TANF
TANF Program

How to Apply for TANF in Tennessee

Tennessee's TANF program, Families First, doesn't end at approval — every household must also negotiate and sign a Personal Responsibility Plan (and, if work-eligible, an Individual Opportunity Plan) within 10 days of being found eligible, spelling out work or training requirements, child support cooperation, and school and immunization obligations for kids. Applications go through the One DHS Customer Portal, the same account used for SNAP and child care assistance, and take up to 45 days to process. Benefits are capped at 60 months over a lifetime, with 12-month certification periods that require renewal.

Updated August 2026

What You'll Need

✓ Social Security numbers for household members ✓ Identification (driver's license, school ID, passport, or similar) ✓ Proof of citizenship or immigration status ✓ Proof of current residence (lease, utility bill, or similar) ✓ Proof of income and resources
  1. 1

    Confirm eligibility

    Families First is open to households with a child under 18 who meet TDHS income and resource standards.

  2. 2

    Submit your application

    Apply online through the One DHS Customer Portal (onedhs.tn.gov/csp), or download and print Form HS-0169 and mail it to Family Assistance, TN Dept of Human Services, 1843 Foreman Dr. Suite 102, Cookeville, TN 38501, or drop it off at a local county DHS office.

  3. 3

    Complete the eligibility interview

    A caseworker will contact you within 10 days of receiving your completed application to schedule or conduct your eligibility interview; your case can't move forward until it's done.

  4. 4

    Submit verification documents

    Provide proof of Social Security numbers, identification, citizenship, current residence, income/resources, and household relationships, uploaded through the One DHS Customer Portal or mailed as copies.

  5. 5

    Sign your Personal Responsibility Plan

    If you meet eligibility criteria, your caseworker will contact you within 5 days to build your Personal Responsibility Plan (and Individual Opportunity Plan, if work-required). You then have 10 days to sign and submit it.

  6. 6

    Receive your approval or denial

    Families First applications take up to 45 days to process. Approved benefits are issued on a Benefit Security/EBT card mailed to you; you can check your status anytime in the One DHS Customer Portal.

Submit Your Application

Apply Online ☎ +1-833-772-8347

Verified against the official Tennessee TANF agency site. View source

Find a TANF office in Tennessee →