Senior benefits in Rutherford 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 Rutherford 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 Rutherford 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

Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford in Murfreesboro is a main hospital for Rutherford County. Ascension offers financial assistance for uninsured and underinsured patients who cannot afford medically necessary care, with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. Financial counselors help patients apply. Call the hospital or visit the financial assistance page to start.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Rutherford: Ascension financial assistance is income-based and decided under Ascension's published policy; the hospital makes the final decision. TriStar StoneCrest in Smyrna is another Rutherford County option.

Murfreesboro Transit (formerly Rover) runs eight fixed bus routes in Murfreesboro, the Rutherford County seat, Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Riders age 65 and older pay the reduced cash fare of $0.50 per ride (half the adult fare) just by showing a government-issued photo ID to the driver; a 31-day half-fare pass is $22.50. Medicare recipients under 65 qualify by showing their Medicare card, and people with a qualifying disability apply for a Reduced Fare Card. Riders who cannot use the fixed-route bus because of a disability can apply for ADA paratransit, operated by Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency (Eligibility Coordinator 615-801-3039). Call Murfreesboro Transit at 615-217-6837 for routes, fares, or a reduced-fare application.

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

In this county: Rutherford: "Individuals who are 65 years of age or older automatically qualify for a reduced fare" with a government-issued photo ID; Medicare recipients under 65 and riders with a certified disability also qualify. ADA paratransit requires an eligibility determination and, for new applicants, living within 3/4 mile of a fixed route. Murfreesboro Transit serves the city; other parts of Rutherford County may use Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency transit.