to the primary residence through the Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities (SHEVD). Veterans rated 70% or higher get a much larger benefit — the first $250,000 of EAV is fully exempt — listed separately in these results. An unmarried surviving spouse can keep the exemption on the home, or carry it to a new primary residence. Apply with Form PTAX-342 at the Chief County Assessment Office, then re-verify each year with Form PTAX-342-R.

$150–$500/yr

How to apply →Official source →Last verified · August 29, 2026

Illinois Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze + Homestead Exemption (Property Tax)

State

Illinois offers stacked senior property-tax relief: (1) the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption (an EAV reduction for homeowners 65+, no income test); (2) the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption — for homeowners 65+ with total household income of $65,000 or less (some counties up to $75,000) — which FREEZES the home's equalized assessed value at the base year so it does not rise with inflation; and (3) the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral, which lets qualifying seniors defer up to $7,500/year of property tax as a state loan repaid from the estate. Apply through your county Supervisor of Assessments / Assessor (in Cook County, the Cook County Assessor).

$150–$4,000/yr

How to apply →Official source →1-800-732-8866Last verified · September 4, 2026

Transportation

Illinois Benefit Access Program — Free RTA Transit + License Plate Discount

State

The Benefit Access Program (administered by the Illinois Department on Aging) gives qualified seniors age 65+ and adults with disabilities a FREE RIDE TRANSIT BENEFIT on RTA-area transit (CTA, Pace, and Metra in the Chicago region) plus reduced fares downstate, AND a reduced ($24) license-plate registration fee. Means-tested: total gross income for the last tax year must be under $33,562 (1-person household), $44,533 (2-person), or $55,500 (3-person). Apply online at the Illinois Department on Aging Benefit Access portal; you then take approval to RTA (or your transit agency) for a Ride Free permit.

$300–$2,000/yr

How to apply →Official source →1-800-252-8966Last verified · September 6, 2026

RTA Ride Free + Reduced Fare — CTA / Pace / Metra (Cook County)

County

Cook County is the core of the RTA service region (CTA buses + 'L' trains, Pace suburban buses, Metra commuter rail). Seniors age 65+ ride at REDUCED fare with an RTA Reduced Fare permit, and ride FREE under the Ride Free Transit Benefit if they qualify for the Illinois Benefit Access Program (income under $33,562 single / $44,533 couple). RTA also runs ADA paratransit (Pace ADA Paratransit) for those who cannot use fixed-route. Apply for the permit through RTA after Benefit Access approval.

$400–$2,500/yr

How to apply →Official source →312-913-3110Last verified · August 24, 2026

Only in Davidson County

23 programs not available in the other county

Caregiver Support

Tennessee Family Caregiver Support Program

State

This program helps family and unpaid caregivers with counseling and support groups, caregiver training, respite care, personal care, homemaker services, and adult day care. It serves caregivers of adults age 60 and over, caregivers of adults with Alzheimer's or a related disorder (any age), and grandparents or relatives 55+ raising a minor child. Contact your Area Agency on Aging & Disability.

How to apply →Official source →1-866-836-6678Last verified · August 29, 2026

Elder Services

Greater Nashville Area Agency on Aging and Disability Services (Davidson County)

County

The Greater Nashville Area Agency on Aging and Disability serves older adults age 60 and older, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers in Davidson County. Services include congregate and home-delivered meals, family caregiver support and respite, SHIP Medicare counseling, options counseling for long-term care, the long-term care ombudsman, the OPTIONS in-home services program, and public guardianship. Call the Information and Assistance line to learn what is available locally.

$1,000–$6,000/yr

How to apply →Official source →1-866-836-6678Last verified · August 30, 2026

Energy Assistance

Tennessee Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

State

LIHEAP helps Tennessee households pay heating and cooling utility bills, with extra help in an energy crisis. Eligibility is based on income at or below 60% of the State Median Income — in federal fiscal year 2026 that is about $32,053/year for one person, $41,915 for two, $51,778 for three, and $61,641 for a household of four (higher for larger households). Benefits range from about $174 to $750. Apply online through the agency that serves your county.

$174–$750/yr

How to apply →Official source →1-615-815-2200Last verified · September 1, 2026

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) for Davidson County

County

Tennessee's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay heating and cooling costs for income-eligible households. In Davidson County, LIHEAP is delivered by Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency (MCHRA). Households with an older adult (60+) or a person with a disability get priority. Apply through Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency, and call 2-1-1 Tennessee for referral help. Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) administers the program statewide.

$300–$1,500/yr

How to apply →Official source →615-331-6033Last verified · September 8, 2026

Health Coverage

TennCare Medicaid — Aged, Blind & Disabled

State

TennCare is Tennessee's Medicaid program. The Aged, Blind & Disabled (ABD) category covers people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled, with low income. In 2026 the income limit is $994/month for one person and $1,491/month for a couple, with a resource limit of $2,000 (one person) or $3,000 (couple). People who receive SSI are enrolled automatically. Apply through TennCare Connect.

$4,000–$30,000/yr

How to apply →Official source →1-855-259-0701Last verified · September 2, 2026

Healthcare

Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) — Medicare Counseling

State

Tennessee's SHIP gives free, unbiased Medicare counseling to Medicare-eligible Tennesseans, their families, and caregivers. Counselors help compare Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Part D drug plans, understand Medigap, and enroll in programs that lower Medicare costs. Counselors do not sell or endorse any plan. Call 1-877-801-0044.

How to apply →Official source →1-877-801-0044Last verified · September 2, 2026

Vanderbilt Health Financial Assistance (Davidson County)

County

Vanderbilt University Medical Center is the largest hospital system in Davidson County. Vanderbilt Health offers financial assistance (charity care) that discounts or waives bills for uninsured and underinsured patients, based on household income and family size compared with the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Apply online or call customer service, or email financial.assistance@vumc.org.

How to apply →Official source →615-322-5000Last verified · August 31, 2026

Home Care

Tennessee Family Support Program

State

Flexible state-funded help so people with severe disabilities can stay in their homes with their families. Funds can pay for respite care, day care, home and vehicle modifications, equipment, personal assistance, transportation, and other supports the family chooses. It serves adults with severe disabilities (including those living with family or on their own without other residential program support) and families with children with severe disabilities. There is a Family Support agency for every county in the state — contact the Department of Disability & Aging regional office to find yours and apply.

up to $6,000/yr

How to apply →Official source →Last verified · September 6, 2026

OPTIONS for Community Living (Non-Medicaid In-Home Support)

State

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.

How to apply →Official source →1-866-836-6678Last verified · September 4, 2026

Housing Assistance

Tennessee Emergency Repair Program (THDA) — grants for older and disabled homeowners

State

A grant, not a loan, to fix an essential system or a serious structural problem that puts a low-income homeowner's life, safety, or health in danger. It is for Tennessee homeowners who are 60 or older or who have a disability, who live in the home as their main residence and have lived there at least three years. Typical work: heating or cooling failures, plumbing or electrical hazards, roof damage, and accessibility repairs. The lifetime maximum per homeowner is $24,999. THDA does not take applications directly; apply through the local ERP agency for your county (THDA publishes the agency list on the program page, or email ERP@THDA.org to be pointed to the right one).

$500–$24,999/yr

How to apply →Official source →Last verified · September 4, 2026

Long Term Care

TennCare CHOICES — Long-Term Services & Supports

State

TennCare CHOICES is Tennessee's Medicaid long-term-care program. It pays for nursing-home care and home & community based services (personal care, home care, adult day care) for older adults (65+) and adults with physical disabilities (21+) who need a nursing-home level of care, so many can stay in their own home. In 2026 income can't be more than $2,982/month and countable assets can't be more than $2,000 (your home doesn't count). Apply through your Area Agency on Aging & Disability.

$10,000–$80,000/yr

How to apply →Official source →1-866-836-6678Last verified · September 8, 2026

PACE — Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (Tennessee)

State

PACE provides all the medical and supportive care a frail older adult needs to keep living in the community instead of a nursing home — doctors, prescriptions, therapy, adult day care, transportation, and in-home help — coordinated by one team. To join you must be 55 or older, need a nursing-home level of care, and be able to live safely in the community. In Tennessee, PACE is offered by Alexian PACE and is available ONLY in Hamilton County (Chattanooga).

$10,000–$80,000/yr

How to apply →Official source →1-423-698-0802Last verified · August 19, 2026

Tennessee State Veterans' Homes (Long-Term Care)

State

Tennessee operates five State Veterans' Homes providing skilled nursing care for honorably discharged veterans with a Tennessee connection: Murfreesboro, Humboldt, Knoxville (Ben Atchley), Clarksville (Brig. Gen. Wendell H. Gilbert), and Cleveland. Spouses and Gold Star parents may be admitted on a space-available basis. A veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 70% or more can have the VA cover 100% of the cost of the stay through the VA higher per-diem; other residents may pay through Medicare, TennCare (Medicaid), long-term care insurance, or privately. Admission requires needing a skilled level of care, and each home reviews applications individually.

How to apply →Official source →615-895-8850Last verified · September 4, 2026

Medicare Savings

Medicare Savings Program (Tennessee) — QMB / SLMB / QI

State

Medicare Savings Programs help people with Medicare pay their Part B premium, and (at the QMB level) also deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. Tennessee has three levels — QMB, SLMB, and QI — with rising income limits. As currently published, the highest level (QI) reaches $1,761/month for one person and $2,380/month for a couple; the resource limit is $9,950 (one person) or $14,910 (couple). Apply through TennCare Connect.

$2,100–$8,000/yr

How to apply →Official source →1-855-259-0701Last verified · September 3, 2026

Nutrition

Tennessee Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

State

This seasonal program gives eligible Tennessee seniors age 60 and older $40 in vouchers (eight $5 checks) to buy fresh, Tennessee-grown produce from authorized farmers, issued in July and August. Household income must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty guidelines. It operates in a limited set of participating counties, so check whether yours takes part.

$40/yr

How to apply →Official source →1-615-741-3111Last verified · September 1, 2026

Supportive Services

Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries (No-Cost Burial Benefits)

State

Tennessee operates five State Veterans Cemeteries: Nashville (Middle Tennessee, McCrory Lane), two in Knoxville (East Tennessee — the Lyons View Pike location is at capacity, with Gov. John Sevier Highway open), Memphis (West Tennessee), and Parkers Crossroads. Veterans are buried at no charge, and eligible dependents are buried at no cost to the surviving family. The cemeteries meet National Cemetery Administration standards required by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans and dependents can pre-register for burial, which settles the eligibility paperwork ahead of need — processing takes about 4 to 6 weeks.

How to apply →Official source →615-532-2238Last verified · September 3, 2026

Tennessee Department of Veterans Services Claims Assistance (Free VA Claims Help)

State

Tennessee Department of Veterans Services officers help veterans and their families file claims for federal VA benefits — disability compensation, pension, Aid and Attendance, and survivor benefits — at no cost. TDVS operates State Veterans Services Offices across the state, from Memphis and Jackson to Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Mountain Home, and also trains County Service Officers who file claims in counties statewide. Getting the VA rating right matters twice in Tennessee: the rating drives federal compensation AND state benefits like the disabled veteran property tax relief. No one needs to pay a private company to file a VA claim.

How to apply →Official source →615-741-2345Last verified · September 3, 2026

Tennessee Disabled Veteran Hunting & Fishing License ($10 One-Time, Permanent)

State

Tennessee residents with a qualifying VA disability can get a permanent hunting and sport fishing license for a one-time $10 fee — it stays valid for life, with no annual renewal fees. The license is for veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected cause, or who are 30% or more disabled by reason of service in any war. Apply by mail with the TWRA Disability Restricted License application and the VA certification of the disability. The TWRA sales office in Nashville processes the applications.

How to apply →Official source →Last verified · September 6, 2026

Tax Relief

Tennessee County Motor Vehicle Privilege Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans

State

Tennessee exempts disabled veterans from the county motor vehicle privilege tax — the county 'wheel tax' collected with the annual vehicle registration. The exemption covers any veteran with a 100% permanent, total disability from a service-connected cause, and any former prisoner of war as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. To claim it, show evidence of the disability to the county office that collects the tax, usually the county clerk at registration renewal. The dollar savings equals the county's wheel tax, which varies by county.

How to apply →Official source →Last verified · September 6, 2026

Tennessee Property Tax Relief for Disabled Veteran Homeowners

State

Tennessee pays back property taxes for veterans with a total and permanent service-connected disability — and there is NO income limit on this version of the program. The state reimburses the tax paid on up to $175,000 of the home's market value, which in most Tennessee counties covers most or all of the bill. Qualifying conditions include a 100% permanent and total service-connected rating, paraplegia or permanent paralysis of both legs and the lower body, loss or loss of use of two or more limbs, legal blindness, or a 100% rating from time as a prisoner of war. The home must be owned and used as the primary residence. Apply through the county trustee's office after the tax bill arrives, and re-apply each year.

$875–$1,225/yr

How to apply →Official source →1-615-747-8871Last verified · September 2, 2026

Tennessee Property Tax Freeze Program

State

The Property Tax Freeze Program locks in the property tax amount on the home of a homeowner age 65 or older whose income is at or below a limit set for their county. It is a local-option program — each county or city chooses whether to offer it — and the income limit varies by county (the standard minimum for 2026 is $38,470, higher in some counties, up to a $63,470 local-option tier). Apply each year through your county trustee.

$50–$800/yr

How to apply →Official source →615-741-2775Last verified · September 8, 2026

Tennessee Property Tax Relief Program

State

Tennessee's Property Tax Relief Program reimburses part of the property tax paid by low-income homeowners who are 65 or older or disabled (and disabled veterans, with no income limit). For the 2026 program, elderly and disabled homeowners must have had 2025 income of $38,470 or less; relief is calculated on up to $33,600 of the home's market value. Apply through your county trustee after you get your property tax bill.

$100–$1,200/yr

How to apply →Official source →1-615-747-8871Last verified · September 6, 2026

Transportation

WeGo Public Transit and WeGo Access for Seniors and Riders with Disabilities (Davidson County)

County

WeGo Public Transit runs fixed-route buses across Nashville and Davidson County, and WeGo Access provides door-to-door paratransit for riders who cannot use the regular bus. Riders age 65 and older, Medicare card holders, and people with disabilities can ride local routes at a reduced fare with a WeGo Discount ID. Call WeGo customer care to get a Discount ID or apply for WeGo Access.

$200–$1,500/yr

How to apply →Official source →615-862-5950Last verified · June 30, 2026

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