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.
Check My Eligibility →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)
statePage.marketplaceType: statePage.federalExchange
statePage.phone: 1-800-318-2596
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.
Start Free Screening →Tennessee Benefits Guides
In-depth articles about specific programs in Tennessee.
How to Apply for SNAP in Tennessee
Step-by-step guide to applying for SNAP in Tennessee, including 2026 income limits, required documents, and how to get benefits within 7 days.
April 10, 2026
Tennessee ACA Eligibility 2026: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
A complete guide to Tennessee ACA eligibility in 2026, including income limits, subsidy thresholds, how TennCare affects your options, and step-by-step application instructions for HealthCare.gov.
April 2, 2026
How to Apply for Section 8 in Tennessee: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to apply for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in Tennessee, including income limits, required documents, waiting list tips, and contact information for THDA and local housing authorities.
March 21, 2026
How to Apply for Medicaid in Tennessee (TennCare) in 2026
Learn how to apply for Medicaid in Tennessee step by step. Find TennCare income limits, eligibility rules, required documents, and multiple ways to submit your application.
February 21, 2026
Tennessee Medicaid Eligibility 2026: TennCare Income Limits, Requirements, and How to Apply
Find out if you qualify for Tennessee Medicaid (TennCare) in 2026. Complete guide to income limits by household size, eligibility categories, new benefits like adult dental and free diapers, and step-by-step application instructions.
February 21, 2026
Tennessee ACA Benefits and Coverage: Your Complete 2026 Guide
Learn about Tennessee ACA benefits and coverage, including essential health benefits, premium subsidies, income limits, and how to enroll in marketplace health insurance plans in Tennessee.
February 20, 2026
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.