Food & Nutrition

Tennessee Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

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You may be eligible to receive

$158/month

in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, once known as Food Stamps), helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Tennessee pay for food.

If you're approved for SNAP benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (EBT card) called the Benefit Security Card. This card looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. Your card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in Tennessee to buy SNAP-approved food items. You can also make SNAP purchases on Amazon.

Frequently asked questions

How does Tennessee SNAP work?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is run by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). TDHS field offices across the state provide local support for people who receive SNAP and other types of public assistance.

SNAP can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are SNAP-eligible, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.

What is the SNAP application process like in Tennessee?

While the idea of applying for SNAP may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or TDHS case worker can assist 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. Completing the application can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. Note: No documentation is necessary to start the application process, but you must complete and submit your application before you can secure a benefit start date.
Have an interview: While you wait for your application to be processed, you must have a phone or in-person interview with a TDHS case worker.
Wait for a decision: Most Tennessee SNAP applications are processed 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 processed faster.
Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, 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?

You can apply for all the people living in your home who buy and fix meals with you (defined as a “household”). To be eligible for SNAP, your household must meet the following basic guidelines:

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).
If you're an adult without kids under 18 and you're able to work, you might have to work or take part in a work program to continue getting SNAP benefits.

The amount of money you will get in Tennessee 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
Your expenses
Your assets

What are the Tennessee SNAP income limits?

The chart below shows the maximum monthly gross income households can earn and still get SNAP benefits. In Tennessee, most households must meet a gross income limit of 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Households with an older adult (age 60+) or someone with a disability must meet a gross income limit of 165% FPL.

What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean?

Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted.

These figures are effective for 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’

Family size	Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL)
1	$ 1,255
2	$ 1,704
3	$ 2,152
4	$ 2,600
5	$ 3,049
For each additional person, add:	+$ 449

Source: USDA.gov, SNAP Eligibility (October 2024)

You may qualify for deductions that reduce your countable income. This can help your household meet the SNAP income limit. A case worker can tell you which deductions your household qualifies for. Common deductions include:

20% earned income deduction
Standard deduction, based on household size
Dependent care expenses
Certain housing and utility expenses
Legally obligated child support
Medical expenses in excess of $35 per month (for older adults and people with disabilities)

What are the Tennessee SNAP asset limits?

Assets refer to the resources and property your household owns that can be converted into cash (e.g., cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate). The asset limit for SNAP in Tennessee is $3,000 for most households and $4,500 for households with a member who has a disability and/or is 60 years of age or older.

How do I prepare to apply?

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)

If you don’t have all of this information handy, don’t worry. You can always go back and provide additional information after you’ve submitted your application. Benefits start from the day you submit your SNAP application.

If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your SNAP application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application.

How do I apply for SNAP in Tennessee

There are several ways to apply for Tennessee SNAP. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

APPLY ONLINE

The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP is online through the ONE TDHS 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

To apply online:

Go to the ONE TDHS website.
- If you already have an account, enter your username and password to log in.
- If you do not have an account, click ‘Create an account’ 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.
- Blind/Visually Impaired or Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 1-833-772-8347 (in Tennessee only)
If English is not your primary language, click on the ‘Translate’ button at the top of the screen and choose the correct language. You can also request interpretation assistance within the application itself.
For guidance on uploading documents to the website, see this video tutorial.

APPLY IN PERSON OR BY MAIL

To apply in person or by mail, visit the TDHS website to download a SNAP application in your primary language. You can also contact your local office 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.
Upload it to the ONE TDHS 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 your food needs are urgent and you can show proof of your identity. You may be eligible for expedited SNAP benefits if you 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 website to find local resources while you wait for your SNAP application to be processed.

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.
Contact your local TDHS office (find your nearest location).
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.

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245.

What happens after I apply for SNAP in Tennessee?

It can take up to 30 days to process your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). If you’re approved, the date you submit your application is the earliest date your benefits can begin.

After receiving your completed application, a TDHS case worker will contact you within 10 days for an interview. Your interview can be completed during that initial call or scheduled for a future date.

To make sure you don't miss a letter or call from the agency, it's important to check your mail regularly and pick up the phone (even for calls from “unknown” or blocked numbers).

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your TDHS case worker can tell you more about the program, answer any questions, and help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing.

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?

It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

Once all requested information is received, you will receive a letter in the mail telling you if you were approved or denied for SNAP benefits. If you are approved, the notice will tell you the amount of benefits approved, when benefits will start, and the amount of income and deductions used to make the decision. If you are denied, the notice will tell you the reason why.

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

Once you are approved for SNAP, your case will be active for a certain period of time (this is called your certification period). The certification period for most households is 12 months, and 24 months for households with members age 60+ or who have a disability. Participants with 24-month certification are required to submit a Mid-Certification Form halfway through that period.

Shortly after you are approved for SNAP, you will receive your Benefit Security Card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. Your first month of benefits will be deposited into your account when your application is approved. Going forward, SNAP benefits will be deposited into your EBT account between the 1st and 20th of every month, depending on the last two digits of your Social Security number.

Other important tips to know

What if my Tennessee SNAP application is denied?

Your SNAP decision notice will include instructions for filing an appeal if you do not agree with the decision. Appeals can only be filed in writing, by phone, or via the online eForm.

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. You can also visit the EBTEdge website to manage your card. You must create an account first.

Do I need to report changes to my household situation?

Tennessee SNAP recipients in the Change Reporting Classification 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?

Tennessee SNAP households must complete the recertification process in order to continue receiving benefits. You will be mailed a recertification packet two months before your benefits expire.

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