Senior benefits in Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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 heating and cooling bills. In Hamilton County it is delivered by the City of Chattanooga Office of Family Empowerment for the state housing agency (THDA). Households with an older adult or a person with a disability are a priority. Apply online, and call 2-1-1 (Tennessee) for help finding the local office.

Estimated bill savings: $174–$750 a year

In this county: Hamilton County: LIHEAP is income-based and funds are limited each program year, so this shows as a may-qualify result. The Chattanooga Office of Family Empowerment reviews applications and THDA sets the rules.

Erlanger is the public academic hospital system serving Chattanooga and Hamilton County. Its financial assistance policy gives free or discounted care to patients who qualify, based on family income and assets. Uninsured and underinsured patients may apply, and some patients are screened for presumptive eligibility. Financial counselors help with the application. Call the number below to start.

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

In this county: Hamilton County: Erlanger's financial assistance is based on family income and assets, so this shows as a may-qualify result. The hospital reviews each application and makes the final decision; financial counselors can help you apply.

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.

CARTA runs public buses and the Care-a-Van paratransit service in the Chattanooga area of Hamilton County. Riders age 65 and older can get a CARTA Special Fare ID card and ride fixed-route buses for a reduced cash fare. Care-a-Van is origin-to-destination paratransit for people who cannot use the regular bus because of a disability; it requires an approved ADA eligibility application and medical verification. Call CARTA to request an application or to plan a trip.

Estimated service value: $150–$900 a year

In this county: Hamilton County: the reduced fare is for riders 65 and older with a CARTA Special Fare ID; Care-a-Van requires an approved ADA eligibility determination. Fares and trip availability are set by CARTA.