Applying for SNAP in Tennessee

Simplified Reporting Classification – Four to Six-Month Certification:
Most SNAP benefit recipients are part of this classification group that may include households with children or able-bodied working adult members under age 60. Generally, self-employed adults are not included in this group.

Simplified Reporting families with certification under six months can expect to move through these steps when applying to receive SNAP benefits:

1. Complete the SNAP Application

Applicants can complete an application online through the One DHS Customer Portal OR submit a printed application by uploading the application via the One DHS Customer Portal, delivering application to a local TDHS office or mailing the application. See section “How to Apply for SNAP” above for details.

2. Complete the Eligibility Interview

After receiving your completed application, a SNAP case worker will contact you within 10 days regarding an interview. Interviews can be completed during first contact with your case worker or scheduled for a future date according to federal guidelines. Some cases may receive an “expedited” status based on customer need and guideline standards. If your case is determined “expedited,” you will be contacted within four days. Click Here to learn more about SNAP eligibility guidelines.

3. Submit Verification Documentation

You may be asked to submit documents that verify your social security number, identification, current residence, income, shelter, utility costs, resources, possible deductions and/or need for SNAP benefits. Copies of verification documentation can be submitted through the One DHS Customer Portal, at a local office, or by mail. See section “How to Apply for SNAP” above for details on submitting documents.

You can check the status of your application by logging into the One DHS Customer Portal. Additional assistance is available at your local TDHS office or when you call the Family Assistance Service Center at 1-866-311-4287 during business hours.

4. Application is Processed (Approved or Denied)

Once your application, interview and verification are completed, your application will be reviewed, and you will be notified of approval or denial of benefits within 30 days. If your case is determined “expedited,” you may receive approval and benefits within seven days. You can check the status of your application when you log into your One DHS Account. If you feel your denial was unmerited, you can submit an appeal. Click Here for information on the appeal process.  

5. Application Recertification (Optional Renewal)

At the end of your certification period, renewal requires completing a recertification application and may involve an interview and reverification. You will be notified of your recertification date and the associated submission requirements two months prior to the expiration of your current SNAP benefits. If you choose not to complete the renewal process, your SNAP case will be closed and you will no longer receive benefits.

Use A Checklist:

If you are part of the Simplified Reporting Classification and have a certification period between four and six months, Click Here to download the a Checklist for Four to Six-Month Certification. This easy-to-use checklist can help you track your submission deadlines and what to expect when you participate in SNAP.

Additional information is also available when you use a keyword search to find information on the One DHS Customer Portal Knowledge Base

Simplified Reporting - 24-Month Certification (For Elderly Persons and Individuals with Disabilities):
This certification group includes SNAP benefit households with all members over the age of 60 and individuals who have disabilities. These program participants have a 24-month certification period and are required to submit a Mid-Certification Form that is due at the 12th month of their certification period following approval.

Tennesseans who qualify to be part of the Simplified Reporting classification and have a 24-month certification period can expect to move through these steps when applying to receive SNAP benefits:

1. Complete the SNAP Application

Applications can be completed online through the One DHS Customer Portal OR applicants may submit a printed application by uploading the document on the One DHS Customer Portal, delivering the application to a local TDHS office or by mailing the application. See section “How to Apply for SNAP” for details.

2. Complete the Eligibility Interview

After receiving your completed application, a SNAP case worker will contact you within 10 days to complete an eligibility interview. Interviews can be completed during first contact with your case worker or scheduled for a future date according to federal guidelines. Some cases may receive a “expedited” status based on customer need and guideline standards. If your case is determined “expedited,” you will be contacted within four days. Click Here to learn more about SNAP eligibility guidelines.

3. Submit Verification Documentation

You may be asked to submit documents that verify your social security number, identification, current residence, income, shelter, utility costs, resources, possible deductions and/or need for SNAP benefits. Verification documentation can be submitted through the One DHS Customer Portal, at a local office, or by mail. See section “How to Apply for SNAP” above for details.

You can check the status of your application by logging into the One DHS Customer Portal. Additional assistance is available or when you call the Family Assistance Service Center at 1-866-311-4287 during business hours.

4. Application is Processed (approved or denied)

Once your application, interview and verification are completed, your application will be reviewed, and you will be notified of approval or denial of benefits within 30 days. If your case is determined “expedited,” you may receive approval and benefits within seven days. You can check the status of your application on the One DHS Customer Portal when you log into your account. If you feel your denial was unmerited, you can submit an appeal. Click Here for information on the appeal process.  

5. Complete the Mid-Certification Form

Customers with a 24-month certification period for SNAP benefits are required to submit a Mid-Certification Form that is due at the half-way point between approval and renewal (the 12^th month after approval). You should receive your Mid-Certification Form and related instructions four weeks prior to the deadline. The form and required documents may be uploaded through the One DHS Customer Portal, via mail or at your local office. See section “How to Apply for SNAP” for details on submitting documents.

If you misplace your form, you can contact the Family Assistance Service Center by phone at 866-311-4287 and/or the TTY number at 711 to receive a form.

Failure to submit the form by the designated deadline may result in termination of your SNAP benefits.

6. Application Recertification (Optional Renewal)

SNAP participants with a 24-month certification period may apply to renew their benefits after 24 months. Renewal requires completing a recertification application and may involve an interview and reverification. You will be notified of your recertification date and the associated submission requirements two months prior to the expiration of your current SNAP benefits. If you choose not to complete the renewal process, your SNAP case will be closed and you will no longer receive benefits.

Use a Checklist

If you are part of the Simplified Reporting 24-Month Certification group, Click Here to download the Simplified Reporting Checklist for 24-Month Certification. This easy-to-use checklist can help you keep track of the associated dates for submitting SNAP verification records and other required documentation needed to receive SNAP benefits.

Additional resources for individuals with disabilities and older adults can be found on the TDHS Services for Adults page.

Change Reporting Households Certified for Less Than Four Months and Households Supported by Self-Employed Adults
If your family only needs SNAP benefits for a short time period (less than four months) or if your household income comes solely from self-employed adults, you will likely be classified as a Change Reporting household.  These households are required to report changes to their income, residency, household composition, child support, resources, deductions or other adjustments within 10 days using a Change Report Form. Click Here to download the form from the Forms and Applications Page.  

SNAP recipients who have a certification period of less than four months or rely solely on self-employment, can typically expect to move through these steps when applying to receive SNAP benefits:

1. Complete the SNAP Application

Applications can be completed online through the One DHS Customer Portal OR applicants may submit a printed application by uploading the document on the One DHS Customer Portal, delivery to a local office or by mailing the application. See section “How to Apply for SNAP” for details.

2. Complete the Eligibility Interview

After receiving your completed application, a SNAP case worker will contact you within 10 days to conduct an eligibility interview. Interviews can be completed during first contact with your case worker or scheduled for a future date according to federal guidelines. Some cases may receive an “expedited” status based on customer need and guideline standards. If your case is determined “expedited,” you will be contacted within four days. Click Here to learn more about SNAP eligibility guidelines.

3. Submit Verification Documentation

You may be asked to submit documents that verify your social security number, identification, current residence, income, shelter, utility costs, resources, possible deductions and/or need for SNAP benefits. Verification documentation can be submitted through the One DHS Customer Portal, at a local office, or by mail. See section “How to Apply for SNAP” above for details.

You can check the status of your application by logging into the One DHS Customer Portal. Your local TDHS office can also offer assistance and help is also available when you call the Family Assistance Service Center at 1-866-311-4287 during business hours.

4. Application is Processed (approved or denied)

Once your application, interview and verification are completed, your application will be reviewed, and you will be notified of approval or denial of benefits within 30 days. If your case is determined “expedited,” you may receive approval and benefits within seven days. You can check the status of your application on the One DHS Customer Portal when you log into your account. If you feel your denial was unmerited, you can submit an appeal. Click Here for information on the appeal process.

5. Report Changes Within 10 Days of Any Income Adjustment

SNAP recipients experiencing temporary hardship or self-employment may experience fluctuations in their income, residency, household composition, child support or resources. If you are certified to receive SNAP for less than four months or rely on self-employment, changes to resources or household should be reported within 10 days of occurrence using a Change Report Form. You can download the Change Report Form from the Forms and Applications page. Forms can be submitted through the One DHS Customer Portal, at a local office, or by mail. See section “How to Apply for SNAP” above for details.

6. Application Recertification (Optional Renewal)

SNAP participants may apply to renew their benefits. Renewal requires completing a recertification application and may involve an interview and reverification. You will be notified of your recertification date and the associated submission requirements two months prior to the expiration of your current SNAP benefits. If you choose not to complete the renewal process, your SNAP case will be closed, and you will no longer receive benefits.

Use a Checklist

If you are classified under Change Reporting, you can Click Here to download the SNAP Checklist for Change Reporting -Certification Less Than Four Months. This easy-to-use checklist can help you keep track of the associated dates for submitting SNAP verification and other required documentation needed to maintain your benefits.