SNAP in Tennessee is administered by the Tennessee Department of Human Services, commonly abbreviated TDHS, through the One DHS Customer Portal. Unlike many states covered in this series, Tennessee has not adopted Broad Based Categorical Eligibility, applying instead the standard federal gross income limit of 130 percent of the poverty level and the standard federal asset test.
This guide is independently written and is not affiliated with USDA, OPM, the Tennessee Department of Human Services, or the official federal Feds Feed Families campaign.
What SNAP in Tennessee Is Called and Who Runs It
Tennessee uses the standard SNAP name, administered by TDHS statewide, with offices located in every county. TDHS also administers Families First, Tennessee's TANF program, through the same department.
Income Limits
- What SNAP in Tennessee Is Called and Who Runs It
- Income Limits
- Maximum Benefit Amounts
- How to Apply
- Families First Categorical Eligibility
- Elderly and Disabled Households
- What Tennessee SNAP Can Be Used For
- FAQ
- How do I apply for SNAP in Tennessee?
- Does Tennessee use Broad Based Categorical Eligibility?
- Are Families First recipients automatically eligible for SNAP in Tennessee?
- What is the asset limit for SNAP in Tennessee?
Tennessee applies the standard federal gross income limit of 130 percent of the federal poverty level, which for federal fiscal year 2026 works out to approximately $1,695 a month for a one-person household and roughly $2,887 a month for a three-person household, rising by roughly $595 for each additional household member. Tennessee also enforces the standard federal asset test, $3,000 for most households and $4,500 for households with a member 60 or older or living with a disability.
Maximum Benefit Amounts
Tennessee households use the same federal maximum allotment table applied across the 48 contiguous states, ranging from $298 a month for one person to $994 a month for a family of four for federal fiscal year 2026.
How to Apply
- Online through the One DHS Customer Portal, where you can also opt in to receive text updates during the application process
- In person at a local TDHS office, found through the Office Locator on the TDHS website
- By mail using a downloaded application from the TDHS website
- By phone through the One DHS Contact Center or the SNAP line
You can upload verification documents through the online portal as soon as your application is completed, or submit copies alongside a printed application if applying in person or by mail.
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Families First Categorical Eligibility
Households where every member receives Families First TANF benefits or Supplemental Security Income may be automatically categorically eligible for SNAP, meaning they skip the standard income and asset tests that apply to other applicants.
Elderly and Disabled Households
If your household includes someone 60 or older or someone with a certified disability, Tennessee applies more generous rules, including the higher $4,500 asset limit and, in some cases, exemption from the gross income test, reflecting an effort to keep the program accessible for older adults and people with disabilities.
What Tennessee SNAP Can Be Used For
Tennessee follows standard federal SNAP purchasing rules, with EBT accepted at most grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers. As of 2026, no state-specific food purchase restriction is in effect, though legislation on the topic has reportedly been proposed.
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FAQ
How do I apply for SNAP in Tennessee?
Apply online through the One DHS Customer Portal, in person at a local TDHS office, by mail, or by phone through the SNAP line.
Does Tennessee use Broad Based Categorical Eligibility?
No. Tennessee applies the standard federal gross income limit of 130 percent of the poverty level and the standard federal asset test, unlike many states that have adopted an expanded BBCE policy.
Are Families First recipients automatically eligible for SNAP in Tennessee?
Yes, generally. Households where every member receives Families First TANF or SSI may be categorically eligible, skipping the standard income and asset tests.
What is the asset limit for SNAP in Tennessee?
$3,000 for most households, and $4,500 for households with a member 60 or older or living with a disability.
Sources: Tennessee Department of Human Services, USDA Food and Nutrition Administration.