Tennessee SNAP
Last updated: October 15, 2026
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps eligible low-income Tennessee households buy groceries each month. In Tennessee, this program is called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and is administered by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). Benefits are delivered on the Tennessee EBT card.
What is SNAP?
SNAP provides monthly food benefits loaded onto a Tennessee EBT card, which works like a debit card at any store that accepts SNAP, and for approved online grocery orders. Benefits can be used for foods like fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry and fish, dairy, and bread and cereal. They cannot be used for tobacco, alcohol, vitamins, medicines, or non-food items.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility is based on household size, income, and resources. Working families, older adults, people with disabilities, and others with limited income may qualify. Most adults ages 16 to 59 must follow SNAP work rules. Households where everyone is age 60 or older, or has a disability, may qualify under simplified rules.
Tennessee SNAP income limits and maximum benefits (Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027)
These are the SNAP figures in effect from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027, from USDA’s fiscal year 2027 cost-of-living adjustments and SNAP eligibility page. Tennessee is not on USDA’s June 2026 chart of BBCE states, but under Tennessee Department of Human Services rule 1240-01-14-.15 (as amended effective April 15, 2026), a household with a member who receives or is authorized to receive non-cash or in-kind TANF services is categorically eligible if its gross income is at or below 200% of poverty and its net income is at or below 100%. Other households have the federal 130% gross limit. The Tennessee Department of Human Services’ 2027 income chart lists both standards. You may qualify even if your income is close to these amounts; the state agency decides when you apply.
| Household size | Gross monthly income limit (130% of poverty), other households | Gross monthly income limit (200% of poverty), households with a member getting non-cash TANF services | Net monthly income limit (100% of poverty) | Maximum monthly benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,729 | $2,660 | $1,330 | $306 |
| 2 | $2,345 | $3,607 | $1,804 | $562 |
| 3 | $2,960 | $4,554 | $2,277 | $808 |
| 4 | $3,575 | $5,500 | $2,750 | $1,023 |
| 5 | $4,191 | $6,447 | $3,224 | $1,217 |
| 6 | $4,806 | $7,394 | $3,697 | $1,463 |
| 7 | $5,421 | $8,340 | $4,170 | $1,616 |
| 8 | $6,037 | $9,287 | $4,644 | $1,841 |
| Each additional person (households of 9 to 17) | +$616 | +$947 | +$474 | +$225 |
| 18 or more people | +$616 for each person over 8 | +$947 for each person over 8 | +$474 for each person over 8 | $3,887 |
Households with a member who is 60 or older or has a disability do not have to meet the gross limit, but must meet the net limit (USDA). Net income is income after allowed deductions, such as 20% of earnings and a standard deduction ($217 for households of 1 to 3 in the 48 states and D.C.). The maximum benefit is for a household with no countable income; most households get less.
How we figured the gross limits: we take the HHS 2026 poverty guideline ($15,960 a year for one person), multiply by the percentage, divide by 12 and round up to the next dollar, the same rounding USDA uses for its own SNAP tables. Tennessee’s own published table may differ by a dollar or two. The net limits and maximum benefits are USDA’s published figures.
Soda, candy and other restricted items
USDA had approved a waiver in Tennessee restricting processed foods and beverages such as soda, energy drinks, and candy. On June 22, 2026, a federal court (Aragon et al. v. Rollins et al., 1:26-cv-00861 (D.D.C.)) vacated that approval, and USDA says the restriction may not go ahead. State SNAP agency: Tennessee SNAP.
These waivers change which items the EBT card can buy, not who may qualify or the benefit amount. See every state's restriction and start date. Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Administration: SNAP Food Restriction Waivers (page updated October 13, 2026).
How to apply
You can apply for SNAP in several ways. After applying, you will complete an interview and provide documents to verify income and household details.
Apply online
Create an account and apply at onedhs.tn.gov (One DHS portal), where you can also check your case and upload documents.
Apply by phone
Call 1-833-772-8347 for help applying and to request free language assistance.
Apply by mail or in person
You can also submit an application by mail or at a local TDHS Family Assistance Office.
Official source
This guide is based on information from the official program source: Tennessee DHS — SNAP. Income limits and benefit amounts can change; always confirm current figures with TDHS.
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