Tennessee Department of Human Services
On a Mission to Strengthen Tennessee by Strengthening Tennesseans
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) consists of multiple divisions with a unified mission to strengthen Tennessee by strengthening Tennesseans. Led by governor-appointed Commissioner Clarence H. Carter, TDHS serves nearly two million Tennesseans to ensure that all state residents are supported in reaching goals for themselves and their families. Among the many services and programs provided by TDHS, some of the most commonly known programs include the Child Support Program, Child and Adult Day Services and Licensing, Families First (the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Rehabilitation Services for people with disabilities, and Adult Protective Services, along with many others. TDHS is an organization committed to connecting people with resources that help individuals, families and communities with the support they need to overcome any social, economic and developmental vulnerabilities.
An Update on Healthy SNAP Tennessee
Following a federal court ruling on June 20, 2026, implementation of the Healthy SNAP Tennessee pilot program has been halted. As a result of this decision the state has suspended implementation of the Healthy SNAP Tennessee program, which had been scheduled to begin on July 31, 2026. We remain committed to supporting Tennesseans’ access to nutrition assistance and will continue to explore available options.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) has announced it will provide a $120 one-time payment directly to families in need across 13 counties through the Summer Nutrition Initiative starting Friday, June 12, 2026. Visit the Tennessee Summer Nutrition Initiative page to learn more.
Child Support Guidelines Rules and Regulations
The Department of Human Services will be hosting a Child Support Guidelines Rulemaking Hearing on Tuesday, September 1 at 10:00 am and 6:00 pm Central time. The hearing is open to the public to attend in person or virtually, online. Please click on the link below for details.
TDHS Child Support Guidelines Notice of Rulemaking Hearing
In Tennessee, child support obligations are calculated pursuant to the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines so both parents know what's expected and kids get the support they need. We are proposing revisions to these guidelines to align with changes in federal law, as well as additional updates intended to improve clarity and consistency. For your convenience, you may review the current Child Support Guidelines to compare them with the proposed revisions and better understand the context of the changes. The current guidelines are available here: https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/rules/1240/1240-02/1240-02-04.20211001.pdf
Apply for TDHS services
The One DHS Customer Portal is an online tool that makes it easy for Tennesseans to submit an application, get updates and manage cases for services administered by TDHS. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Families First (TANF), Child Care Services and Child Support are a few of several TDHS programs available through the portal.
Featured Initiatives
TDHS is unafraid to explore new ways and partnerships to strengthen Tennesseans. Our department is committed to creating measurable long-term positive outcomes and stability for individuals, communities and our state as a whole through innovative initiatives.
Learn more about TDHS program changes and updates, community engagement opportunities, events, legislative updates, and direct communication from the Commissioner.
- Tennessee Department of Human Services to Provide Summer Nutrition Initiative Benefits to Eligible Families in Select Counties Starting June 12
- Tennessee Department of Human Services Opens 2026-27 Families First Community Grant Program Applications
- Public Notice - Summer Food Service Program 2026 Waiver Checklist