Benefits Eligibility Guide

Tennessee Government Benefits

Find out which federal and state benefits you qualify for in Tennessee. Free, anonymous, and takes about 3 minutes.

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Tennessee Benefits Programs

Here are the major programs available to Tennessee residents.

TennCare (Medicaid)

Has not expanded Medicaid

Adults: up to 0% FPL

Children: up to 211% FPL

Pregnant: up to 250% FPL

SNAP (Food Assistance)

Gross income limit: 130% FPL

Net income limit: 100% FPL

Has asset limit

LIHEAP (Energy Assistance)

Income limit: 60% SMI

Helps with heating and cooling costs

Child Care Payment Assistance (Smart Steps) (Childcare)

Income limit: 85% SMI

Subsidized childcare for working families

Families First (TANF) (Cash Assistance)

Lifetime limit: 60 months

Cash assistance for families with children

WIC (Nutrition)

Income limit: 185% FPL

For pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum individuals and children under 5

Healthcare.gov (ACA)

Marketplace Type: Federal Exchange (HealthCare.gov)

Phone: 1-800-318-2596

Medicare / SHIP Counseling

Tennessee SHIP

Phone: 1-877-801-0044

SSI / SSDI

No state SSI supplement

Phone:

Plus: ACA Health Insurance Subsidies, EITC, Child Tax Credit, SSI, SSDI, Pell Grants, VA Benefits, School Meals, Head Start, and more.

Our screener checks 20+ programs at once.

Check Your Eligibility in Tennessee

Answer a few questions and see which programs you may qualify for. No account needed.

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Tennessee Benefits Guides

In-depth articles about specific programs in Tennessee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What government benefits am I eligible for in Tennessee?

Tennessee residents may qualify for programs including TennCare (Medicaid), SNAP (food assistance), LIHEAP energy assistance, childcare subsidies, tax credits like EITC and CTC, and more. Eligibility depends on your household size, income, and other factors. Use our free screener to check all programs at once.

How do I apply for TennCare in Tennessee?

You can apply for TennCare online at https://www.tn.gov/tenncare/members-applicants/how-do-i-apply-for-tenncare.html or by calling 855-259-0701. Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid. Children may qualify up to 211% FPL and pregnant individuals up to 250% FPL.

How do I apply for SNAP (food stamps) in Tennessee?

Apply for SNAP online at https://onedhs.tn.gov or call 1-866-311-4287. The gross income limit in Tennessee is 130% of the federal poverty level. Net income must be at or below 100% FPL.