Senior benefits in DeKalb 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 DeKalb 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 DeKalb 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

Ascension Saint Thomas DeKalb in Smithville is the community hospital serving DeKalb County. Ascension offers financial assistance to uninsured and underinsured patients who cannot afford their care, with free or discounted care based on household income and need. Trained financial counselors help patients understand their bill and apply. Call 615-215-5000 and ask for patient financial services, or apply online.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

UCHRA Public Transportation, run by the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency, provides public transit across the 14-county Upper Cumberland region, including DeKalb 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 DeKalb County office, Office: (615) 597-4504) to confirm eligibility or schedule a ride.

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