How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Tennessee

You can apply for SNAP benefits in Tennessee online, in person, or by mail. Each method requires the same eligibility information to be processed.

Online Application

The quickest way to apply is through the state’s online portal. Before you begin, gather information about your household’s income, resources, and members to ensure your application is processed without delays.

Residency: You must live in Tennessee and apply in the county where you reside.

Citizenship and Social Security: Each household member needs to be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen. You must also provide or apply for a Social Security number.

Income Limits: Your household’s monthly income must fall below certain limits. These figures are effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.

• 1-person household: $1,632 gross, $1,255 net. The gross limit is $2,071 for households with an elderly or disabled member.

• 2-person household: $2,215 gross, $1,704 net. The gross limit is $2,811 for households with an elderly or disabled member.

• 3-person household: $2,798 gross, $2,152 net. The gross limit is $3,551 for households with an elderly or disabled member.

• 4-person household: $3,380 gross, $2,600 net. The gross limit is $4,290 for households with an elderly or disabled member.

For households larger than eight, add $583 gross and $449 net for each extra person. You can find the full 2025 income update online.

Resource Test: Your household’s countable assets must be below $3,000. This limit increases to $4,500 if a member is over 60 or has a disability. Your primary home and one vehicle are typically excluded.

Work Requirements: Most able-bodied adults aged 16–59 must register for work and accept suitable employment. Able-bodied adults without dependents face stricter eligibility rules, limiting benefits to three months unless they meet work or training minimums.

Special Considerations: Certain groups have different rules:

• Seniors (60+) and People with Disabilities: These applicants have a higher resource limit ($4,500) and are exempt from the gross income test, but must still meet the net income test.

• Students: College students aged 18-49 attending at least half-time are generally ineligible unless they meet an exemption, such as working 20 hours a week or caring for a young child.

In-Person Application

You can also apply at your local Department of Human Services office. An eligibility counselor can help you with the form. You will need to provide the same proof of eligibility as for an online application.

Mail-In Application

To apply by mail, you can download an application form from the DHS website or request one from your local office. Ensure all sections are complete and include copies of your eligibility documents before mailing.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in Tennessee

• Phone Number: For application help or case questions, call the Family Assistance Service Center at 1-866-311-4287.

• Hours of Operation: Live agents are available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Central Time.

• Services: They can answer general questions about your SNAP/EBT case and assist with your application.

See Tennessee EBT Customer Service Contacts

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Tennessee

Once your SNAP application is approved, you can start using your benefits. Here’s what you can buy and where to shop.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

Your SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card each month. Think of it like a debit card, but specifically for your food assistance. You use it the same way you would use any other bank card at the grocery store.

Simply swipe your EBT card at the checkout terminal and enter your personal identification number (PIN) to pay for your eligible food items. The amount is then deducted from your SNAP account balance.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your SNAP benefits are meant to help you buy groceries for your household. You can purchase a wide range of food items to prepare healthy meals at home.

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products

• Breads and cereals

• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

However, there are some restrictions on what you can buy. SNAP benefits cannot be used for non-food items, alcohol, tobacco, or foods that are sold hot and ready to eat.

• Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco

• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

• Hot foods ready for immediate consumption

• Non-food items like pet foods, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics

How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits

Staying on top of your SNAP benefits helps you budget effectively. Knowing your balance and when you get paid makes grocery shopping smoother.

EBT Deposit Schedule in Tennessee

Tennessee issues SNAP benefits once a month. Your payment date corresponds to the last two digits of your Social Security Number, which makes it easy to know when to expect your funds for budgeting.

You can find your specific payment date in our Tennessee deposit schedule guide.

See Tennessee EBT deposit schedule for 2025

How to Check Your EBT Card Balance

You can check your EBT balance in several ways. Log into the ConnectEBT portal, use the Benny app for balances and cashback, or call the number on your card. Your remaining balance is also printed on store receipts or available at some ATMs.

You can check out our guide covering each method on how to check EBT balance.

Check Your Tennessee EBT Balance

Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time. You can also get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Costco.

To get started, just link your EBT card to the app. After making a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cashback on your SNAP-eligible items.

Download Benny to help manage your spending and get more from your EBT benefits.