Seniors living in the state of Tennessee may struggle at times financially. When the cost of goods and services increases, there is a good chance seniors living on a fixed income cannot keep up with getting everything paid. When this happens it can lead people to go hungry or be at risk for homelessness. It is important that they know about programs that provide financial assistance for seniors in Tennessee.
The federal and state government has created programs to help people who may fall short in getting all of their bills paid. The programs are typically open to those who have a low income and are citizens or legal non-citizens. The programs will help ensure that basic needs are being met. Plus, the funds do not have to be paid back, because it is not considered to be loan.
There also organizations that have created programs to help seniors and others who need financial assistance. The organizations provide such things as free food, help with paying bills, and providing other helpful services. The programs provided by organizations aim to help those in the community who need assistance. They usually do not have strict qualifications in order to get access to the services
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Seniors who need help obtaining food each month should apply for SNAP. This program, which used to be called food stamps, is provided by the federal government to help ensure that people don’t go hungry. The program will provide those who are qualified with a way to purchase food each month at the store or farmers market. Unlike some federal programs, this one does not have a time limit on how long you can get assistance. As long as you continue to qualify for the program you can continue getting help purchasing food. To qualify, you have to be a legal resident of the state and have a low income. The amount they will give you is determined by how many dependents there are in the home. To get more information and apply, click here.
Salvation Army – This organization provides free food to those in the community who need it. They often provide hot meals that people can stop in and eat, and they provide bags of food to take home. In addition, they will help people with obtaining free clothing and shelter services. They have many locations in the state, making it convenient to get assistance from them. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Feeding America – Seniors can contact a local food bank or food pantry to get access to free food supplies. These places can be found throughout the state and will provide food to people in need. Feeding America provides information on food banks throughout the state. To get more information and find a food bank or pantry in your area, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – With rent and housing prices so high, many seniors in Tennessee struggle to get it paid each month. Rather than risk becoming homeless, they should apply for programs through HUD. This federal agency was created to help people with their housing needs. They can help seniors find affordable housing options, help pay their rent and avoid foreclosure, provide weatherization services, and will help cover the costs of necessary home repairs. TO get help through HUD, seniors need to meet the low income requirements and be a legal resident of the state. There is no limit on how long you can get help through this program. To get more information and apply for financial assistance with HUD in Tennessee, click here.
Tennessee Housing Development Authority – This housing authority office provides access to rental assistance programs, including for emergency situations. They can help seniors avoid being evicted and find affordable housing options. To get more information, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Rather than have utilities disconnected, seniors can apply for bill payment assistance for their heating and cooling bills through this program. LIHEAP is a program funded by the federal government that will help people pay for their heating and cooling bills, as well as to help with repairing or replacing the HVAC system. The payment is sent directly to the service provider on the senior’s behalf. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
211 – Seniors can call this free referral hotline to learn about programs in their area that will help with paying utility bills, as well as other financial assistance options. The program is provided by the United Way organization and is free and open to anyone in need of assistance. To get more information about the program, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
TennCare Medicaid – Paying for medical bills is one of the most challenging things for people to do, especially if they have a low income. This federal program will help pay for most types of medical bills for those who are approved. The qualifications of the program include being a citizen or legal non-citizen, being under the age of 65, and meeting the low income requirements. There is no limit to how long you can get assistance from this program. This program will help pay for medical bills from the hospital, doctor, medical specialist, and for prescription drugs. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Medicare – This program is very similar to the one listed above, Medicaid, but there are a few differences. With this one, you do not need to meet any income requirements, and you have to be over the age of 65. The program was created to help every senior in the country be able to pay for some of their medical bills. Most older people in the country do get financial assistance from this program to help pay for their medical bills. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
