Senior benefits in Bradley County, Tennessee

Help for grandparents and other relatives who are raising a child related to them by blood or marriage. The Relative Caregiver Program is a one-stop place for information, referrals, and support that helps keep children with relatives and out of state custody. Services include case management and family advocacy (for example, going with you to custody hearings or school IEP meetings), support groups and workshops for relative caregivers, support groups for children and teens, recreation and limited respite for the children and caregivers, and emergency one-time financial or start-up help. Call 1-866-735-8752 for more information or to make a referral.

The Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability serves adults age 60 and older, adults with disabilities, and caregivers in Bradley County. It offers free information and referral, options counseling for long-term care, home-delivered and congregate meals, family caregiver support and respite, the SHIP program for Medicare counseling, the long-term care ombudsman, and help applying for public benefits. Call the toll-free line to find out what is offered locally and to get connected to services.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households pay energy bills, including electric, gas, and propane. In Bradley County it is delivered by the Bradley-Cleveland Community Services Agency (BCCSA) for the state housing agency (THDA). Households at or below 60% of the state median income qualify, and people on SNAP, TANF, or SSI are automatically income-eligible. Call BCCSA at 423-479-4111, or dial 2-1-1 (Tennessee) for help.

Estimated bill savings: $174–$750 a year

In this county: Bradley County: LIHEAP is income-based (at or below 60% of state median income) and funds are limited, so this shows as a may-qualify result. Apply through the Bradley-Cleveland Community Services Agency; THDA sets the rules.

Bradley Medical Center in Cleveland, run by Vitruvian Health, is the main hospital serving Bradley County. Its financial assistance policy uses the Federal Poverty Guidelines to give free or discounted care to patients who qualify and are uninsured, underinsured, or unable to pay. Patients with the lowest incomes can receive a full write-off. Ask the billing office for an application.

Estimated bill savings: $500–$18,000 a year

In this county: Bradley County: Vitruvian Health bases financial assistance on the Federal Poverty Guidelines, with discounts up to a full write-off for the lowest incomes, so this shows as a may-qualify result. The hospital makes the final decision.

Volunteer-assisted, door-to-door rides to essential appointments for older adults, run by SETAAAD as part of the statewide MyRide TN network. Trained volunteer drivers pick riders up at the door and stay with them through the appointment. Riders complete a short screening and application once, then call to schedule rides. Call (423) 424-4201 or email MyRide@sedev.org to start the screening.

The Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency (SETHRA) runs rural public transportation in Bradley County. Rides can be scheduled to doctors, shopping, senior centers, and other places. The service is open to all county residents, and it is especially useful for older adults and people with disabilities who cannot drive. Call ahead to schedule a ride and to ask about the current fare.

Estimated service value: $150–$900 a year