Applying for SNAP in Tennessee

Submitting an application is the first step in the application process to receive SNAP.  Applicants can complete an application online using the One DHS Customer Portal, OR  submit a paper application to a local TDHS office or by mail. 

Choose the application submission option that works best for you: 

• Complete the Application Online: Visit the One DHS Customer Portal at  https://OneDhs.Tn.Gov/Csp. Follow the prompts to create an account and submit an application. 
• Submit a Paper Application at an Office: TDHS has offices in every county in Tennessee. You can visit your local office to receive and submit a printed application.  A list of office locations can be found on the Office-Locator-Family Assistance page on the TDHS website.  You can also use tools in the local office to upload the verification documents that are required to receive SNAP (Step 3).
• Submit a Paper Application by Mail: Tennesseans have the option to download an application from the Forms and Applications page on the TDHS website. Once printed and completed, the application should be mailed to: 
  • Family Assistance TN Dept of Human Services 1843 Foreman Dr.  Suite 102 Cookeville, TN 38501     

When you apply for SNAP, you will be required to complete an eligibility interview to share information about your need for food assistance. It is important to complete your interview as soon as possible. If you do not complete your interview, your application could be delayed or denied. 

How to Schedule an Eligibility Interview: 

After applying online, you can proactively schedule your interview in the One DHS Customer Portal on the “My Benefits” section of “My Dashboard.” If you opted in to receive text messages updates (via the One DHS Portal), you may also receive a text message (SMS) to remind you of interviews for your case. 

If You Have Not Scheduled an Interview:  

If you do not schedule an interview, a TDHS eligibility counselor/case worker will contact you within 10 days of receiving your completed application. It is good practice to anticipate a call from TDHS after submitting your application. Interviews can be completed during first contact with your eligibility counselor 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 may be contacted as soon as two days of completing your SNAP application.   

In addition to the eligibility interview, to receive SNAP you must submit personal documents that show proof that you need and qualify to receive benefits. These personal records are known as “verification documents.” 

Required verification documents for SNAP may include records of your: 

• Social Security Number (Example: Social Security Card)
• Identification (Example: driver’s license, school ID with photo, passport, resident alien card, I-94 card, voter’s registration card)
• Where you live (Example: lease agreement, utility bill, phone bill, or driver’s license with your address on it)  
• Income (Example: check stubs, employer statement, award letters) 
• Resources (Example: bank statements, title, registration, or deed)
• Shelter costs (Example: mortgage payments, property tax, homeowner’s insurance, rent receipt, lease agreement)
• Cost of utilities (Example: electric bill, water bill, gas bill) 
• Employment, Volunteer or Education Enrollment Status (pay stubs, volunteer logs, enrollment records or other documents that prove you are employed, a volunteer or receiving job training). If you are considered an “able-bodied adult without dependents” you many also be required to show proof of participating in employment, volunteer or education activities. Details can be found on the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents page on the TDHS website.

Automated Verification Information Entry with Truv

TDHS customers who apply for services and submit verification documents have the option to save time with Truv. Similar to the process used when filing a tax return, Truv is a third-party software that retrieves personal records and automatically enters the information to online forms. TDHS customers who apply online for SNAP OR Families First have the option to use Truv to retrieve required information (income, resources, household information).

How to Submit Verification Documents for SNAP 

Like your application, you can submit your SNAP verification documents on the One DHS Customer Portal, at a TDHS office or by mail.

Choose an option that works best for you: 

• Upload your verification documents to the One DHS Customer Portal: Visit the One DHS Customer Portal at https://OneDhs.Tn.Gov/Csp. After logging in, select the “Child Care & Family Assistance File Upload” tile on the Welcome Page. You can then select the appropriate document types from the drop-down menu and upload photos of your documents using a phone, tablet or computer. 
• Submit Copies of Your Verification Documents at a TDHS Office: You can visit your local office to submit copies of your personal records.  If you do not have the means to make copies of your personal records, you should consider using the One DHS Customer Portal to upload photos of your documents or ask a team member at a TDHS office for guidance.
• Mail Copies of Your Verification Documents to TDHS: Tennesseans have the option to mail copies of their verification documents to:  Family Assistance TN Dept of Human Services 1843 Foreman Dr. Suite 102 Cookeville, TN 38501

Note: If you are mailing an application, you can mail verification documents in the same package to save time and postage. Please do not mail in original versions of documents.