How To Apply For Food Stamps In Tennessee

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally funded program that offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families. The program is run by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). If you live in this state and need to apply for a Tennessee EBT Card, then the information below shows you how to apply for food stamps in Tennessee. If you have additional questions or concerns about the Tennessee SNAP program or the EBT application process, please contact the Tennessee Department of Human Services for assistance.

Required Information for Tennessee SNAP Application
If you are applying for SNAP (food stamp) benefits, the documents listed below may be needed to complete the application process.

You may need papers that show:

• Social Security Number
• Your Identification (Example: driver's license, school ID with photo, Passport, Resident Alien Card, I-94 card, voter's registration card)
• Where you live (Example: lease agreement, utility bill, phone bill, or driver's license with your address on it)​
• Income (Example: check stubs, employer statement, award letters)
• Shelter costs (Example: mortgage payments, property tax, homeowner's insurance, rent receipt, lease agreement)​
• Costs of utilities (Example: electric bill, water bill, gas bill)

You may be asked to provide more information during your interview. Your eligibility counselor will explain what information is needed, how to get it and help you if you need assistance. SNAP benefits are issued and accessed electronically using a Benefit Security Card or EBT Card. To apply for benefits, submit your application online or visit the local DHS county office. Current SNAP recipients can find information on their case with CaseConnect. If you do not already have a TDHS account, you will need to create one to access services.

Applying For Services
People may apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at their local Department of Human Services county office or by applying online using the Family Assistance (FA) Online application. Applications are available in English - Spanish.

In order to determine eligibility for the program, DHS caseworkers may ask for documentation like birth certificates, social security cards, check stubs, bank statements, utility bills, rent receipts, tax returns, and insurance policies. Applicants are notified by mail (within 45 days of the application date for Families First and 30 days of the application date for SNAP) of the eligibility decision.

Submit your application online or print and sign the application and fax, mail, or bring it to a DHS county office for us to process. - (If applying for SNAP only, an incomplete application can be accepted as long as it contains your name, address, and signature)