Senior benefits in Cumberland County, Tennessee

Support for grandparents and other relatives who are raising a relative's child because the parents no longer can. The Relative Caregiver Program offers monthly support groups (day and evening) in every Upper Cumberland county, groups and enrichment activities for the children and teens, educational workshops such as CPR classes and summer camps, short-term case management for the whole family, a resource manual of local help, and emergency material and financial assistance for unmet needs when program funds are available. Contact Melissa Allison at 931-476-4127 or mallison@ucdd.org.

The Upper Cumberland Area Agency on Aging & Disability, part of the Upper Cumberland Development District, serves older adults and adults with disabilities in Cumberland County. Help includes home-delivered and congregate meals, in-home and homemaker services, family caregiver support and respite, SHIP Medicare counseling, options counseling and long-term-care help, the CHOICES and OPTIONS programs, and legal help. Adults age 60 and over, and adults with disabilities, can call the aging and disability line at 931-432-4111, or the toll-free information and assistance line at 1-866-836-6678, to learn what local help is available.

Estimated service value: $1,500–$6,000 a year

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households in Cumberland County pay heating and cooling bills and handle energy emergencies. In the Upper Cumberland region LIHEAP is funded by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) and delivered by the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA). Payments average a few hundred dollars a year and are paid toward the energy bill. Households with an older adult (60+) or a person with a disability are encouraged to apply early. Apply through the UCHRA Community Services office at 931-528-1127, or dial 2-1-1 for the nearest intake site.

Estimated bill savings: $174–$750 a year

Cumberland Medical Center in Crossville, part of the Covenant Health system, is the main hospital for Cumberland County. Its financial assistance (charity care) program gives free or discounted care to patients who cannot pay in full. Households with income and assets up to 200% of the federal poverty level may receive a 100% discount, and those between 200% and 300% may receive a 90% discount. Call the Financial Counselors at 931-459-7281 (or Covenant Health financial assistance at 865-374-3000) to request an application.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Free or discounted care is based on household income and assets measured against the federal poverty level under Covenant Health's financial assistance policy. The hospital makes the final determination. Not legal or financial advice.

UCHRA Public Transportation, run by the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency, provides public transit across the 14-county Upper Cumberland region, including Cumberland County. Rides go to medical appointments, shopping, senior centers, and other daily needs, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available. Anyone can ride: in-county trips are $2 per person one-way (out-of-county fares depend on how many counties you cross), with discounted fares for seniors age 60 and over, veterans, and people with disabilities. Call 1-833-828-7477 (or the UCHRA Cumberland County office, Office: (931) 456-0691) to confirm eligibility or schedule a ride.

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