Senior benefits in Shelby County, Tennessee

The Aging Commission of the Mid-South serves older adults age 60 and older, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers in Shelby County. Services include home-delivered and congregate meals, family caregiver support and respite, SHIP Medicare counseling, options counseling for long-term care, the long-term care ombudsman, in-home services, personal emergency response systems, and information and assistance. 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 Shelby County, LIHEAP is delivered by the Shelby County Community Services Agency (CSA); applications are submitted online. Households with an older adult (60+) or a person with a disability get priority. Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) also runs the Plus-1 utility assistance program for its customers. Apply through the Shelby County Community Services Agency, and call 2-1-1 Tennessee for referral help. Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) administers LIHEAP statewide.

Estimated bill savings: $175–$750 a year

In this county: Shelby: LIHEAP is income-based (about 60% of state median income) and first-come while funds last; the Shelby County Community Services Agency makes the local decision. Apply online at the CSA or call 2-1-1.

Regional One Health is the public safety-net hospital in Memphis, in Shelby County. Under its financial assistance policy (revised August 2026), patients whose adjusted gross income is at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guideline get 100% financial assistance for emergency and other medically necessary care after a $25 payment ($50 for specialists); patients whose medical bills at Regional One exceed a year of family income, and uninsured patients, have separate discounts. You must show you do not qualify for government insurance first, and eligibility is reassessed every 6 months. Apply through Patient Financial Services (877 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis) and call 901-545-6644 for help with an application.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Shelby: Regional One Health financial assistance is income-based. Per the policy revised 8/6/2026: "At or below 300% of the FPG Patients are eligible for 100% Financial Assistance after a $25 payment is met and $50 for specialists"; "To qualify for our financial assistance, you must first prove that you do not qualify for government insurance"; "eligibility must be reassessed every 6 months". The hospital makes the final decision under its published policy.

Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) runs fixed-route buses, trolleys, and on-demand service across Memphis and Shelby County. MATAplus is the ADA paratransit service for riders who cannot use fixed-route buses because of a disability. Older adults and riders with disabilities qualify for reduced fares, and MATAplus requires an eligibility application. Call MATA to confirm current fares and MATAplus eligibility.

Estimated service value: $150–$1,200 a year

In this county: Shelby: reduced fares apply to older adults and riders with disabilities; MATAplus paratransit requires an approved eligibility application. Confirm current fares with MATA.