Tennessee Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

The Tennessee Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can provide supplemental income for purchasing food for low-income households. An eligible person or family receives an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which is used like any other debit card at the grocery store. The card uses money from a SNAP account set up for the eligible person or family to pay for food items. The Tennessee SNAP program is administered by the Tennessee Department of Human Services.

Quick Facts

Are College Students Eligible for SNAP?

Students, 18 to 49, attending an institution of higher education, like a college, university, trade school, or technical school more than half-time are eligible for SNAP IF they meet an exemption AND meet all other SNAP eligibility requirements. You can ask your school what qualifies as “half-time.”

First, What Are Student Exemptions?

COVID-19 Temporary Update

As of January 16, 2021, a student is exempt if they meet one of the qualifications: 1) They are eligible to participate in state or federally financed work study during the regular school year. You school determines if you are eligible for work study OR 2.) They have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 0 in the current academic year (based on the FASFA- Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

• Are under age 18 or are age 49 or older.
• Have a physical or mental disability.
• Work at least 20 hours a week in paid employment.
• Participate in a state or federally financed work study program.
• Participate in an on-the-job training program.
• Care for a child under the age of 6.
• Care for a child age 6 to 11 and lack the necessary child care enabling you to attend school and work 20 hours a week or participate in work study.
• Are a single parent enrolled full-time in college and taking care of a child under 12.
• Receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) assistance.
• Are enrolled in a TANF Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) program.
• Are assigned to, placed in, or self-placed in a college or other institution of higher education through:
  • A SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program;
  • Certain other E&T programs for low-income households, which are operated by a state or local government and have an equivalent component to SNAP E&T;
  • A program under Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA);
  • A Trade Adjustment Assistance Program under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974.

  Second, What Are Income Requirements?

  This chart shows the gross monthly eligibility standard based on family size considering 130% of the Federal Poverty Line, or FPL. The FPL is set by the federal government each year is calculated centered on family size and income. FPL determines eligibility for many federal and state public programs.

  Household Size	Gross Monthly Income (130% of FPL)	Net Monthly Income (100% of FPL)
  1	$1,396	$1,074
  2	$1,888	$1,452
  3	$2,379	$1,830
  4	$2,871	$2,209
  5	$3,363	$2,587
  6	$3,855	$2,965
  7	$4,347	$3,344
  8	$4,839	$3,722
  Each Additional Member	+ $492	+ $379

  How Do I Apply?

  You don’t need to go to an office! You can apply online, and receive your EBT card in the mail. The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP is online through Tennessee Department of Human Services SNAP at www.tn.gov

  If you are eligible, you will be able to access your SNAP benefits no later than 30 days from the date the office received your application. If you have very little or no income for the month and you need help right away, you may qualify for SNAP benefits within 7 days.

  Where/How to Use

  SNAP benefits can only be used to buy food, and plants and seeds to grow food for your household to eat.

  You can use your EBT card to purchase food at any grocery store, farmers’ market, or online website that accepts SNAP like Amazon, Walmart, or ShopRite. Visit www.tn.gov to learn more about shopping for groceries online with your SNAP benefits and more.

  Use the map on the FreshEBT app to find grocery stores and farmers markets near you.