What is SNAP?

SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP helps low-income families buy healthy food. This program allows families to spend less money on groceries, so they can use their income for other important needs while still getting good meals.

Can I get SNAP benefits?

If your income is low enough, you may be able to get SNAP benefits. To see if you qualify, fill out an application. You can get the application at your local DHS office and remember to make an appointment for an interview with a SNAP worker. You may also apply online or check your case status by using the OneDHS Customer Portal link: https://onedhs.tn.gov/csp.

What if I don’t have food now?

If you have less than $150 in monthly gross income and not more than$100 in liquid resources such as cash, you may be eligible to receive expedited benefits within 7 days.

What do I bring to the interview?

You should bring papers that prove:

• Your identity (driver’s license, passport, photo student I.D., birth certificate,
  permanent resident card, voter’s registration card)
• Where you live (such as lease agreement or mortgage statement, utility or phone bill with your name on it). NOTE: if you don’t have a fixed address, you may still qualify for SNAP
• Income (such as proof of income for the most recent 30 days of earnings, employer statement, a court order for child support, or an award letter for SSI, Social Security, Unemployment, or other benefits)
• Shelter Costs (rent receipts, lease agreements, mortgage payments, homeowners insurance, property tax)
• Medical Costs for household members age 60 and older, or disabled of $35 or more (such as billing statements, itemized Rx receipts, repayment agreement with medical provider)
• Cost of utilities (such as water/electric/gas bill)

Your SNAP worker will help you if you are having problems getting this proof and may ask for other information.

What happens next?

Once you have completed your interview you will be notified if you are approved or denied for SNAP benefits. Your benefits will come on a plastic card similar to a credit card that looks similar to a credit card.

What can I buy with SNAP?

Use your card to buy healthy food at stores that accept EBT cards.
You can also use SNAP Benefits to purchase seeds to grow your own food.
Look for the sign “EBT accepted.”

This fact sheet is not meant to take the place of legal advice. If you have a legal problem, consult a private attorney or call your local legal services office.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the state or local agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: 

1. Mail: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, 1320 Braddock Place, Room 334 Alexandria, VA 22314; or
2. Email: FNSCIVILRIGHTSCOMPLAINTS@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.