Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Assistance Does NeedLink Provide?
Regular
Assistance:
Income-Based
Rent,
Water,
or
Natural
Gas
You may be eligible for one form of regular assistance every twelve months. Services we may be able to assist with include income-based rent, Metro Water Service, Madison Suburban Utility District, and Piedmont Natural Gas. Regular assistance available for Davidson County residents only.
Past due balances need to be paid down to $300 or less for consideration. We cannot consider current balances.
Deposits considered on a limited basis.
Special Assistance: Nashville Electric Service
Our Special NES Assistance funding has been exhausted. Our regular assistance application will include an option to apply for NES assistance. Please see our Get Help page for further details.
What is Income-Based Rent?
If you have income-based rent, the amount you pay in rent changes with changes in your income. This is typically Section 8 or MDHA. Income-based rent is the only form of rent that we may be able to consider for assistance.
I have income-restricted rent. Can NeedLink help?Unfortunately, we are unable to assist with income-restricted housing. There are income limits to qualify for income-restricted rent, but your rental rate does not change with changes in your income.
What should I bring?
To apply, you will need your photo ID, proof of income, and the past due bill for which you are seeking assistance.
When Will I Receive an Application Update?
Updates
for
Regular
Assistance:
Income-Based
Rent,
Water,
or
Natural
Gas
Application updates for regular assistance are provided at the end of the week via phone call or email if your application has been approved. If we are unable to assist, you will receive a denial letter in the mail the following week.
Updates for NES Assistance
Due to a high application volume, please allow up to 3 weeks for your application to be processed. We will provide an update via email once your application has been processed.
Please note that NES will not be disconnecting accounts until June 30, 2026. Past due balances will accrue during this time frame.