Help for Low-Income or Disabled Families in Tennessee
Low-income or disabled families in Tennessee can receive help during difficult economic times through several programs. The programs can help provide housing, food and cash assistance to those in need. In some cases, disabled families may have preference in receiving aid. The programs are administered through the Tennessee Department of Human Services unless otherwise noted.
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Housing Choice Vouchers
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Low-income or disabled families in Tennessee can apply for assistance from the Housing Choice Vouchers program. The program helps qualified families meet their monthly rent. Families receive a voucher that is worth up to 70 percent of the monthly rent. The voucher can be used to rent a home or apartment of their choice. The home can be either located in a government-owned public housing development or a privately-owned home.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
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Tennessee families who need assistance with purchasing food can apply for help through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Qualified families receive a monthly benefits transfer to a state-issued card. The card, referred to as the Electronic Benefits Transfer, can be used at any authorized dealer that accepts SNAP. In order to qualify for benefits, a family must pass a net income test. The test takes into account a family's ability to purchase food after expenses are met each month.
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Families First
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Families First provides cash assistance to qualified families on a monthly basis. In addition to cash assistance, families can also receive child care assistance, job training and help finding employment. Participants can only receive up to 60 months of assistance from the program. Job training is provided in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Labor. While receiving benefits, participants are required to contribute a minimum of 30 hours a week to work, job training or finding employment.
Home Energy Assistance
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The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income or disabled persons in Tennessee with covering energy-related costs. Disabled persons may receive a higher priority in selection for the program. Families who are living at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty levels are qualified for receiving assistance through LIHEAP. In Tennessee, the program is administered through 19 federally-funded organizations.
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