Tennessee’s SNAP program made national news three times in a short window — and all three changes affect recipients right now.
Change 1 — USDA approved Tennessee’s soda and candy restriction in December 2025. Tennessee’s request to ban the purchase of soda and candy with SNAP benefits was approved by USDA in December 2025. Tennessee is one of approximately 12 states with an approved restriction. The implementation timeline and specific items covered should be confirmed at tn.gov/humanservices or by calling TDHS at (866) 311-4287 — as implementation details continue to be finalized.
Change 2 — Approximately 52,000 additional Tennesseans now face ABAWD work requirements under H.R. 1 (signed July 4, 2025). The expansion of ABAWD age from 18–54 to 18–64, and the narrowing of the caregiver exemption from children under 18 to children under 14, significantly increased the number of Tennessee SNAP recipients subject to the 3-month time limit.
Change 3 — SNAP-Ed nutrition education funding ended October 2025. Federal funding for Tennessee’s SNAP nutrition education program (SNAP-Ed) — which supported classroom instruction, cooking demonstrations, and healthy eating resources for recipients — was terminated at the start of federal fiscal year 2026 under H.R. 1.
Outside of these changes, Tennessee’s core program remains strict: the state uses the federal baseline of 130% FPL, enforces a $3,000 asset test, and has not expanded Medicaid (TennCare) — making SNAP often the primary public benefit available to working-age Tennesseans with low incomes.
Over 1 million Tennesseans receive SNAP benefits each month — about $400+ per household — administered by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) through county offices statewide and the One DHS Customer Portal at onedhs.tn.gov.
2026 Tennessee SNAP Income Limits
Tennessee applies the federal baseline of 130% FPL for most households — no BBCE income expansion. The figures below are effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
For background on how SNAP income tests work nationally, see our SNAP income limits guide.
Gross Income Limits (130% FPL — Most Households)
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Limit | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,697 | $20,364 |
| 2 | $2,294 | $27,528 |
| 3 | $2,891 | $34,692 |
| 4 | $3,483 | $41,796 |
| 5 | $4,075 | $48,900 |
| 6 | $4,667 | $56,004 |
| 7 | $5,258 | $63,096 |
| 8 | $5,850 | $70,200 |
| Each additional | +$592 | +$7,104 |
Effective October 1, 2025. Based on 130% FPL. No BBCE. Source: Tennessee TDHS / USDA FNS.
Exception: Households with a member aged 60 or older, or a member with a disability, are exempt from the gross income test. These households only need to pass the net income test, and the shelter deduction has no cap.
Net Income Limits (100% FPL — All Households)
| Household Size | Monthly Net Limit | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,305 | $15,660 |
| 2 | $1,763 | $21,156 |
| 3 | $2,221 | $26,652 |
| 4 | $2,680 | $32,160 |
| 5 | $3,138 | $37,656 |
| 6 | $3,597 | $43,164 |
| 7 | $4,055 | $48,660 |
| 8 | $4,514 | $54,168 |
| Each additional | +$459 | +$5,508 |
Maximum Monthly Benefit Amounts (FY 2026)
These maximums apply when a household has zero net income. Benefits decrease by 30 cents for every dollar of net income above zero.
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $298 |
| 2 | $549 |
| 3 | $787 |
| 4 | $994 |
| 5 | $1,181 |
| 6 | $1,418 |
| 7 | $1,568 |
| 8 | $1,793 |
| Each additional | +$225 |
Effective October 1, 2025. Tennessee households average over $400/month per household. Minimum monthly benefit for 1–2 person households: $24.
Tennessee’s Asset Test
Tennessee enforces an asset test with slightly higher limits than the federal floor:
- Most households: $3,000 in countable assets
- Households with a member aged 60+ or disabled: $4,500 in countable assets
What counts as a countable asset:
- Cash on hand
- Money in checking and savings accounts
- Stocks, bonds, and certificates of deposit
What does NOT count:
- Your primary home
- Vehicles used for transportation (at least one vehicle is excluded per household)
- Retirement accounts (401k, IRA, pension)
- Household goods and personal property
Categorical exception: Households where all members receive Families First (Tennessee’s TANF program) or SSI are automatically eligible for SNAP with no income or asset test.
Why the Shelter Deduction Matters More in Tennessee
Because Tennessee does not use BBCE to expand its income limit to 200% FPL, working households near the 130% boundary rely heavily on deductions. Tennessee’s two largest metro areas — Nashville and Memphis — have seen sharp rent increases in recent years.
| Deduction | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard deduction | $209/month for households of 1–3; higher for larger households |
| Earned income deduction | 20% of all wages excluded from countable income |
| Excess shelter deduction | Rent/mortgage + utilities exceeding 50% of adjusted income; capped at $744/month unless elderly/disabled |
| Heating/cooling allowance | Available when household pays a utility bill for cooling or heating — Tennessee summers are hot and humid, with cooling costs significant in Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville |
| Dependent care | Childcare or elder care needed to work, seek work, or attend training |
| Medical expenses | Out-of-pocket costs over $35/month for elderly or disabled household members — uncapped |
| Child support payments | Court-ordered payments made to non-household members |
Appalachian East Tennessee context: Communities in the Cumberland Plateau and Appalachian highlands — Campbell, Scott, Claiborne, Hancock, and neighboring counties — face some of Tennessee’s highest poverty rates. High heating costs in winter and limited local employment make the heating SUA and earned income deduction especially important.
Music industry and gig economy workers: Nashville’s music and entertainment economy includes many self-employed, contract, and irregular-income workers. SNAP uses current monthly income — if your gig income is down or between projects, your current earnings may qualify you even if your peak period did not.
Full Eligibility Requirements
Residency You must live in Tennessee. No minimum residency period is required. People experiencing homelessness can apply.
Citizenship and Immigration Status U.S. citizens and many qualified non-citizens are eligible. Lawful permanent residents with 5+ years of U.S. residence, refugees, asylees, and others qualify. Undocumented parents may apply on behalf of U.S. citizen children. Applying does not affect immigration status.
Income Gross income must fall at or below 130% FPL (most households). Net income after deductions must be at or below 100% FPL. Elderly/disabled households skip the gross test.
Assets $3,000 (most households); $4,500 (elderly/disabled). Homes, vehicles used for transportation, and retirement accounts are excluded.
Drug Felony Convictions Tennessee has a modified drug felony policy. Individuals with drug-related felony convictions may receive SNAP if they are in compliance with the terms of their sentence, including any required substance abuse treatment and supervision requirements. Contact your local TDHS office or call (866) 311-4287 for guidance.
Household Composition A SNAP household is everyone who lives together and regularly buys and prepares food together. Spouses and children under 22 living with a parent must be in the same household.
TennCare/SSI Categorical Eligibility: Households where all members receive TennCare or SSI are automatically eligible with no income or asset test. Note: Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid — TennCare coverage is limited to specific categories (children, pregnant women, people with disabilities, very low-income parents).
Social Security Numbers All applying household members must provide or have applied for a Social Security number. Non-applying members (such as undocumented parents applying for citizen children) do not need to provide SSNs.
Tennessee’s Approved Purchase Restriction: December 2025
In December 2025, USDA approved Tennessee’s request to restrict SNAP purchases — joining Indiana, Iowa, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and approximately 12 states with approved restrictions.
As of publication, the implementation details — specific launch date, which items are restricted, and how the restrictions will be enforced at the register — should be confirmed directly with TDHS:
- Visit tn.gov/humanservices for updates
- Call TDHS at (866) 311-4287
The Sycamore Institute, Tennessee’s nonpartisan policy research organization, confirmed the December 2025 USDA approval in their January 2026 SNAP analysis. The items referenced in Tennessee’s waiver request include soda and candy — similar to other states’ restrictions — but the exact Tennessee-specific list should be verified before your next shopping trip.
Your benefit amount has not changed regardless of what restrictions are implemented.
Work Requirements: 52,000 New Tennesseans Affected
Under H.R. 1 (signed July 4, 2025), Tennessee’s ABAWD rules changed significantly. The Sycamore Institute estimates that approximately 52,000 additional Tennesseans are now subject to ABAWD work requirements — an unusually specific and large impact figure for a state of Tennessee’s size.
Changes from prior rules:
- Age range expanded from 18–54 to 18–64
- Caregiver exemption narrowed from children under 18 to children under 14
- Veterans, homeless individuals, and former foster youth are no longer automatically exempt
Current 36-month period: January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027. ABAWDs who do not meet work requirements in a given month use up one of their 3 allowed months. If all 3 months are used, benefits stop until the next 36-month period begins.
To remain eligible, ABAWDs must:
- Work at least 20 hours per week (80 hours/month) in paid or unpaid employment, or
- Participate in an approved Employment and Training program for 80+ hours per month, or
- Volunteer at a nonprofit or government agency for 80+ hours per month
Current exemptions:
- Age 65 or older
- Pregnant
- Physically or mentally unable to work
- Caring for a child under age 14
- Receiving or applying for disability benefits
- Enrolled in school or training at least half-time
Tennessee has no statewide ABAWD waiver — work requirements apply in all 95 counties. Contact your local TDHS office or call (866) 311-4287 to understand which requirements apply to your situation.
One DHS Customer Portal
Tennessee’s primary application and case management system is the One DHS Customer Portal at onedhs.tn.gov. Through One DHS you can:
- Apply for SNAP, TennCare, and Families First (TANF) simultaneously
- Check your case status and benefit amount
- Upload verification documents
- Report household changes (income, address, household members)
- Request recertification
The One DHS portal is available 24/7 and accessible on desktop and mobile browsers.
Farmers Markets: Double Dollars in Tennessee
Tennessee EBT cards are accepted at many farmers markets statewide. The Nashville Farmers’ Market and other participating markets offer a Double Dollars program — a dollar-for-dollar match for fresh fruits and vegetables purchased with EBT, extending your food budget for locally grown produce.
Tennessee also operates a Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) providing additional vouchers for seniors and WIC recipients at participating markets. Ask at your local market whether they accept EBT and participate in Double Dollars or FMNP.
Non-Expansion State: TennCare and the Coverage Gap
Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid — making it one of a diminishing number of states where many working-age adults without disabilities do not qualify for health coverage. TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid) covers children, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and very low-income parents — but most single adults and childless couples do not qualify.
The Sycamore Institute notes: “For many working-age Tennessee adults, SNAP may be the primary — and sometimes only — public benefit available.” This context is important for understanding why SNAP receipt in Tennessee matters so much for so many households that have no other safety net.
If you receive SNAP and have children, are pregnant, or have a disability, ask TDHS or your county office about TennCare eligibility — many SNAP households include at least one member who qualifies.
SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)
Tennessee participates in SUN Bucks, providing $120 per eligible school-age child during summer months. SNAP households are automatically enrolled — no separate application needed. Benefits load to the EBT card. Contact TDHS for current enrollment details.
How to Apply for Tennessee SNAP
Step 1: Apply at One DHS Visit onedhs.tn.gov and create an account or apply as a guest. Complete the application with household members, income, and expenses.
Step 2: Complete your interview TDHS will schedule an eligibility interview — by phone or in person at your local DHS county office. Respond within any requested timeframe. Standard processing: up to 30 days.
Step 3: Submit verification documents Upload through One DHS or deliver to your local TDHS office. Required documents include photo ID, proof of income, residency, and household expenses.
Step 4: Receive your Tennessee EBT card If approved, your EBT card arrives by mail. Benefits load automatically each month. Tennessee has over 6,800 authorized SNAP retailers — including major grocery chains, farmers markets, and online at Amazon and Walmart.
Other ways to apply:
- By phone: Call TDHS at (866) 311-4287 for application assistance, eligibility questions, and case management
- In person: Visit your local TDHS office in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville, or other county seats. Find locations at tn.gov/humanservices
- By mail: Download and print an application from tn.gov/humanservices, complete it, and mail to your local TDHS office
- Free community help: Call Tennessee 2-1-1 (dial 2-1-1) for referrals to local SNAP outreach and food resources. Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee serves the Nashville region and offers SNAP outreach
Expedited SNAP: Benefits Within 7 Days
Tennessee grants expedited SNAP within 7 days if your household:
- Makes less than $150 per month in gross income and has less than $100 in liquid resources, or
- Has combined monthly shelter costs (rent/mortgage + utilities) that exceed total monthly income and liquid resources, or
- Is a migrant or seasonal farmworker currently residing in Tennessee
Tell your caseworker explicitly if you have an urgent food need — ask about expedited processing at the time of application.
Pre-Application Checklist
Gather these items before starting your One DHS application:
- Government-issued photo ID (Tennessee driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
- Social Security numbers for all applying household members
- Proof of Tennessee residency — utility bill, lease agreement, or official mail at current address
- Proof of all income for the past 30 days — pay stubs, employer letter, award letters for Social Security, disability, unemployment, Families First/TANF, pension, or child support
- Self-employment or gig work income records, if applicable
- Monthly rent or mortgage payment amount
- Monthly utility costs (heat, electricity, water) — cooling costs significant in TN summers
- Bank statements for all accounts — Tennessee enforces the $3,000/$4,500 asset test
- Childcare or dependent care expenses, if applicable
- Medical bills or receipts if a household member is aged 60+ or disabled
- Court-ordered child support payment records, if applicable
- Work activity records if subject to ABAWD requirements
Quick Reference: Tennessee SNAP at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Program name | SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) |
| Administering agency | Tennessee Dept. of Human Services (TDHS) |
| Application portal | One DHS — onedhs.tn.gov |
| TDHS phone | (866) 311-4287 |
| Gross income limit | 130% FPL (no BBCE income expansion) |
| Net income limit | 100% FPL |
| Asset limit | $3,000 (most); $4,500 (elderly/disabled) |
| Drug felony policy | Modified — compliance with sentence/treatment required |
| TANF program name | Families First |
| Medicaid program | TennCare (NOT expanded — limited eligibility) |
| Max benefit (4-person) | $994/month |
| Average household benefit | $400+/month |
| Authorized retailers | 6,800+ statewide |
| Processing time | 30 days (7 days expedited) |
| ABAWD work rules | Ages 18–64 statewide; no waiver; ~52,000 newly affected |
| ABAWD 36-month period | January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2027 |
| Purchase restriction | USDA-approved December 2025 — confirm current implementation at tn.gov/humanservices |
| SNAP-Ed | Funding terminated October 2025 |
| Farmers market incentive | Double Dollars at Nashville Farmers’ Market and others |
| Farmers market vouchers | FMNP for seniors and WIC recipients |
| Online grocery | Amazon, Walmart |
| Recipients | 1 million+ Tennesseans |
Tennessee & Other Assistance Programs
Here are other programs that may support Tennessee households alongside SNAP:
Housing Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) administers Section 8 vouchers statewide. Our national Section 8 housing voucher guide explains how the program works, and our Tennessee Section 8 page covers local housing authority contacts across all 95 counties. For emergency housing, our emergency housing resources guide and hotel vouchers guide cover statewide options.
Furniture and Household Items Our guides to free furniture vouchers, places that help with furniture vouchers, and charities with free furniture pickup cover programs in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and across Tennessee. Our guides to free beds for low-income families and free furniture for single mothers also include Tennessee options.
Rent and Utilities Tennessee’s hot summers create high cooling costs. Our guides to churches that help with utility bills and churches that help with rent include programs across Tennessee. The Salvation Army operates in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and other cities — see our Salvation Army utility help guide and rental assistance page.
Food Banks Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee serves the Nashville metro — call or visit secondharvestmidtn.org. Mid-South Food Bank serves Memphis and west Tennessee. Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee serves Knoxville and the region. Food Bank of East Tennessee covers Appalachian communities. Dial 2-1-1 for the nearest food pantry or distribution. Our food bank directory and Tennessee food banks page include county-level resources.
Other Benefits TennCare, WIC, and Families First (TANF) can all be applied for through One DHS simultaneously with SNAP. Our general benefits eligibility guide and benefits application resource walk through applying for multiple programs at once.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee SNAP
What is the income limit for food stamps in Tennessee?
For most Tennessee households, the gross monthly income limit is 130% of the Federal Poverty Level — $1,697 for a single person and $3,483 for a family of four (effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026). After allowable deductions, net income must fall at or below 100% FPL. Households with a member aged 60 or older, or with a disability, skip the gross test entirely.
Did Tennessee ban soda and candy from SNAP?
USDA approved Tennessee’s waiver request in December 2025 — joining about 12 other states with approved purchase restrictions. However, the specific launch date and items covered should be confirmed at tn.gov/humanservices or by calling TDHS at (866) 311-4287, as implementation details were still being finalized at publication. Your benefit amount is unaffected regardless of which items become restricted.
What are Tennessee’s SNAP work requirements?
Tennessee enforces ABAWD work requirements statewide with no county waivers. Under H.R. 1, adults aged 18–64 without a dependent child under 14 must work or participate in approved activities for 80 hours per month. The Sycamore Institute estimates approximately 52,000 additional Tennesseans are now subject to these requirements due to the age expansion from 54 to 64 and the narrowed caregiver exemption. The current 36-month period runs January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027.
Does Tennessee have an asset limit for SNAP?
Yes. Tennessee enforces an asset test — $3,000 for most households and $4,500 for households with an elderly or disabled member. Homes, vehicles used for transportation, and retirement accounts are excluded. Bring bank statements to your eligibility interview.
How do I apply for SNAP in Tennessee?
Apply online at onedhs.tn.gov (One DHS Customer Portal). You can also call TDHS at (866) 311-4287, visit your local county TDHS office, or mail a paper application. For free help, call 2-1-1.
What is Families First?
Families First is Tennessee’s TANF cash assistance program. Households where all members receive Families First or SSI are automatically eligible for SNAP — no income or asset test applies. Apply for both through One DHS.
Has Tennessee expanded Medicaid?
No. Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid. TennCare covers children, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and very low-income parents — but most working-age adults without dependents do not qualify. For many Tennesseans, SNAP may be their primary public benefit. If you have children or a disability, ask your caseworker about TennCare eligibility.
Can I use my Tennessee EBT card at farmers markets?
Yes. Many Tennessee farmers markets accept EBT. Participating markets including the Nashville Farmers’ Market offer Double Dollars — a dollar-for-dollar match for fresh produce purchases. Seniors and WIC recipients can also access Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) vouchers.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the Tennessee Department of Human Services, USDA, or any government agency. Tennessee SNAP income limits, benefit amounts, purchase restrictions, work requirements, and eligibility rules are subject to change. The income figures reflect the federal fiscal year 2026 period (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026). USDA approved Tennessee’s SNAP purchase restriction waiver in December 2025 — confirm current implementation status at tn.gov/humanservices. ABAWD work requirements were updated under H.R. 1 in 2025. Always verify current requirements with TDHS at (866) 311-4287 or through One DHS at onedhs.tn.gov.