Children’s Special Services
Children’s Special Services is the State Title V Program for children and youth with special health care needs and provides access to comprehensive medical care for children with physical disabilities from birth to 21 years of age.About Children's Special Services
Children’s Special Services is the State Title V Program for children and youth with special health care needs. Children's Special Services provides access to comprehensive medical care for children with physical disabilities from birth to 21 years of age.
Diagnostic and financial eligibility criteria must be met to participate in the program. The Children's Special Services program is a payer of last resort.
The Children's Special Services program is coordinated through all 95 local health departments in Tennessee and provides resources for medical and nonmedical services.
Contact your local health department for information about eligibility or call Children's Special Services at (615) 741-7353.
Our Companion Tennessee Department of Health Programs
Children's Special Services Eligibility Criteria
Diagnostic Eligibility
A child/youth is eligible for the program if s/he is under the age of 21, and has been diagnosed with a physical disability which requires medical, surgical, dental or rehabilitative treatment.
Services Available:
| Diagnostic Evaluation | Medical and Surgical Treatment |
| Hospitalization | Care Coordination |
| Rehabilitation Services | Physical and Occupational Therapy |
| Medications | Braces and Artificial Limbs |
| Speech and Language | Durable Medical Equipment |
| Hearing Aids/Supplies | Wheelchairs and Walkers |
| Special Formula/Food | Pharmacy Needs |
The CSS Program has an approved diagnostic list of over 500 eligible diagnoses. This list is not all inclusive. The most common diagnoses are:
| Asthma | Diabetes |
| Cardiac Related | Hearing Loss |
| Cerebral Palsy | Obesity (Greater than 95th percentile) |
| Congenital Hydrocephalus | Seizure Disorders |
| Cystic Fibrosis | Sickle Cell Anemia |
Financial Eligibility
Financial eligibility is based on family size and income level. The family’s adjusted gross income must be at or below the 225% federal poverty level.
Tennessee Department of Health Children's Special Services Program Financial Eligibility Requirements Effective January 17, 2025.
| Family Size | Annual Income Poverty Level for 2024 | ||
| 100% | 200% | 225% | |
| 1 | 15,650 | 31,300 | 35,213 |
| 2 | 21,150 | 42,300 | 47,588 |
| 3 | 26,650 | 53,300 | 59,963 |
| 4 | 32,150 | 64,300 | 72,338 |
| 5 | 37,650 | 75,300 | 84,713 |
| 6 | 43,150 | 86,300 | 97,088 |
| 7 | 48,650 | 97,300 | 109,463 |
| 8 | 54,150 | 108,300 | 121,838 |
| Each additional person add | 5,500 | 5,500 | 5,500 |
Guidelines based on the HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines, Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 11 / Friday, January 17, 2025 / pp. 5917 – 5918.
For Families
Assuring a child's needs are met is a dynamic process driven by different factors -- the child's health status and developmental progress, the specific needs of the child and family, the primary care physician's expertise with children with special health care needs, and the ability of the family and/or other professionals to participate in care coordination.
For additional information click on the links below:
Katie Beckett Program
The Katie Beckett Program is for Tennessee residents, under the age of 18, with disabilities and/or complex medical needs who would not usually qualify for TennCare. This program helps to fill gaps between the child’s needs and what private insurance will cover.
Program Referral for Community Health Access & Navigation (CHANT)
This Page Last Updated: March 25, 2026 at 10:05 PM