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Assistance Available for Victims of December Severe Weather

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) has received federal approval
making new disaster relief assistance available to Tennesseans who suffered during the severe
storms of December 10-11, 2021. Starting Monday, February 14th, qualifying families can apply for
Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits and the Families
First/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Emergency Cash Assistance (ECA) program.

“TDHS stands ready to support Tennesseans impacted by the devasting storms in December,” said
TDHS Commissioner Clarence H. Carter. “This one-time disbursement of food and cash benefits can
help families as they work on recovering and rebuilding.”
Families who meet the qualifications for each disaster assistance program may apply on the SNAP/ECA application page. Applications will be accepted from 8:00 a.m. CST on Monday, February
14, 2022 and through Friday, February 18, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. CST.
How D-SNAP Works:
D-SNAP benefits are provided through an electronic debit-like card and can be used to purchase food
items at grocery stores and other authorized retailers who accept electronic benefit transfer (EBT).
These cards will be mailed to qualifying families following approval. Recipients of Tennessee’s regular
SNAP program are ineligible to receive D-SNAP.
Who Can Receive D-SNAP:
If you lived or worked in Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Gibson, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Obion,
Stewart, Sumner, Weakley or Wilson counties on December 10 -11, 2021, you may be eligible for DSNAP benefits. Recipients must meet special disaster income limits and experienced one of the
following as a direct result of the severe weather event:
• Damage to or destruction of the home or self-employment business.
• Loss or inaccessibility of income including a reduction or termination of income or a
significant delay in receiving income due to disaster related problems.
• Disaster-related expenses (home or business repairs, temporary shelter, evacuation,
etc.) that are not expected to be reimbursed during the disaster benefit period.
D-SNAP applicants will receive benefits according to the USDA FY2022 Disaster Income Limits.
Eligibility is based on calculations of allowable disaster related expenses, the household’s countable
income, and household size.
Families who meet the qualifications for Disaster SNAP may pre-register online at the D-SNAP/ECA
application page. Customers in need of technical assistance can call the D-SNAP hotline number at
1-888-615-8180. Face-to-face assistance is available by appointment. To schedule an appointment
contact your local TDHS office.
Disaster SNAP Assistance is provided under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act and each eligible county is approved by the United States Department of Agriculture,
Food and Nutrition Service.
How Emergency Cash Assistance Works:
The Emergency Cash Assistance program provides a one-time cash payment to families who live or
work in Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Gibson, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Obion, Stewart, Sumner,
Weakley or Wilson counties. This program will provide a one-time cash payment of $500 for
households of up to 2 people, $750 for households of 3 to 4 people, and $1,000 for households of
5 or more.
Who Can Receive Emergency Cash Assistance:
In addition to living or working in one of the designated counties, applicants must also meet the
below qualifications to receive Emergency Cash Assistance:
• Families must include a child under the age of 18 or a pregnant woman (regardless of
trimester).
• Families must meet Families First citizenship requirements.
• Families and household members must have a valid Social Security Number.
• The family’s resources must not exceed $2,000.
• Families must be unable to live in their home (or apartment) on the date the application is
filed, or the home requires significant repairs due to the damage from the disaster, or the
applicant must not be able to work due to destruction of the workplace.
• The family’s gross household income must not exceed 85% of the State’s Median Income.
See chart below:

Emergency Cash Assistance Income Standards
HH Size- Gross Monthly Income

1- $2,696

2- $3,526

3- $4,356

4- $5,185

5- $6,015

6- $6,845

7- $7,001

8- $7,156
*Note: Add $156 for each person over 8.

Families who qualify for Emergency Cash Assistance and currently receive SNAP or Families First
benefits will receive a deposit on their existing electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card. Qualifying
families who do not have an EBT card will receive one in the mail. These debit-like cards can be used
to purchase items at any authorized retailer that accepts EBT or at any Tennessee EBT Cash Access
Location.
Families who meet the qualifications for disaster assistance may apply on the D-SNAP/ECA
application page. Applications will be accepted beginning on Monday, February 14, 2022 at 8:00 a.m.
CST and through Friday, February 18, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. CST. To apply visit: https://tdhs.service-now.com/relief?id=relief_registration
Customers in need of technical assistance can call the Family Assistance Service Center at 1-866-311-
4287.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services is dedicated to making our state a place where all
Tennesseans can move beyond the barriers they may face, to self-sufficiency, and on to new
heights.

This page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice from an attorney. All information was accurate at the time of posting. If you have further questions about this information please call 1-800-372-8346 or click here to apply for our services.