Senior benefits in Franklin County, Tennessee
Not in Tennessee? Franklin County, Alabama · Franklin County, Arkansas · Franklin County, Florida · Franklin County, Georgia · Franklin County, Illinois · Franklin County, Indiana · Franklin County, Kentucky · Franklin Parish, Louisiana · Franklin County, Massachusetts · Franklin County, Mississippi · Franklin County, Missouri · Franklin County, New York · Franklin County, North Carolina · Franklin County, Ohio · Franklin County, Pennsylvania · Franklin County, Texas · Franklin County, Virginia · Franklin County, Washington
Seniors aged 65 and older in Franklin County, Tennessee have access to a wide range of benefit programs that can help with everyday costs, health care, housing, and more. The South Central Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability Services is the local starting point for connecting Franklin County residents to services and support. Residents may also find help through the South Central Tennessee Rural Public Transportation program, which provides transit options for older adults and people with disabilities. Those facing high energy bills may qualify for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance through the South Central Human Resource Agency. Highpoint Health Winchester Financial Assistance is available for those who need help covering hospital costs. State programs such as the Tennessee Property Tax Freeze Program, OPTIONS for Community Living, TennCare CHOICES, and the Tennessee Family Caregiver Support Program may also apply. Federal programs covering health, food, and financial assistance are listed below as well. Each program listing on this page includes its official source and the date it was last verified. The administering agency always makes the final eligibility decision.
4
Local programs
21
Tennessee programs
25
Federal programs
19
Categories
Last verified · October 12, 2026
Local starting point
South Central Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability, part of the South Central Tennessee Development District, the designated Area Agency on Aging and Disability for the 13-county South Central Tennessee region.
931-379-2929
See which of these Franklin County programs you may qualify for.
Discover my benefitsHelping others? Print the Franklin County benefits checklist — free to hand out.
When benefit rules change, it’s tracked here
Income limits, new requirements, how to apply — see what’s changed across senior benefit programs, from the official source in plain English.
Programs run in Franklin County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Franklin County. Start here.
Elder Services in Franklin County
Programs here typically provide services worth $1,000–$6,000 a year to an eligible household.
South Central Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability Services (Franklin County)
County · TennesseeThe South Central Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability serves adults age 60 and older, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers in Franklin 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 find out what is available locally.
Estimated service value: $1,000–$6,000 a year
Energy Assistance in Franklin County
Programs here typically lower an eligible household's bills by $174–$750 a year.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) for Franklin County
County · TennesseeTennessee's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay heating and cooling costs for income-eligible households. In Franklin County, LIHEAP is delivered by the South Central Human Resource Agency (SCHRA). Households with an older adult (60+) or a person with a disability get priority. Apply through the South Central Human Resource Agency, and call 2-1-1 Tennessee for referral help. The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) administers the program statewide at thda.org.
Estimated bill savings: $174–$750 a year
Healthcare in Franklin County
Highpoint Health Winchester Financial Assistance (Franklin County)
County · TennesseeHighpoint Health - Winchester with Ascension Saint Thomas (formerly Southern Tennessee Regional Health System - Winchester) is the hospital serving Franklin County. The hospital offers financial assistance (charity care) and uninsured discounts for emergency and other medically necessary care to patients who cannot afford to pay. Apply using the hospital's financial assistance application, and call the billing office for help with the process.
Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year
Transportation in Franklin County
Programs here typically provide services worth $200–$1,500 a year to an eligible household.
South Central Tennessee Rural Public Transportation for Seniors and Riders with Disabilities (Franklin County)
County · TennesseeThe South Central Tennessee Development District operates rural public transportation for Franklin County residents of all ages, giving first priority to older adults, people with disabilities, and riders with medical needs. It offers demand-response rides for medical appointments, shopping, and services, generally Monday through Friday. Call the transit line to schedule a ride and confirm the current fare.
Estimated service value: $200–$1,500 a year
Local agencies serving Franklin County
Who runs the county programs above, and how to reach them. Every line comes from a program record on this page — nothing is added that the catalog does not cite.
Highpoint Health - Winchester with Ascension Saint Thomas, the acute-care hospital serving Franklin County.
South Central Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability, part of the South Central Tennessee Development District, the designated Area Agency on Aging and Disability for the 13-county South Central Tennessee region.
Runs: South Central Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability Services
South Central Human Resource Agency (SCHRA), which delivers Tennessee LIHEAP for the South Central region under the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA).
Runs: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) for Franklin County
South Central Tennessee Development District Rural Public Transportation, the regional public transit provider for the South Central Tennessee counties.
Runs: South Central Tennessee Rural Public Transportation for Seniors and Riders with Disabilities
Tennessee and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Franklin County and across the rest of Tennessee. Full details are on the Tennessee benefits page.
Money & income2 programs
Cash paid to you, and emergency help when money runs short.
Health & Medicare costs8 programs
Medicaid, Medicare savings, and help with drug and doctor bills.
- Medicare Savings Program (Tennessee) — QMB / SLMB / QI
- TennCare Medicaid — Aged, Blind & Disabled
- Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) — Medicare Counseling
- Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy)
- Qualifying Individual (QI)
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Food6 programs
SNAP (food stamps), meals, and farmers market coupons.
Home, bills & taxes11 programs
Help with heating and electric bills, rent, property taxes, and home repairs.
- Tennessee Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Tennessee Property Tax Relief for Disabled Veteran Homeowners
- Tennessee Property Tax Freeze Program
- Tennessee Property Tax Relief Program
- Tennessee County Motor Vehicle Privilege Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
- Tennessee Emergency Repair Program (THDA) — grants for older and disabled homeowners
- Federal Lifeline
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
- Federal Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled (IRS Schedule R)
- Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
- HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly
Care at home & long-term care8 programs
Help staying in your home, nursing home alternatives, and support for family caregivers.
- Tennessee Family Support Program
- OPTIONS for Community Living (Non-Medicaid In-Home Support)
- TennCare CHOICES — Long-Term Services & Supports
- PACE — Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (Tennessee)
- Tennessee State Veterans' Homes (Long-Term Care)
- Tennessee Family Caregiver Support Program
- PACE — Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
- National Family Caregiver Support Program (OAA Title III-E)
Help, advice & legal8 programs
Free counseling, legal help, rides, and other senior services.
- Tennessee Public Guardianship for the Elderly — Court-Appointed Conservator of Last Resort
- Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries (No-Cost Burial Benefits)
- Tennessee Department of Veterans Services Claims Assistance (Free VA Claims Help)
- Tennessee Disabled Veteran Hunting & Fishing License ($10 One-Time, Permanent)
- MyRide TN — Volunteer Senior Transportation
- Older Americans Act Supportive Services (Title III-B)
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
- Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
Veterans3 programs
Benefits for veterans and their surviving spouses.
Nearby counties
Local programs differ from one county to the next. If you live near a county line, or you are helping a parent who lives in one of these, it is worth checking there too.
Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.