Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Tennessee. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in Tennessee)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local rent, utility, food, and medical help, 24/7
- Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, the federal front door to your Area Agency on Aging
- BenefitsCheckUp.org screens you for every benefit you may qualify for
- Medicare 1-800-633-4227 | Social Security 1-800-772-1213 | VA Benefits 1-800-827-1000
- Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900 | National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311 | Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (Tennessee SHIP)
Tennessee's program is TN SHIP (the Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program), run by the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability. Free, unbiased one-on-one Medicare counseling, plan comparisons, and help with claims and appeals. Statewide line: 1-877-801-0044. Counseling sites operate through the Area Agencies on Aging and Disability that cover all 95 counties.
Medicaid in Tennessee
Tennessee Medicaid is called TennCare. Apply online through TennCare Connect (TennCareConnect.tn.gov) or by phone at 1-855-259-0701 (TTY/Tennessee Relay 1-800-848-0298). You can also get free in-person help at any Department of Human Services office, call 1-866-311-4287 to find the nearest one. TennCare can help pay Medicare premiums and long-term care costs for those who qualify.
Prescription help
Tennessee does not currently run a broad state pharmaceutical assistance program (SPAP) for general seniors. The best routes are:
- Medicare Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) through Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or ssa.gov/extrahelp, which can sharply cut Part D drug costs.
- TN SHIP at 1-877-801-0044 can compare Part D plans and check whether you qualify for Extra Help or a Medicare Savings Program.
- BenefitsCheckUp.org and manufacturer patient-assistance programs for specific drugs.
Energy and utility help
Tennessee runs LIHEAP through the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA), delivered by a network of 19 local Human Resource Agencies and Community Action agencies that cover all 95 counties. The program offers regular help and crisis help (for shutoff notices or being out of fuel). For the 2025-2026 program year, the online application opened November 1, 2025, and benefits ranged from $174 to $750 based on energy burden. Find your local agency at thda.org (search LIHEAP) or by dialing 211.
Property tax relief (Tennessee)
Tennessee offers two separate programs for seniors, both applied for through your county trustee (in cities, sometimes the city collecting official):
- Tennessee Property Tax Relief Program (elderly and disabled homeowners): a state-funded rebate that reimburses a portion of property taxes on the first part of your home's value. For the 2025 tax year, the combined annual income limit for all owners and their spouses was $37,530 or less, and the owner must be 65 or older (or totally and permanently disabled) and use the home as their primary residence. Administered by the Tennessee Comptroller's Division of Property Assessments.
- Tennessee Property Tax Freeze Program: for homeowners 65 and older, this freezes the dollar amount of property tax on your primary residence at the amount owed in the year you first qualify, so a later tax-rate increase will not raise it. The income limit is set annually for each county, so ask your county trustee for your county's current limit and deadline.
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability funds the Area Agencies on Aging and Disability (AAAD), which handle home-delivered meals, in-home care, caregiver support (the National Family Caregiver Support Program), and senior transportation statewide. Reach your AAAD through the statewide aging line 1-866-836-6678, the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116), or by dialing 211. For free civil legal help, ask your AAAD or 211 for the legal aid office serving your county.
Frequently asked questions
What is Tennessee's SHIP program? TN SHIP, the Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program, run by the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability. Free Medicare counseling at 1-877-801-0044.
Does Tennessee offer senior property tax relief? Yes, two programs through your county trustee: the Property Tax Relief Program (a rebate for low-income homeowners 65+, 2025 income limit $37,530) and the Property Tax Freeze Program (freezes the tax amount for homeowners 65+, with an income limit set by each county).
How do Tennessee seniors get help with prescription costs? Tennessee has no broad state drug program, so start with Medicare Extra Help through Social Security (1-800-772-1213) and ask TN SHIP (1-877-801-0044) to compare Part D plans.
How do Tennessee seniors get help with heating bills? Through LIHEAP, administered by THDA and delivered by local agencies in all 95 counties. Find your agency at thda.org or dial 211.
Sources
- TN.gov, Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program: https://www.tn.gov/disability-and-aging/disability-aging-programs/tn-ship.html . Verified June 6, 2026.
- TN.gov, How Do I Apply for TennCare: https://www.tn.gov/tenncare/members-applicants/how-do-i-apply-for-tenncare.html . Verified June 6, 2026.
- THDA, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): https://thda.org/help-for-homeowners/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap/ . Verified June 6, 2026.
- Tennessee Comptroller, Property Tax Relief: https://comptroller.tn.gov/office-functions/pa/property-taxes/property-tax-programs/tax-relief.html and 2025 Tax Relief brochure: https://comptroller.tn.gov/content/dam/cot/pa/documents/tax-relief/TaxReliefBrochure.pdf . Verified June 6, 2026.
- Tennessee Comptroller, Property Tax Freeze: https://comptroller.tn.gov/office-functions/pa/property-taxes/property-tax-programs/property-tax-freeze.html . Verified June 6, 2026.