Senior benefits in Houston County, Tennessee

Money to help grandparents and other older relatives who are raising a child. If you are over 55 and are the primary caregiver for a child related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption, the Relative Caregiver Program can cover or supplement the cost of after-school care, tutoring, and summer or day camp — respite and enrichment that gives the caregiver a break. GNRC states funds are available immediately. Call (615) 862-8828 to ask about eligibility, or the aging and disability helpline at 1-866-836-6678.

The Greater Nashville Area Agency on Aging and Disability serves older adults age 60 and older, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers in Houston 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 learn what is available locally.

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

Tennessee's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay heating and cooling costs for income-eligible households. In Houston County, LIHEAP is delivered by Highland Rim Economic Corporation. Households with an older adult (60+) or a person with a disability get priority. Apply through Highland Rim Economic Corporation, and call 2-1-1 Tennessee for referral help. The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) administers the program statewide.

Estimated bill savings: $174–$750 a year

Houston County Community Hospital in Erin is the critical access hospital in Houston County. It offers self-pay pricing, payment plans, and a financial assistance program based on household income, with reduced balances or debt forgiveness for patients who qualify. Ask for a financial counselor at registration, or print the hospital's application and return it with your documents. Call 931-289-4211 with questions.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Houston: financial assistance at Houston County Community Hospital is based on household income and reviewed by the hospital's financial counselor; the hospital makes the final decision.

Mid-Cumberland Public Transit, run by the Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency (MCHRA), provides curb-to-curb rural public transportation for Houston County residents of all ages, giving priority to older adults and people with disabilities. It started as a senior transit service for people age 60 and older and now offers rides for medical appointments, shopping, and services. Call the MCHRA operations center to schedule a ride and confirm the current fare.

Estimated service value: $200–$1,500 a year