Applying for Food Stamps in Tennessee - What You Need to Know to Apply for Food Stamps in Tennessee
How to Determine Eligibility and Apply for Food Stamps in Tennessee
As the economy has continued to struggle, unemployment in Tennessee has remained at an all-time high. If you have recently been laid off or lost your job in Tennessee, you may be eligible to apply for and receive government-issued coupons that can be exchanged for food known as Food Stamps. After you apply for unemployment (see Unemployment Tips for Tennessee), the next step frequently is to apply for food stamps. If you need help getting food stamps in Tennessee, these tips should guide you through the process of applying for food stamps. You might also want to read the companion piece How to Apply for Tennessee Food Stamps.
Determine Your Eligibility for Food Stamps in Tennessee
If you are unemployed or on very reduced wages, and you reside in Tennessee, you may apply for Families First benefits, including food stamps, at your local Department of Human Services county office.
If you are not sure if you qualify, you can call the independent 211 help hotline from anywhere in the state of Tennessee to receive a free food stamps pre-screening interview over the phone.
Contact the Department of Human Services in Tennessee
If you think you would qualify for Food Stamps, your next step is to contact the Department of Human Services (DHS). You can call the statewide toll-free customer service line for food stamps is at 1-866-311-4287 for help or more information about applying for Food Stamps.
In Davidson County, call 615-743-2000 or 615-532-4000 for help or more information about applying for Food Stamps. The direct link for the Food Stamp Program online is http://tn.gov/humanserv/adfam/fs_5.html. You can also visit www.state.tn.us/humanserv for Food Stamps and other resources for the unemployed.
Even if you request and fill out an application by mail, the chances are good you will have to pay a visit to your local DHS office. To find a Department of Human Services office near you in Tennessee, there is a map of Tennessee counties where you can click on your county at http://tn.gov/humanserv/st_map.html.
Request and Fill Out a Food Stamps Application
You will need to request and fill out a Food Stamps application. The Food Stamps application is several pages long and can be requested in either English or Spanish. You can request an application over the phone and mail it in. Typically, even if you fill out an application and mail it in, you may still have to visit your local DHS office.
Be Prepared to Provide ID & Documents
You will be asked to provide some ID and income documents when you apply for Food Stamps. The list of things you may be asked to bring is lengthy and includes: valid social security card, birth certificate, check stubs, utility bills, bank statement, utility bills, rent receipts, insurance policies, and tax returns.
Go to the Food Stamp, Employment and Training Office
After you have submitted the Food Stamps application, you will be asked to go to the Food Stamp, Employment and Training office. In Nashville, that office is located in the Career Center at 2200 Rosa L. Parks Blvd. in Metro Center. The phone number is 615-741-2913.
You will be notified by mail within a few days to 45 days of the date you applied for Food Stamps whether or not you are eligible for Food Stamps in Tennessee.
More resources
How to Apply for Tennessee Food Stamps
Unemployment Tips for Tennessee
Find Low-Cost or Free Health Coverage in Tennessee
How to File an Unemployment Claim in Tennessee
How to Fill Out Weekly Unemployment Certification Online in Tennessee
Protect Your Job and Avoid a Layoff
Sell Aluminum Cans & Recycle Soda Cans for Cash in Tennessee
Swine Flu Spreads to Tennessee
Unemployed - Thoughts on facing unemployment, set to rhyme
Published by Kathryn E. Darden
An author, poet, publisher, publicist & skincare consultant, I have written for publications including CCM Magazine, The Tennessean, Barbie Bazaar Magazine, Christian Activities & several local newspapers.... View profile
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8 Comments
Post a CommentHello,
I have been denied unemployment, AND food stamps, Because my husband "supposedly" makes too much money. He has a daughter, and I have 2 daughters. He PAYS 600 per month for his daughter support. I, On the other hand, get 300 per month, for ONE daughter, and NOTHING for the other!.... Therefore, James also supports MY oldest daughter, Which he DOES NOT have to do. We are from a small town, and Husbands ex-wife sang a good song while still living here. I feel the worker was biased. How can I re-apply, and get a different worker, in a small town?
Know this: If you are receiving the state maximum of Unemployment Benefits of $275/week, you will NOT be eligible for Food Stamp Benefits in the State of Tennessee in a single person household. The cutoff for Food Stamps for a 1-Person Household is $1174, and they calculate your gross monthly income by taking $275 and multiplying it by 4.3 (to allow for months where you may receive 5 checks), thus bringing your income to $1182.50 and making you INELIGIBLE. The THEORETICAL $8.50 means you can't get benefits. :(
I know of a woman who keeps kicking her husband out of the house so she can keep her food stamps. He is an alcoholic but has work available near their home.
I see that as very abusive of the system.
Furthermore she will not even look for work. Might endanger her foodstamps. What kind of mind set does this 27-28 year old woman have anyway?
Good info!
Good resource.
Great guide for anyone living in Tennessee! :-)
Thanks for sharing this important information Kathryn. During these tough times, many families can't even afford to buy food - and they should not feel ashamed to ask for help.
These are tough times. It good to have a concise source like this article to get information on food stamps in Tennesse.