Senior benefits in Sumner 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 Sumner 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 Sumner County, LIHEAP is delivered by Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency (MCHRA). Households with an older adult (60+) or a person with a disability get priority. Apply through Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency, and call 2-1-1 Tennessee for referral help. Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) administers the program statewide.

Estimated bill savings: $174–$750 a year

Highpoint Health - Sumner in Gallatin, formerly Sumner Regional Medical Center, is a main hospital for Sumner County. It offers a financial assistance program that discounts or waives bills for patients who cannot afford medically necessary care. Financial counselors help patients apply. Call Patient Financial Services or visit the financial assistance page to start.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Sumner: Highpoint Health financial assistance is income-based and decided under the hospital's published policy; the hospital makes the final decision. TriStar Hendersonville is another Sumner County option.

Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency runs curb-to-curb public transit across Sumner County, including Gallatin and Hendersonville. The service began as a senior transportation program and still gives priority to older adults age 60 and older and to people with disabilities, for rides to medical appointments, shopping, and services. Call Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency to schedule a ride and confirm the fare.

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