The wait is finally over for the hundreds of thousands of Tennessee residents who have been awaiting their delayed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the prolonged government shutdown.
Tennessee’s Department of Human Services recently announced that SNAP benefits are in the process of being distributed to recipients via their EBT cards, which will include any backlogged payments.
Other SNAP changes
Even as monthly benefits resume, recipients should be aware of other changes to SNAP that may directly affect them.
Not everyone who was once eligible for SNAP will continue to receive benefits going forward, and there will now be additional requirements for many recipients.
Work requirements, which had been suspended during COVID and were reinstated in 2023, were expanded this year to include most SNAP recipients from ages 18-64.
Many adults will now be required to work or volunteer 20 hours per week to retain their SNAP benefits. Groups for whom work requirements have changed include veterans, former foster youth and people experiencing homelessness.
Those who are still exempt include:
Anyone on SSI, SSDI or VA disability benefitsAnyone younger than age 18 or at age 65 and olderAnyone with a child younger than age 14 in their SNAP householdAnyone who earns at least $217.50 per week before taxesAnyone with a physical or mental condition preventing them from workingAnyone in school or training at least half-timeAnyone who is pregnantAnyone receiving unemployment benefitsAnyone in drug or alcohol treatment
If you don’t meet an exemption, you will only be eligible for three months of SNAP in a three-year period. The current three-year period started Jan. 1, 2025, and ends Dec. 31, 2027.
If you’re among those whose benefits are at risk, you should have already received a letter from DHS explaining how to keep your benefits by providing proof you meet an exemption.
If you fall under one of the above exemptions, you can upload proof of your exemption to Tennessee DHS’s One DHS Customer Portal (onedhs.tn.gov) or bring it to your county’s DHS office.
How to apply for SNAP
Though SNAP continues to undergo changes, the good news is that it’s still available to help prevent food insecurity among low-income Tennesseans.
To apply for SNAP, go to your county’s DHS office or visit onedhs.tn.gov to create an online account. You can also fax or mail your application to the DHS office in your county.
Initially, all you’ll need to supply is your name, address and signature. However, in order to be approved for benefits, you’ll need to provide some additional information, which may include:
A birth certificate or driver’s licenseUp to 8 weeks of pay stubs for any household member who is workingProof of Social Security, VA, unemployment, child support or alimony you receiveDocumentation of the balance in any bank accounts you may haveProof of rent or mortgage paymentsUtility billsProof of daycare or babysitting costsProof of medical costs (for those who are disabled or age 60 and older)
It’s important to note that the earlier you apply in the month, the more SNAP you will get for the first month if you are approved. When you apply, make sure to get a receipt, including the date you applied and copies of any papers you’ve submitted.
DHS has 30 days to approve or deny most SNAP applications and provide benefits for eligible applicants. For Tennesseans making less than $150 a month before taxes, and who also have $100 or less in resources, DHS should approve or deny your application within seven days after you apply.
How Legal Aid Society can help
If you’ve been denied for SNAP or believe you’re entitled to more benefits than you’re receiving, Legal Aid Society may be able to help you. As Tennessee’s largest nonprofit law firm, we defend the legal rights of low-income and vulnerable people to obtain the basic necessities of life.
We serve 48 counties across Middle Tennessee out of eight offices, located in Cookeville, Clarksville, Columbia, Gallatin, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Oak Ridge and Tullahoma.
For more information about Legal Aid Society and the services we offer, visit las.org or call our intake line at 1-800-238-1443.
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Amelia Luna is an attorney at Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands.