Grants for Disabled People in Tennessee

Tennessee has state organizations dedicated to helping people with disabilities get the support they need. This guide explores the many disability assistance programs available throughout the state. Whether you need healthcare assistance, financial support, or housing aid, Tennessee offers a diverse array of resources to help you thrive. 

State Assistance

Division of Rehabilitation Services

Disabled individuals in Tennessee can access a range of vocational rehabilitation services through the Division of Rehabilitation Services. These services aim to enhance employment opportunities and foster independence, providing tailored support to navigate the job market successfully. For more information, visit https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/ds/vocational-rehabilitation.html.

Tennessee Department of Human Services

The Tennessee Department of Human Services administers various programs, including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), ensuring access to essential healthcare and nutritional support for disabled residents across the state. To learn more, visit https://www.tn.gov/humanservices.html. 

Health Assistance for Disabled People

Medicaid

Tennessee’s Medicaid program provides comprehensive health coverage to disabled people, encompassing services such as doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions and more. It serves as a crucial lifeline for those in need of essential medical care. Read more at https://www.tn.gov/tenncare/members-applicants/eligibility/tenncare-medicaid.html. 

Tennessee Long-Term Services and Supports

This program assists disabled individuals in accessing home and community-based services, enabling them to live independently while receiving necessary support. From personal care assistance to specialized therapies, it aims to enhance the quality of life for disabled people statewide. For further information, visit https://www.tn.gov/tenncare/long-term-services-supports.html. 

Social Security

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Disabled individuals in Tennessee can apply for SSDI or SSI to receive financial assistance to cover daily living expenses and medical needs. These programs provide vital support, offering a safety net for individuals facing disabilities and preventing substantial gainful activity. More information is available at https://www.ncoa.org/article/ssi-vs-ssdi-what-are-these-benefits-how-they-differ.

Ticket to Work Program

Tennessee’s Ticket to Work Program offers disabled individuals opportunities for employment while retaining Social Security benefits. By facilitating access to vocational rehabilitation and employment services, it empowers individuals to pursue their career goals and achieve financial stability.  To find out more information, visit https://www.ssa.gov/work/. 

Financial Assistance for Disabled People

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Tennessee’s TANF program provides financial assistance to low-income families with disabled members, offering support for basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing. It serves as a vital resource for vulnerable individuals, helping to alleviate financial hardships and promote stability. To see more information, visit https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/families-first-tanf.html. 

Tennessee Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The LIHEAP program assists disabled adults and seniors in managing utility bills, offering financial assistance to ensure access to essential services and prevent energy-related crises. By assisting with heating and cooling costs, it helps to alleviate the financial burden on disabled households. For more information, visit https://thda.org/help-for-homeowners/energy-assistance-programs/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap.

Housing and Rent Assistance For Disabled People

Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA)

THDA offers various rental assistance programs and affordable housing options tailored to the needs of disabled individuals. The goal is to provide stable and suitable housing options for disabled residents, which includes rental subsidies and accessibility modifications. For further information, visit https://thda.org/. 

Tennessee Accessible Housing Program

This program provides grants and loans for the construction or modification of accessible housing units. By removing barriers to housing, it enables disabled individuals to live independently and participate fully in their communities. To learn more, visit http://www.accessiblespace.org/tennessee-accessible-housing. 

Charitable Assistance Programs

Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee

This nonprofit organization operates food assistance programs to support disabled individuals, single mothers and seniors facing food insecurity. Through food distribution initiatives and meal programs, it aims to alleviate hunger and promote nutritional well-being across Tennessee. To find out more information, visit https://www.secondharvestmidtn.org/. 

The Salvation Army – Tennessee Division

With a mission to meet human needs without discrimination, The Salvation Army offers a range of assistance programs including food aid, clothing assistance and emergency financial assistance to people disabled individuals in need. Through its holistic approach, it seeks to address the diverse needs of individuals and families facing adversity. More information is available at https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/kentucky-tennessee/. 

Transportation Assistance for Disabled People

Tennessee Department of Transportation – Public Transit

Public transit services in Tennessee include accessible options to accommodate disabled individuals. These services provide reliable transportation for work, appointments and other essential destinations. For more information, visit https://www.tn.gov/tdot/multimodal-transportation-resources/.

Specialized Transportation Programs

Some communities in Tennessee offer specialized transportation programs specifically designed for disabled people. These programs may include door-to-door services and wheelchair-accessible vehicles to ensure safe and convenient transportation for disabled residents. 

Legal Assistance for Disabled People

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands

The Legal Aid Society provides free legal assistance to disabled individuals facing various legal challenges. From disability rights advocacy to benefits applications, it ensures that disabled people have access to legal representation and support. Read more at https://las.org/. 

Disability Law & Advocacy Center of Tennessee

This organization offers advocacy, education and legal assistance to disabled individuals seeking to protect their rights and access resources. It provides guidance on disability-related legal matters and advocates for systemic change to promote inclusion and accessibility. To learn more, visit https://www.tals.org/node/172/disability-law-advocacy-center-tennessee. 

Clothing Assistance for Disabled People

Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee

Goodwill operates clothing assistance programs to support disabled people and others in need. Through its thrift stores and donation centers, it offers affordable clothing options and promotes sustainability through reuse. To find out more information, visit https://giveit2goodwill.org/. 

Dress for Success Nashville

This nonprofit organization provides professional clothing and support services to disabled people and women transitioning into the workforce. By offering career development programs and interview attire, it empowers individuals to achieve economic independence and success. To see more information, visit https://nashville.dressforsuccess.org/. 

Business Support for Disabled People

Tennessee Small Business Development Center

The Tennessee SBDC offers resources and support for disabled people interested in starting or expanding their own businesses. It provides guidance on business planning, financing options and accessibility accommodations to promote entrepreneurship and economic growth. For more information, visit https://www.tsbdc.org/. 

Tennessee Disability Pathfinder

This program offers resources and assistance for disabled entrepreneurs seeking to navigate the business landscape. It provides information on disability-friendly business practices, funding opportunities and networking events to support the success of disabled-owned businesses. To learn more, visit https://www.tnpathfinder.org/. 

Assistance for Disabled Veterans

Tennessee Department of Veterans Services

The TDVS offers a range of benefits and services for disabled veterans in Tennessee. These include disability compensation, healthcare services, vocational rehabilitation and housing assistance tailored to meet the unique needs of disabled veterans. Read more at, visit https://www.tn.gov/veteran.html. 

Disabled American Veterans – Department of Tennessee

DAV provides assistance and advocacy for disabled veterans navigating the VA benefits system. It offers guidance on benefits claims, appeals and access to resources to support the health, well-being and financial stability of disabled veterans. For further information, visit https://www.davtn.org/. 

Assistance for Disabled Seniors

Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability

TCAD offers a variety of programs and services to support disabled seniors in Tennessee. These include home and community-based services, caregiver support and assistance with long-term care planning to promote independence and quality of life. To see more information, visit https://www.tn.gov/disability-and-aging.html.