Senior benefits in Davidson County, Tennessee

Money to help grandparents and other older relatives who are raising a child. If you are over 55 and are the primary caregiver for a child related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption, the Relative Caregiver Program can cover or supplement the cost of after-school care, tutoring, and summer or day camp — respite and enrichment that gives the caregiver a break. GNRC states funds are available immediately. Call (615) 862-8828 to ask about eligibility, or the aging and disability helpline at 1-866-836-6678.

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.

Estimated service value: $1,000–$6,000 a year

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.

Estimated bill savings: $174–$750 a year

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.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

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.

Estimated service value: $200–$1,500 a year

In this county: Davidson: reduced fares need a WeGo Discount ID (age 65+, Medicare, or disability). WeGo Access paratransit requires an eligibility application. Confirm current fares.