State & City Resources
Memphis, Tennessee: Disability Resources
On This Page
Memphis-area residents have different contacts for support at home, a housing crisis, and accessible transit. The Aging Commission covers four counties, MIFA’s rent and mortgage assistance serves Shelby County, and MATAplus has its own service area.
Aging Commission of the Mid-South
The Aging Commission connects older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers with services in Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton counties. Its Information and Assistance line is the starting point for publicly funded in-home help offered through the commission. Staff can conduct a telephone screening for possible CHOICES or other program assistance, including meals, personal care, and homemaker support.
MIFA Rent or Mortgage Assistance
MIFA’s program directory describes assistance for Shelby County residents facing lost income or a recent crisis. Applicants must document the situation and meet the program’s requirements, including its limit on receiving MIFA assistance within the previous 12 months. Funding and demand affect assistance. Ask what records are needed and whether the available help could resolve the immediate housing problem.
MATAplus
MATAplus serves eligible riders whose disabilities prevent use of regular transit within its Memphis and Shelby County service area. The application includes a medical verification section and an in-person assessment by appointment. The current instructions require completing the application before the assessment and say applications are not accepted by mail, email, or fax. Follow the posted appointment process and confirm trip coverage.
Before You Contact a Program
- Identify your county and describe the help needed at home.
- Gather housing notices and evidence of the recent income loss or crisis.
- Complete transit application sections before arranging the assessment.
Keep Federal Benefits Separate
These local applications address particular service needs, separately from an SSA claim. SSA’s Disability page[1] explains SSDI; SSA’s SSI overview[2] explains SSI. Apply for federal benefits through SSA. Starting a local service application does not file an SSDI or SSI claim.
Return to Tennessee resources or browse the state resource directory.
This guide provides general information, not legal or medical advice. Disability Benefit Guide USA is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or the organizations listed. A listing is not an endorsement or a promise of services.
Official Sources and References
These SSA.gov links support the explanations above. Official applications, account services, and agency forms are completed through SSA.
- SSA’s Disability page — SSA.gov
- SSA’s SSI overview — SSA.gov