Tennessee Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Eating healthy helps us stay strong and independent as we get older. The Tennessee Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families afford nutritious food. If you're eligible for Tennessee SNAP and approved for benefits, you’ll receive an electronic benefits card (EBT card). This card works just like a prepaid debit card. It can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets to buy SNAP-approved food items. You can also make SNAP purchases on Amazon. **It’s worth checking Tennessee SNAP eligibility for yourself or someone you care for. The average older adult gets $188 each month to help with groceries.** ## Frequently asked questions - How does Tennessee SNAP work? - What is the SNAP application process like in Tennessee? - How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP? - How do I apply for SNAP in Tennessee? - What happens after I apply for SNAP in Tennessee? - How can I get help with my application? - Other important tips to know ## How does Tennessee SNAP work? SNAP can help you stretch your grocery budget further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on food can now be spent on other basics like your utility bills, prescriptions, and health care. If you’re approved for SNAP, your benefits are added to an EBT card each month. It looks and works like a debit card and can be used at most grocery stores and other stores that sell food in Tennessee. SNAP is run by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). Field offices across the state help people apply for SNAP, manage their benefits, and get answers to questions. ## What is the SNAP application process like in Tennessee? Applying for SNAP may be easier than you think. You don’t have to do it by yourself—a friend, family member, or case worker can help you. Generally, here are the steps to apply for Tennessee SNAP: - **Fill out an application**: You can apply for Tennessee SNAP online or by mail. The application usually takes 20–30 minutes to complete. You do not need paperwork to start. But you must finish and submit your application to get a benefit start date. - **Have an interview**: While you wait for your application to be reviewed, you must have a phone or in-person interview with a case worker. - **Wait for a decision**: Most SNAP applications are reviewed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application reviewed faster. - **Receive your EBT card**: If you’re approved for SNAP, you will receive your Benefit Security Card in the mail with a guide on how to use it. ## How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP? When you apply for SNAP in Tennessee, you can include everyone in your home who shops for and prepares meals with you. SNAP calls this group your “household.” To get SNAP, your household must meet the following basic rules: - You must be a Tennessee resident and a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen with a certain legal status. - You must have a Social Security number (or have applied for one). - You may have to meet certain work requirements. ## What are the SNAP work requirements in Tennessee? As of Feb. 1, 2026, the federal government changed SNAP work rules for some people: - Under the new rules, adults age 55–64 who do not have dependents may need to work or join a special job training program for 80 hours each month to keep their benefits. Volunteer activities may also count as work. - Some caregivers may not have to follow these work rules. Final guidance is still being worked out. - Veterans must now follow these work rules, too. These changes may affect how long some people can get SNAP benefits, especially in areas where jobs are hard to find. **Note:**The SNAP work rule changes are not in place everywhere yet. Some states have extra time, so the rules may start later. Talk to someone at your local THDS office to find out exactly when the new rules start in Tennessee. ## How much SNAP help can I get in Tennessee? If you qualify, the amount you can get in SNAP benefits depends on: - How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security - How many people live with you If you’re age 60+ or have a disability, you may be able to get more SNAP benefits by reporting monthly costs like medical bills (over $35), housing costs, and utility bills. In 2026, the average monthly SNAP benefit for a one-person household is $188. ## What are income limits? How do they affect my SNAP eligibility? There are income guidelines to qualify for SNAP. Most households in Tennessee can apply if their gross (total, before taxes) income is at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. **There are special SNAP rules that give more flexibility to people who are age 60+ or have a disability.**Many older adults are surprised they qualify for SNAP and get more help than they expected. The best way to know for sure is to apply. The guidelines below apply from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. If you’re not sure if you qualify, your THDS office can help. You can also check your eligibility right now—just scroll up and click the black “**See If You May Be Eligible**” button. Family size Maximum gross monthly income (130% FPL) 1 $ 1,696 2 $ 2,292 3 $ 2,888 4 $ 3,483 5 $ 4,079 For each additional person, add: +$ 596 Source: [TN Dept Human Services](https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/TN.gov_Income_Update%202026.pdf) You may also have to meet an asset limit to get Tennessee SNAP. Assets are things you own that can be turned into money, like cash, money in the bank, stocks, bonds, or property. ## How do I apply for SNAP in Tennessee? **1. Get important documents ready** When you apply, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. To apply for Tennessee SNAP, you will need the following information and verifying documents for everyone in your household. Try to gather as much of it as possible: - Your identification (e.g., driver’s license, school ID with photo, passport, resident alien card, I-94 card, voter’s registration card) - Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card) - Residence (e.g., lease agreement, utility bill, phone bill, or driver’s license with your address on it) - Income (e.g., check stubs, employer statement, award letters) - Resources (e.g., bank statements, title, registration, or deed) - Shelter costs (e.g., mortgage payments, property tax, homeowner’s insurance, rent receipt, lease agreement) - Cost of utilities (e.g., electric bill, water bill, gas bill) You don’t need to have everything ready right away. You can submit your SNAP application first and add more information later. Your benefits can start from the day you apply. You can also ask someone you trust—like a friend or family member—to help you. They can help gather papers, fill out the application, and join you for your interview. You can list them as your Authorized Representative on your application. **2. Complete an application** The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP is online through the [ONE TDHS](https://onedhs.tn.gov/) website portal. You’ll be glad to know when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology. [Apply through ONE TDHS](https://onedhs.tn.gov/) **To apply online:** - Go to the [ONE TDHS](https://onedhs.tn.gov/) website. - If you already have an account, **enter your username and password** to log in. - If you do not have an account, click ‘**Create one here!**’ and follow the prompts to set up your username and password. - Answer a few more questions to complete the user verification process. - Once you've confirmed your identity and logged in, you’ll see your dashboard. Click '**Apply for Child Care and/or Family Assistance (Food and Cash) Benefits**.' - On the next few screens, answer the questions provided. When you reach the Benefits Selection page, **check the box next to ‘SNAP’**and click ‘**Next**.’ - Follow the prompts to complete your SNAP application. It should take you about 20 to 30 minutes (but you can save your progress and come back if you need to; all you need to do is log back in with the username and password you set up earlier). **Tips for success:** - Fill out as much information as you can; it’s better to guess or leave some parts blank rather than wait to verify the information. You can save your application progress in the system and return later to finish it, if necessary. - For help, call the Family Assistance Service Center at [1-866-311-4287](tel:1-866-311-4287). Blind/Visually Impaired or Deaf and Hard of Hearing: [1-833-772-8347](tel:1-833-772-8347) (in Tennessee only) - If English is not your first language, click on the ‘**Translate**’ button at the top of the screen and choose the correct language. You can also ask for translation help in the application. - For guidance on uploading documents to the website, [see this video tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-4nvLJvn98). **APPLY IN PERSON OR BY MAIL** Visit the [TDHS website](https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/information-and-resources/dhs-forms-and-applications.html) and look under ‘Family Assistance Applications’ to download a SNAP application. You can also [contact your local office](https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/humanservices/for-families/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/office-locator-family-assistance.html) to have an application mailed to you. Once you’ve completed the form, you can: - Mail it (along with copies of your documentation) to: Family Assistance Division Department of Human Services P.O. Box 620001 Memphis TN 38181 - Drop it off at your [nearest TDHS office](https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/humanservices/for-families/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/office-locator-family-assistance.html). - Upload it to the [ONE TDHS](https://onedhs.tn.gov/) website. ## What if I need food assistance right away? You may be able to get Tennessee SNAP benefits sooner (within 7 calendar days from the date on your application) if you need food now and you can show proof of your identity. You must meet one of the following conditions: - Your household's monthly income is less than $150, and you now have resources of $100 or less. - Your shelter cost (plus utilities) is higher than your monthly income plus savings. - You do seasonal farm or migrant work. **Need food today?** Visit the [Feeding America](https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/tennessee) website to find local resources while you wait for your SNAP application to be reviewed. ## How can I get help with my application? There are several ways to get help filling out your Tennessee SNAP application. You can: - Call the Family Assistance Service Center at [1-866-311-4287](tel:1-866-311-4287). - Contact ​your local TDHS office ([find your nearest location](https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/humanservices/for-families/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/office-locator-family-assistance.html)). - Check with your local food bank to see if they have a SNAP outreach program. - Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live.[See if there’s one in your area](https://benefitscheckup.org/article/how-to-find-a-benefits-enrollment-center-near-you). - ** Call the NCOA HelpLine at ** [1-800-794-6559](tel:1-800-794-6559) ** anytime Monday–Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST to get free support. ** ## ** What happens after I apply for SNAP in Tennessee? ** It can take up to 30 days to review your SNAP application, or up to 7 days if you ask for faster help. If you are approved, benefits can start from the day you apply. After you submit your application, a THDS case worker will contact you within 10 days for an interview. The interview may happen during that call or be scheduled for later. To avoid delays, check your mail often and answer your phone, even if the call says “unknown” or is blocked. ## What can I expect during my SNAP interview? Don’t worry—the SNAP interview is just a check-in. It’s not meant to trip you up. The worker simply reviews the information you already shared, answers your questions, and can help if you’re missing any documents or need assistance. During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as: - What is your full name and birthday? - What is your Social Security number? - Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.) - Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.) - What is your monthly income? - Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill? - What other regular bills do you have? Try practicing your answers ahead of time, either by yourself or with someone you trust. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence. If THDS needs more information, they will contact you. You should get a letter within 30 days telling you if you qualify for SNAP benefits. ## What happens after I am approved for SNAP? After you are approved for SNAP, your case stays open for a set amount of time. Most households are approved for 12 months. Households with someone age 60 or older or with a disability are usually approved for 24 months. If you have a 24-month period, you must fill out a form halfway through. After you are approved, you will get your EBT card in the mail with instructions on how to use it. Your first SNAP benefits will be added when your application is approved. ## ** Other important tips to know ** - **What if my Tennessee SNAP application is denied? **Your SNAP letter will include instructions for filing an appeal if you do not agree with the decision, or if you think your benefit amount is wrong. - **How do I manage my Tennessee Benefits Security card?** To create or change your EBT card PIN number, check the balance on your card, or report a lost or stolen card, have your card number ready and call the Customer Service Hotline at [1-888-997-9444](tel:1-888-997-9444). You can also visit the [EBTEdge website](https://login5.fisglobal.com/idp/EBTEdge_NCH/) to manage your card. You must create an account first. - **Do I need to report changes to my household situation?** Some Tennessee SNAP households must report changes to their income, residency, household size, child support, resources, or deductions within 10 days of the change. Change forms can be download from the TDHS website. - **When should you renew your SNAP benefits in Tennessee?** You must complete the SNAP renewal process to continue receiving benefits. You will be mailed a renewal packet two months before your benefits expire.