|  | Public Health Safety | Community

Food Stamp Requirements in Tennessee

The state of Tennessee offers help for needy individuals and families finding it difficult to pay for food. The state provides a varying amount of funds (depending on household size) on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. The allowance is 100 percent funded by the United States government, and is primarily intended for families with children, pregnant women, the elderly, disabled and unemployed. In order to receive Tennessee food stamps, there are certain eligibility requirements applicants must fulfill.

  1. Residency Requirements

    • Applicants for the Tennessee food stamp program must reside in the state of Tennessee; although there are no minimum length of residency requirements, applicants must present current proof of state residency.

    Age and Household Requirements

    • Children under the age of 21 living with their parents are not allowed to apply for separate benefits; they are considered part of a household, and that status is reflected in their benefit amount. Children under 21 who do not live with their parents may apply for independent benefits. Regardless of relationship, individuals who live together, and buy and prepare food together are counted together as one household.

    Citizenship Requirements

    • All residents receiving Tennessee food stamp benefits must provide a Social Security card or proof of having applied for one. Lawful permanent residents are not eligible for food stamps within the first five years of United States residency although their children may be eligible for assistance immediately.

    Employment Requirements

    • Individuals between the ages of 16 and 59 who are physically and mentally capable of working must either hold a job or enroll in Tennessee's employment and training program. They are required to accept job offers and are not allowed to quit their employment. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 59 with no dependents are only eligible for five months of food stamps within a three-year period unless they work 80 hours per month.

    Asset Requirements

    • Tennessee residents applying for food stamps are not allowed to have more than $2,000 in assets, and not more than $3,000 if the applicant or someone in the household is disabled or 60 and older. According to the Tennessee Department of Human Services, qualifying assets are funds in checking or savings accounts, cash on hand, deposit certificates, stocks, bonds, uninhabited property not for sale and lump sum payments.

    Income Requirements

    • Individuals applying for food stamps in Tennessee must meet certain income limit requirements. Households with one member may not have a gross monthly income exceeding $1,174; two-member households may not exceed a gross monthly income of $1,579; households with three people may not earn more than $1,984; and four people must earn $2,389 or less. The maximum gross monthly income limits for households with five or more people are as follows: five--$2,794, six--$3,200, seven--$3,605, eight--$4,010, nine--$4,416 and 10--$4,822. For households with 10 or more members, add $406 for each additional person.

Community - Related Articles