Families First - Applying for Services

You can apply for many of our services online.

People may apply for Families First benefits at their local Department of Human Services county office or by applying online using the Family Assistance (FA) Online application within the One DHS Customer Portal at OneDHS.tn.gov.

Applications are available in:  

English Application (HS-0169) - English Addendum -  English Instructions - English Instructions Addendum
Spanish Application (HS-0169) - Spanish Addendum - Spanish Instructions - Spanish Instructions Addendum
Arabic Application and Addendum (HS-0169) - Arabic Instructions - Arabic Addendum-instructions
Somali Application and Addendum (HS-0169) - Somali Instructions - Somali Addendum-instructions

In order to determine eligibility for the program, DHS caseworkers may ask for documentation like birth certificates, social security cards, check stubs, bank statements, utility bills, rent receipts, tax returns, and insurance policies. Applicants are notified by mail (within 45 days of the application date for Families First 30 days of the application date for SNAP) of the eligibility decision. Eligibility information can be found here.

Submit your application online or print and sign the application and fax, mail, or bring it to a DHS county office for us to process.

Contact Information:

Common Questions, Email, and Live Chat

Family Assistance Service Center
1-866-311-4287 (Toll free)

Families First cash assistance benefits are issued and accessed electronically using a Benefit Security Card or EBT Card.

To apply for benefits, submit your application online or visit the local DHS county office.

Current Families First recipients can find information on their Families First case with CaseConnect in the One DHS Customer Portal.

If you do not already have a One DHS Customer Portal account, you will need to create one to access services (e.g. CaseConnect). Click here for instructions on how to set up an account.