Disability benefits including financial help in Tennessee.
Find details on programs in Tennessee, most of which are offered by the DHR Disability Services, can people with a disability, their families as well as caregivers. The resources, some offered in partnership with non-profits, range from technology products, financial help to pay bills (above and beyond SSI), respite and so much more. Learn more below on where and how the disabled in TN can get assistance, including with their bills with contact information listed.
Note that any type of support provided to individuals with a disability is in addition to the standard government and nonprofit resources that are available to the general population. This means a disabled person can get money from social security as well as state specific Tennessee benefits, as listed below.
Financial benefits and free items available for disabled residents in TN
A number of government financial resources are also available for residents with a disability that meet income conditions. They may receive priority in some cases on the funding. A few examples include the following.
- Families First (TANF), which is cash assistance for basic needs. This is the state of TN version of TANF and it is in effect government grant money that helps very low income people with a disability pay the bills. It can be combined with social security - SSI / SSDI as well.
- Adult Day Care and Protective Services.
- For disability applications, including SSDI, that were rejected, get help with appeals, hearings, and Disability Determination Services.
- Food assistance from SNAP and other charities across TN that operate Meals on Wheels for people with a disability, and look here for more details on how to get free food in TN.
- Financial aid for utility bills including the Home Energy Assistance program.
- Health care and applications for Medicaid/TennCare.
To learn more or apply, call the Customer Service Line at 1-866-311-4287.
Assistive technology help is available through the Tennessee Technology Access Program. This will help people get the goods they need for things like around the home or what not. If someone with a disability has a broken wheelchair ramp, a need for a communication device such as a free phone or tablet, or the cost of adaptive equipment that insurance will not fully cover. The centers will assist those with disabilities and their families find and get the tools that need to live independent lives.
- This will provide both financial assistance and even device demonstration, loan, and new equipment. Official information is at https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/ds/ttap.html. The main office is at 505 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37243-1403.
A statewide navigation service can help the disabled. It can in effect do things such as help reduce repeated applications to benefits or programs focused on the disabled. It will also help people find options, such as programs from the government that provide emergency financial help when a crisis comes up.. Tennessee Disability Pathfinder provides one-on-one assistance to people with disabilities, caregivers, and professionals looking for services and resources. Call 1-800-640-4636
Employment programs in Tennessee that are focused on the disabled
Vocational Rehabilitation can help qualified residents get a job that is for their needs, and it can even help people who are blind or visually impaired. The case managers and staff will help individuals compete with others in entering the workforce or retaining their job. The services provided will be customized to meet the needs of the client. Together they will work on developing an Individualized Plan for Employment.
- Some of what may be offered includes Guidance, access to free Post Secondary Education, Vocational Training, money for transportation, and more - even look here for how to get a free ride. Clients can also get help from any medical care that is needed to eliminate or reduce the effect of the disability.
The Blind and Visually Impaired Services provides independent living as well as other support to older individuals who are visually impaired or blind. Job training, applications to grant money, help dealing with social security and so much more is offered.
- One particular program is focused on residents that are at least 55 years old and that also have a visual impairment disability. There are however resources for anyone impacted in TN, regardless of their age. Another key partner organization is the statewide network of Area Offices on Aging and also local senior citizen centers across the state.
Additional services for the disabled
Tennessee’s Department of Disability and Aging operates Home and Community Based Services for adults age 60 and older and adults with physical disabilities. This is focused on people who are at risk of entering long-term care facilities. The main program known as OPTIONS for Community Living is a state-funded program within this structure. The program can be applied too, or explored, when a household needs help at home but is not yet receiving TennCare long-term services.
For in-home care, personal assistance, and support that helps a person remain living in the community )or same house), the main Tennessee program is TennCare CHOICES. It is for people under the age of 60. It offers home and community based services that assist with daily living activities such as shopping, cleaning and the like. CHOICES also provides nursing facility care when that level of care is needed. In practical terms, CHOICES is the program to pursue when disability creates a need for help with daily routines, supervision, or ongoing care that would otherwise lead to unsafe conditions or nursing home placement.
- Tennessee’s application process for CHOICES is also distinctive because the state uses the Area Agencies on Aging and Disability as a primary entry point for people who do not already have TennCare. To learn more or apply, contact a local Area Agency on Aging and Disability of 1-866-836-6678 that automatically routes callers to the nearest Area Agency.
Tennessee's Adult Protective Services program helps reduce, and tries to eliminate, financial exploitation, neglect, and unsafe caregiving situation. As sadly those are too common in a household with a disabled member. Case workers from Adult Protective Services investigates reports of adults who are unable to protect themselves due to a physical or mental limitation, and it provides an official reporting pathway.
Organizations for the disabled in Tennessee
In addition to the departments and organizations ;listed below, the Department of Human Services has a Disability Services division (website: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/disability-services.html). This is also a clearinghouse for additional details.
Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability
Address is 502 Deaderick St, Nashville, TN 37243. Phone: (866) 836-6678
Supports both the elderly and disabled in the state. Numerous benefits are available. Examples include support for caregivers, general case management, homemaker services, respite care, personal care assistance/attendant, and adult day care among others.. Financial assistance is for home delivered meals, minor home modifications, and assistive technology equipment.
Division of Intellectual Disabilities Services (DIDS)
Location is 500 Deaderick St, Nashville, TN 37242. Phone number is (615) 532-6530
Provides assistance to residents with an intellectual disability. Support for the family includes day and respite care, specialized equipment, repair/maintenance, and homemaker services. Supplies are offered for home and vehicular modifications, housing costs, specialized nutrition/clothing/supplies, and transportation. Additional assistance from DID includes case management services including as well as behavior, physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Clients can sign up for classes on nutrition as well.
Tennessee Department of Health’s Arthritis Program
21 Great Circle Road, Nashville, TN 37228. Call (615) 254-6795
Tennessee Department of Health’s Children’s Special Services (CSS)
Call (615) 741-7353.
Provides financial assistance for the reimbursement for medical bills, supplies, pharmaceuticals and therapies for children under the age of 21 that are qualified. They are work with local doctors, hospitals, and local managed care organization networks at all state of TN public health departments. The organization will also offer referrals to specialists if the client has special health care needs.
Tennessee Department of Health’s Diabetes Prevention and Control Program
Call 888-741-3390
Vocational Rehabilitation
400 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37243. Call (615) 313-4700
This organizations help the disabled find a job. Services include counseling, diagnosis, job placement, treatment, transportation, and general transition services from school to work. They also run benefits such as the personal care assistance program and the organization provide independent living services as well as assistive technology if and when needed.
- In addition, there are programs are for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Resources available include Vocational Rehabilitation, Independent Living Services, Newsline for the Blind and Visually Impaired. This last option is an automated newspaper reading service. Other job training and career counseling may be offered too.
TDMHSAS Division of Mental Health Services
The Mental Health Services administered by this department include employment/education, housing, transportation, and crisis services. More information is on the website here https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/mental-health-services.html.
The Arc of Tennessee
Address is 151 Athens Way, Nashville, TN 37228. Call (615) 248-5878
Autism Society Middle Tennessee Chapter
955 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206. Call (615) 385-2077
Nashville Regional Office of Paralyzed Veterans of America
110 9th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203. Call 615-695-6290
National Multiple Sclerosis Society of TN
A regional organization that covers Tennessee as well as Kentucky - details are here. https://www.nationalmssociety.org/resources/get-connected/in-your-area/tns.
Tennessee Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
There are multiple offices across the state that are run in partnership with non-profits and government organizations. The website is https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/ds/councils-and-committees/tcddbhh.html.
Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities
500 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243. Call (615) 532-6615
Tennessee Disability Coalition
955 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206. Main phone (615) 383-9442
Tennessee School for the Blind
115 Stewarts Ferry Pike, Nashville, TN 37214. Call (615) 231-7300
Tennessee School for the Deaf
2725 Island Home Boulevard, Knoxville, TN 37920. Main phone number is (865) 579-2500
United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee
Address - 1200 9th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208. Call (615) 242-4091
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