Let’s coordinate, share ideas, and learn from our individual customer groups on how we can work together to better serve Tennessee’s low-income families.

As the Tennessee General Assembly progresses through the 114th General Assembly, TDHS has remained steadfast in building a strategic and balanced budget while maintaining the efficiency and integrity of our program service delivery. Last month, our agency presented the Department’s budget priorities for the next state fiscal year.

We find ourselves at a historic moment in the human services landscape. TDHS is actively preparing for this evolving environment, ensuring that Tennessee is well-positioned to meet the needs of families across the state with dignity, accountability, and excellence. At the same time, we remain committed to being responsible stewards of public resources and Tennessee taxpayer dollars, while keeping the needs of vulnerable Tennesseans at the forefront of every decision.

As part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” states will now cover 75% of administrative costs, as opposed to the previous 50%/50% cost share for the administrative costs of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).  TDHS has made thoughtful budget adjustments to ensure the timely and accurate distribution of critical benefits to the individuals and families who depend on them.

Our duty as a human services agency extends beyond compliance and administration, it is rooted in service, accountability, and impact. Every decision we make is guided by our commitment to strengthen Tennessee by strengthening Tennesseans. This means not only delivering essential services with excellence, but also empowering individuals and families to build stability, increase self-sufficiency, and reduce long-term dependency.

In this moment of change, our mission remains clear. We will continue to serve our customers with integrity and care, ensuring that every Tennessean has the opportunity to thrive.

Important Information for Partners Working with SNAP Applicants

To ensure that expedited applicants for SNAP can access benefits promptly, TDHS is refining its appointment scheduling process. Starting April 15, 2026, TDHS will provide earlier interviews for expedited applicants.

Earlier Interview Appointments for Expedited Applicants

TDHS allows applicants to schedule their interviews as early as the day after they apply. If expedited applicants do not self-schedule, TDHS will automatically schedule their interview and call them within a couple of business days after the application is submitted.  

Before the change is made, TDHS will update customers about the new, earlier interview process on the TDHS website, the One DHS Customer Portal, and in county offices. Partners are encouraged to help communicate these updates to Family Assistance customers.

Unfortunately, there are individuals who attempt to take advantage of programs designed to support families in need. Across the country, reports of EBT fraud have increased, with criminals using increasingly sophisticated methods to steal benefits and personal information. Some have even impersonated agencies like TDHS through phone calls, text messages, or emails to trick customers into sharing sensitive details.

Common Types of Benefit Theft and Fraud Include:

If customers have encountered any suspicious activity on their EBT cards, please take the following steps immediately:

To further support customers and protect their benefits and personal information, TDHS also recommends that all EBT cardholders regularly change their PIN and monitor their account balance using the ebtEDGE mobile app. The app gives customers greater control over their accounts, including:

The ebtEDGE mobile app also allows customers to securely log in using Touch ID or facial recognition, eliminating the need to manually enter a user ID and password. The free mobile app is available for download via the Apple App Store (iPhone) and Google Play Store (Android).

For more information, please visit: https://www.fisglobal.com/ebtedgemobile.

Once school is out, the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) begins. The SFSP is a partnership between the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, TDHS and community-based organizations to provide free meals to children in their communities throughout the summer. TDHS is currently accepting applications for new food sponsors until May 1, 2025.

Each year, TDHS partners with food sponsors across the state to provide these meals. The program traditionally runs from the end of May to August when the next school semester begins.

While the SFSP has historically operated in most areas of the state, the program is focused on serving rural counties that have little to no SFSP meal sites including Benton, Carroll, Carter, Cocke, Fayette, Grainger, Houston, Humphreys, Johnson, Lauderdale, Marshall, Moore, Rhea, and Sequatchie. TDHS is actively recruiting sponsors to serve these counties and welcomes additional sponsors for every county across Tennessee.

If your organization is interested in becoming a SFSP sponsor or becoming a meal site under an existing sponsor, please contact the Tennessee Department of Human Services by e-mail at TNSFSP.DHS@tn.gov. For more information on the Summer Food Service Program, please visit the TDHS website.

Tennessee has received federal approval for its Healthy SNAP waiver, which was signed by Secretary Rollins on December 10th. This waiver aligns with federal efforts to encourage healthier food choices by limiting the purchase of certain processed foods, candy, and soda with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. As the state prepares for implementation on July 31st, additional details and guidance will be shared to ensure partners and SNAP participants are well informed. Please stay tuned for updates in the coming weeks.

TennCare participants can now track their TennCare application with the new Submission Status tracker on TennCare Connect. This is a convenient new option that allows customers to easily monitor the progress of their application or renewal in real time, reducing uncertainty and providing greater transparency throughout the process.

Here’s how to get started:

For more information, please visit the TennCare Connect website here:  https://tenncareconnect.tn.gov/.

What: Community Resource and Job Fair in Bedford County

Bedford County Job seekers with disabilities, individuals, and families can discover health, employment and other community resources at the Community Resource and Job Fair presented by the Vocational Rehabilitation Program at the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). This event can help individuals move forward with employment opportunities, services and support.

No registration is required to attend.

When: April 8, 2026, 10:00am – 2:00pm CT

Where: The Fly Arts Center

204 S. Main Street

Shelbyville, TN 37160

What: Community Resource and Workforce Fair in Benton County

Benton County Job seekers with disabilities, individuals, and families can discover health, employment and other community resources at the Community Resource and Job Fair presented by the Vocational Rehabilitation Program at the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). This event can help individuals move forward with employment opportunities, services and support.

Join the Division of Rehabilitation Services for a free community event focused on employment, education, and independence. This is an opportunity for individuals to meet with experts, explore resources, and get personalized support to move forward with confidence.

No registration is required. Community members can simply stop by the event and enjoy food from a local food truck while connecting with community organizations and resources.

When: April 8, 2026, 11:00am – 2:00pm CT

Where: First United Methodist Church Gym

104 N. Church Ave.

Camden, TN 38320

What: Families First Community Advisory Board Meeting

Created by the 2021 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Opportunity Act (TOA), the Families First Community Advisory Board brings together a combination of representatives from state agencies, local government, private and nonprofit organizations, business and industry, faith-based organizations, regional Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) partners, and current or former Families first/TANF customers. Board members are appointed by Speakers of both the House and Senate, and State leadership. The Board is united in its mission to transform the way Tennessee delivers supportive services to families in need.

When: April 16, 2026, 1:00pm – 3:00pm CT

Where: Tennessee Tower, Conference Rooms A&C, 3rd Floor

312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue

Nashville, TN 37243

What: Kids and Families Resource Fair in Cocke County

Parents, guardians, and families with young Tennesseans are invited to discover resources and organizations that serve families in the Cocke County area. The Kids and Family Resource Fair is an opportunity to connect with nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations that serve parents and children. This free event is hosted by the Paternity Program at the Tennessee Department of Human Services and is open to the public.

When: April 23, 2026, 10:00am – 1:00pm ET

Where: Newport City Park

100 City Park

Newport, TN 37821

What: Job and Resource Fair in McMinn County

Job seekers with disabilities in the Athens area are invited to attend a free Job and Resource Fair hosted by the Division of Rehabilitation Services, E.G Fisher Public Library and American Job Center. This event is an opportunity to connect with meaningful employment opportunities, training programs, and valuable community resources.

When: April 29, 2026, 10:00am – 2:00pm ET

Where: E.G. Fisher Public Library

1289 Ingleside Ave

Athens, TN 37303

What: Parents and Partners Connect – Child Support

A virtual question and answer session with Child Support professionals from the Tennessee Department of Human Services. These online sessions are an opportunity for Tennessee parents to get answers about Child Support Services from TDHS with topics including services offered, case classifications, the parties involved in child support, the application processes, and problem-solving.

If you’re new to child support in Tennessee or have questions about related services, this is a great opportunity to ask questions with experts.

When: April 30, 2026, 4:00pm - 5:00pm CT

Where: Online; Register Here

At TDHS, we are consistently looking for dedicated and enthusiastic individuals who are eager to make a meaningful difference in our state. If you are interested in joining our team, please review new career opportunities on our website.

Detailed listings on all open positions (Preferred and Executive Service) can be found at https://www.tn.gov/careers/apply-here.html. Preferred Service job postings through the Tennessee Department of Human Resources (DOHR) open on Thursday and close on the following Wednesday evening at 11:59 pm CST, depending on the length of the requisition.

Rehabilitation Services

Vocational Rehabilitation Business Employment Consultant

Madison County – 75877 (Closing Date 3/30/2026)      

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor - Masters                            

Knox County - 75879 (Closing Date 3/30/2026)   

McMinn County – 75946 (Closing Date 3/30/2026)   

This Newsletter will be distributed on the last Wednesday of each month, and we kindly ask that all news be approved by leadership and submitted at least three weeks in advance.

Let’s coordinate, share ideas, and learn from our individual customer groups on how we can work together to better serve Tennessee’s low-income families.

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