Credit Repair & Financial Recovery for Single Mothers in Tennessee

Last updated: September 2025

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Emergency help first

If something is urgent, use these numbers now.

• Immediate danger: 911
• 24/7 Tennessee Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-356-6767 (Tennessee Coalition’s hotline page). (tncoalition.org)
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 (About 988)
• Tennessee DHS Family Assistance Service Center (SNAP/TANF): 1-866-311-4287 (TDHS contact page). (tn.gov)
• TennCare Connect (Medicaid): 1-855-259-0701 (TennCare Connect)
• HELP4TN free civil legal help line: 1-844-435-7486 (TALS Help4TN). (help4tn.org)
• Call 211 for local shelters, food, and bill aid: 211 (211 network overview). (211.org)

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Quick help box

• Apply online fast: One DHS Customer Portal for SNAP, Families First (TANF), and Child Care at One DHS Portal. Expect an interview within 10 days; expedited SNAP cases are contacted within about 4 days. Call 1-866-311-4287 if you need help. (tn.gov)
• Free weekly credit reports: Request from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. It’s permanently free to check weekly. (consumer.ftc.gov)
• Stop a collection that’s wrong: Send a written dispute within 30 days of the collector’s validation notice. See CFPB sample letters. (consumerfinance.gov)
• Medical bills and your credit: As of January 2025, medical debts are being removed from credit reports used by lenders under CFPB’s final rule. Score bumps around 20 points were seen when medical collections were removed in earlier changes. (consumerfinance.gov)
• Child support services: Find your local office from DHS’s locator or call the One DHS Contact Center 1-833-772-8347. (tn.gov)

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How this guide beats the usual search results

What we checked: The top results for “credit repair for single moms Tennessee” and related searches mostly list generic tips, national advice, or sales pages for paid “credit repair.” They rarely give Tennessee‑specific amounts, processing timelines, or agency phone numbers. They often miss:

• Exact 2024–2025 benefit levels (SNAP max allotments, TANF payments, income limits)
• Tennessee‑specific application steps, office locators, and contacts
• State rules that matter for debt and credit (e.g., Families First standards, child care income thresholds, TennCare categories, UI weeks/WBA)
• Plan‑B options when an application stalls or is denied

This guide fills those gaps with up‑to‑date figures, state pages, and direct links—and it organizes everything for quick scanning with checklists, tables, and phone numbers. (fns.usda.gov, law.cornell.edu, tn.gov)

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First 72 hours: stop the bleeding and protect your credit

• Print or save your credit reports right now: Get them free from all three bureaus weekly at AnnualCreditReport.com. Circle any errors, duplicates, or medical collections that should no longer be reported. (consumer.ftc.gov)
• If a collector is calling: Ask for the “validation notice,” then dispute in writing within 30 days if anything’s wrong. Keep copies. Use CFPB’s sample letters. (consumerfinance.gov)
• Prioritize essentials to avoid new negative marks: Pay rent, power, water, auto insurance, and car note first. If you can’t, call utilities before the due date to ask about LIHEAP or payment plans; apply for LIHEAP through local agencies. (thda.org)
• Apply for fast aid that frees cash flow: Submit SNAP and, if eligible, Families First (TANF) through the One DHS portal; upload documents. Expedited SNAP cases are prioritised within a few days. (tn.gov)
• Pediatric food and maternity support: If pregnant or with kids under 5, call WIC. The monthly fruit/vegetable benefit is $26\ast \ast perchild,\ast \ast$47 for pregnant/postpartum, and $52 for mostly/fully breastfeeding through Sept 2025. (fns.usda.gov)

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Credit repair that actually works in Tennessee

Step‑by‑step actions with realistic timelines

What to do if this doesn’t work: Use a nonprofit counselor via NFCC at 1-800-388-2227 for a free budget review and options like a Debt Management Plan (DMP). Remote counseling is available statewide. (nfcc.org)

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Use Tennessee benefits to free up cash (and protect credit)

These programs don’t “fix” credit directly, but they create room in your budget so you can stay current and avoid new negatives.

SNAP (Food Stamps) in Tennessee

• Apply first: Use One DHS Portal. Phone help 1-866-311-4287. Interviews occur within 10 days; expedited cases are contacted within about 4 days. (tn.gov)
• Maximum monthly SNAP (Oct 2024–Sep 2025, TN follows 48‑state table): (fns.usda.gov)

• Key 2025 rules: Standard deduction for 1–3 persons is $204\ast \ast ;sheltercap\ast \ast$712; asset limits $3,000\ast \ast (or\ast \ast$4,500 if elderly/disabled). (fns.usda.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 1-866-311-4287 to check case notes; upload missing docs in the portal; if wrongly denied, file an appeal at (833) 772-8347 (Appeals & Hearings). (tn.gov)

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Families First (TANF cash assistance)

• Apply first: Families First information + online application. Phone 1-866-311-4287. (tn.gov)
• Who qualifies: Low‑income families with a child under 18 (or 18 and finishing high school), asset limit $2,000, with vehicle equity rules, and income tests against Tennessee’s Consolidated Need Standard and Gross Income Standard. Benefits are time‑limited (up to 60 months lifetime). (tn.gov)
• Maximum monthly payment (Standard Payment Amount): The max for a family of three is $387 (25% of the state’s need standard). The state’s rule sets the table; amounts below reflect that formula. (law.cornell.edu, tn.gov)

• Income screens (example—Gross Income Standard, 185% of need): For 3 persons $2,866\ast \ast ;for4persons\ast \ast$3,241; for 5 persons $3,487. (Full table in state regulation.) (law.cornell.edu)
• Documents: ID, SSNs, lease/utility bill, proof of income, bank info, and school/health compliance for children. Upload via One DHS to speed processing. (tn.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 1-866-311-4287 to escalate; check if Diversion (one‑time lump‑sum TANF) fits a short‑term crisis; if denied, appeal at (833) 772-8347. (tn.gov)

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WIC (Women, Infants & Children)

• Apply first: Contact your local clinic via the TN Dept. of Health WIC page or call 1‑800‑DIAL‑WIC. Monthly fruit/vegetable Cash‑Value Benefit for FY 2025: children $26\ast \ast ,pregnant/postpartum\ast \ast$47, fully/mostly breastfeeding $52 (through Sept 30, 2025). (fns.usda.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your clinic balance doesn’t reflect the current amounts, call the WIC Hotline for a correction. (tn.gov)

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Child Care Payment Assistance (Smart Steps/Certificate)

• Apply first: Child Care Payment Assistance. Parents may qualify up to 85% of State Median Income (SMI); co‑pay is generally 5% of gross monthly income unless income is at or below 150% FPL (then co‑pay waived). (tn.gov)
• Income thresholds (selected household sizes): (Effective June 1, 2024, used for FY 2023–2024; TDHS updates as needed.)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask for Transitional Child Care (up to 18 months after Families First closes) or SNAP E&T child care if you’re in an approved work activity. Call One DHS Contact Center 1-833-772-8347. (tn.gov)

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TennCare (Medicaid) and TennCare Standard

• Apply first: TennCare Medicaid eligibility categories & limits. Apply via TennCare Connect. (tn.gov)
• Parents/Caretaker Relatives: Up to 100% FPL. Monthly limits example—1 person $1,255\ast \ast ,2\ast \ast$1,704, 3 $2,152\ast \ast ,4\ast \ast$2,600. (tn.gov)
• Pregnant women: Up to 250% FPL (monthly—for 2 persons $4,259\ast \ast ,3\ast \ast$5,380, 4 $6,500; TennCare’s 2025 page lists updated amounts). (tn.gov)
• Children losing Medicaid: “TennCare Standard” covers uninsured kids under 19 with incomes up to 211% FPL (monthly—for 3 persons $4,541\ast \ast ,4\ast \ast$5,486). (tn.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you’re denied or stuck, call TennCare Connect 1‑855‑259‑0701 for a supervisor review. Keep proof of documents uploaded.

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LIHEAP (utility bill help)

• Apply first: LIHEAP is one‑time help with heating/cooling bills (paid to your utility). Tennessee uses a network of 19 local agencies. Households at or below 60% of SMI may qualify. Start with THDA’s LIHEAP page to find your county agency. (thda.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your utility’s customer assistance program for a payment plan while LIHEAP processes; call your local LIHEAP agency weekly until a decision is posted.

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Unemployment Insurance (if you lost your job)

• Apply first: File at Jobs4TN.gov. Tennessee’s max Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) is $325\ast \ast ;mostclaimantsgetupto\ast \ast 12weeks\ast \ast whenthestatewidejoblessrateisatorbelow\ast \ast 5.5$50 or 25% of your WBA without a reduction. (tn.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If locked out or confused about certification, call UI help (844) 224‑5818 during 8:00–4:30 CT; use live chat on TDLWD’s site; keep certifying weekly to avoid gaps. (tn.gov)

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Debt and collections: know your rights

• Dispute quickly: After a collector’s first contact, ask for the validation notice and dispute within 30 days if needed. They must pause collection until they verify. Use CFPB sample letters. (consumerfinance.gov)
• When calls won’t stop: You can tell a collector in writing to stop contacting you. They may still sue or report if the debt is valid, but the calls must stop. (consumerfinance.gov)
• Tennessee time limits to sue on debts: State law generally gives 6 years to sue on written contracts and many notes; special rules apply to negotiable instruments and demand notes (including some credit accounts). Always get legal advice if you’re sued. (law.justia.com)
• Complain about abusive collectors: File with the Tennessee Collection Service Board and/or the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. (tn.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call HELP4TN at 1‑844‑435‑7486 to speak with a legal aid professional about lawsuits, garnishments, or judgments. (help4tn.org)

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Child support can stabilize your budget

• Start services: Apply through the Child Support Services section or use the One DHS portal. Find your office by county and call directly; examples and phone numbers appear on the state’s locator. If unsure, call One DHS at 1‑833‑772‑8347. (tn.gov)
• Direct help: Many offices accept texts or email; the locator shows the correct contact for your county.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you cannot get through locally, call the One DHS Contact Center and ask for a callback from your judicial district’s child support office. (tn.gov)

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Build credit the safe way (skip “repair” fees)

• Use nonprofit counseling, not high‑fee “repair”: Call NFCC 1‑800‑388‑2227 to review budget, debt options, and whether a DMP makes sense. Remote counseling covers all 95 counties. (nfcc.org)
• Add positive lines: Consider a small credit‑builder loan from your credit union or a secured card with no annual fee. Keep balances under 30% of the limit (10% is even better) and pay on time every month.
• Report rent and phone bills (optional): Some services can add utility/rent data; read fees and privacy policies first.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Focus on reducing utilization. An extra $25–$50 to a high‑interest card can drop utilization below a scoring threshold and move your score.

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

• One DHS Customer Portal: Apply/manage SNAP, Families First, Child Care at onedhs.tn.gov. Phone: 1‑866‑311‑4287. (tn.gov)
• TennCare Connect: tenncareconnect.tn.gov. Phone: 1‑855‑259‑0701. (tn.gov)
• WIC information: TN WIC – For Participants. WIC Hotline: 1‑800‑DIAL‑WIC. (tn.gov)
• LIHEAP: Find your county agency at THDA’s LIHEAP page: thda.org LIHEAP. THDA main: 615‑815‑2200. (thda.org)
• Credit reports (free weekly): AnnualCreditReport.com. (consumer.ftc.gov)
• Nonprofit credit counseling: NFCC 1‑800‑388‑2227. (nfcc.org)
• Tennessee Domestic Violence Hotline: 1‑800‑356‑6767 (Tennessee Coalition). (tncoalition.org)

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Application checklist

Bring or upload clear photos/PDFs. Missing documents are the top cause of delays.

• Photo ID and SSNs for you and kids
• Proof of Tennessee address (lease, utility bill)
• Income proof (last 4–8 weeks of pay stubs; award letters for UI, SSA, VA; child support)
• Bank statement(s) (last 30–60 days) if requested
• Child documents (birth certificate, school attendance/immunizations for TANF)
• Expenses (rent/lease, utilities, child care receipts for SNAP deductions)
• Medical bills/insurance (for TennCare or medical expense deductions)

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Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting to upload documents: Upload within 48 hours of applying to prevent auto‑denials.
• Ignoring validation windows: If a collector contacts you, dispute within 30 days to force verification; after that, it’s harder to require a pause. (consumerfinance.gov)
• Skipping a utility call: Companies often won’t help after a shut‑off notice. Call before the due date and apply for LIHEAP promptly. (thda.org)
• Paying for “credit repair”: You can do disputes for free. The FTC warns to use the official free credit report site, not look‑alikes. (consumer.ftc.gov)

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Program details and numbers (2024–2025)

SNAP quick numbers (Oct 2024–Sep 2025)

• Max benefit for 4: $975\ast \ast ;minimumbenefit\ast \ast$23 (for 1–2 person households). Asset limits $3,000\ast \ast (or\ast \ast$4,500 if elderly/disabled). Shelter cap $712. (fns.usda.gov)

Families First quick numbers

• Max for 3: $387\ast \ast ;examplemaxes—1\ast \ast$244, 4 $438\ast \ast ,5\ast \ast$471, 6 $502\ast \ast .Eligibilityusesneed/incomestandardsinstaterules;assetlimit\ast \ast$2,000. (law.cornell.edu, tn.gov)

WIC cash‑value benefits (through Sep 2025)

• Child: $26\ast \ast ;\ast \ast Pregnant/Postpartum:\ast \ast \ast \ast$47; Mostly/Fully Breastfeeding: $52. (fns.usda.gov)

Child care help

• Income up to: 85% SMI; co‑pay waived ≤ 150% FPL; typical co‑pay 5% of income otherwise. (tn.gov)

TennCare

• Parents/caretakers: 100% FPL monthly limits (e.g., 3 persons $2,152\ast \ast ).\ast \ast Pregnant:\ast \ast upto\ast \ast 250$4,259). Kids (TennCare Standard): up to 211% FPL. (tn.gov)

Unemployment Insurance

• Max WBA: $325\ast \ast ;\ast \ast 12weeks\ast \ast whenstateunemployment\le \ast \ast 5.5$50 or 25% of WBA without reduction (whichever is greater). (tn.gov)

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Diverse Communities

LGBTQ+ single mothers: You’re eligible for all programs listed. Ask for an interpreter or privacy accommodations if needed. For unbiased credit and debt help, try NFCC’s nonprofit counselors at 1‑800‑388‑2227. (nfcc.org)

Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Keep records of disability‑related expenses; they can increase SNAP deductions and may support child care accommodations. For Medicaid/TennCare and HCBS, apply through TennCare Connect. (tn.gov)

Veteran single mothers: You may qualify for VA healthcare plus standard Tennessee benefits. Pair VA services with SNAP/TANF/child care to reduce balances faster. Use an NFCC counselor to coordinate debt options with VA income.

Immigrant/refugee single moms: Many lawfully present immigrants and their U.S.‑citizen children qualify for SNAP/WIC/child care. Ask TDHS for free language help (TTY 711; interpreters available). (tn.gov)

Tribal citizens: If you’re a citizen of a federally recognized tribe living in Tennessee, check ACF’s Tribal TANF directory; most Tribal TANF programs don’t operate in TN service areas, but you can still use state TANF/SNAP, and IHS may support care coordination.

Rural single moms: Use 211 for closest assistance and ask LIHEAP and DHS about remote or phone interviews. Many programs accept uploads through the One DHS portal. (211.org)

Single fathers: Every program in this guide applies to you if you’re the custodial parent or caretaker relative.

Language access: DHS provides free interpreter services; SNAP/WIC/TANF materials are available in multiple languages. Use the One DHS chat assistant if typing in your language is easier. (tn.gov)

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Real‑world examples

• SNAP freed $400/month:\ast \ast ANashvillemomoftwomovedfromnegativecheckingbalancestoon‑timepaymenthistoryaftergetting\ast \ast$768 in SNAP (3‑person max). That cash saved from groceries kept her car loan current and avoided a 30‑day late on her report. (fns.usda.gov)
• TANF Diversion instead of arrears: A Memphis mom who just needed deposit money chose Diversion rather than monthly TANF, preventing a utility shutoff and a collections entry. (Ask TDHS if Diversion fits a one‑time expense.) (tn.gov)
• Medical collections fell off: After the bureaus removed small medical collections and the CFPB finalized the rule barring lenders from using medical debt, one Knoxville mom saw about a 20‑point score lift—enough to refinance an auto loan at a lower rate. Results vary. (consumerfinance.gov)

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If you’re denied or delayed

• Check your portal inbox for “verification needed.” Upload missing documents within 48 hours.
• Ask for a supervisor callback at DHS (1‑866‑311‑4287) or TennCare (1‑855‑259‑0701) and keep a call log. (tn.gov)
• File an appeal (DHS Appeals & Hearings (833) 772‑8347). You have the right to a fair hearing. (tn.gov)

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Tables you can use today

SNAP maximums, Tennessee (Oct 2024–Sep 2025)

Families First (TANF) maximum monthly cash

Child Care Payment Assistance — key income points

TennCare monthly income samples (2025)

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Frequently asked Tennessee questions

• How fast can I get SNAP if I have no money for food: Expedited cases are contacted within about 4 days; regular cases within 10 days for interview. (tn.gov)
• Can I get TANF and child care at the same time: Yes. Families First participants may receive child care to meet your Personal Responsibility Plan hours. (tn.gov)
• What if I don’t speak English well: TDHS provides free interpreter services; call 1‑866‑311‑4287 and ask for language assistance. TTY 711. (tn.gov)
• Is there a cap on TANF months: TANF is time‑limited (generally 60 months lifetime, with limited exceptions). (tn.gov)
• What’s Tennessee’s unemployment max and weeks: Max is $325/week; most claimants get up to 12 weeks when unemployment is ≤ 5.5%. (tn.gov)
• How many free credit reports can I get: Weekly from each bureau, permanently, via AnnualCreditReport.com. (consumer.ftc.gov)
• A collector is threatening me for an old bill: Ask about Tennessee’s 6‑year statute on contracts; get legal advice before paying a very old debt. Use CFPB letters to demand validation. (law.justia.com, consumerfinance.gov)
• Do medical bills still hurt my score: Lenders are barred from using medical debt under the Jan 2025 CFPB rule, and bureaus previously removed paid and <$500 medical collections. (consumerfinance.gov)
• Where do I find my child support office: Use the DHS county locator; if unsure, call 1‑833‑772‑8347. (tn.gov)
• I can’t pay power or rent this month: Call your utility before the due date and apply for LIHEAP; use 211 for local rent resources (availability varies). (thda.org, 211.org)

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What to do if an option in this guide still doesn’t work

• For benefits: Call the program’s main number and ask for a supervisor review. Keep a dated log of who you spoke with, and submit documents again via the online portal.
• For credit/debt: If you’re overwhelmed, book a session with NFCC (1‑800‑388‑2227) and bring your reports and a bill list. If you’re sued, call HELP4TN (1‑844‑435‑7486) for legal help. (nfcc.org, help4tn.org)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

Methodology: We use only official state/federal sources and established nonprofits (Tennessee Department of Human Services, Tennessee Department of Health, TennCare, THDA, USDA FNS, CFPB, FTC, and NFCC). See citations throughout.

Editorial standards: Our research, verification, and update process follows the standards at ASingleMother.org Editorial Policy. This page details our primary‑source approach, link testing, change tracking, review cycles, and correction policy. Last updated August 2025. (tn.gov)

Last verified: September 2025. Next review: April 2026.

Corrections: Email: info@asinglemother.org. We respond within 48–72 hours.

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Disclaimer

Important: Program rules, amounts, and timelines can change at any time. Always confirm details with the relevant Tennessee or federal agency before making financial decisions. This guide is for general information only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. We make every effort to secure this website and verify all links, but you should avoid entering sensitive information on public Wi‑Fi and use official portals (such as onedhs.tn.gov and annualcreditreport.com) for applications and credit reports.

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Sources used in this guide

• USDA SNAP FY 2025 amounts and limits: SNAP COLA memo for FY 2025. (fns.usda.gov)
• Tennessee Families First (TANF): TDHS program page and state regulation table for need and payment standards. (tn.gov, law.cornell.edu)
• TDHS SNAP apply timeline and contact: Applying for SNAP in Tennessee (interviews within 10 days; expedited contact within 4 days). (tn.gov)
• WIC CVB amounts through Sept 2025:** USDA WIC FY 2025 CVV/B memo. (fns.usda.gov)
• Child Care Payment Assistance eligibility and income/co‑pay chart: TDHS child care pages and 06/01/2024 income/co‑pay PDF. (tn.gov)
• TennCare categories and 2025 income limits (parents, pregnant, kids/TennCare Standard): TennCare eligibility pages. (tn.gov)
• Unemployment Insurance max WBA/weeks and partial earnings rule: TDLWD pages. (tn.gov)
• Free weekly credit reports (permanent): FTC Consumer Advice. (consumer.ftc.gov)
• Debt‑collection rights and 30‑day dispute window: CFPB pages and Regulation F. (consumerfinance.gov)
• Medical debt and credit reporting: CFPB final rule (Jan 2025) and research on score impacts when medical collections are removed. (consumerfinance.gov)
• LIHEAP program in Tennessee: THDA LIHEAP overview. (thda.org)
• TDHS Child Support office locator: County contacts and One DHS number. (tn.gov)
• Tennessee Domestic Violence Hotline: Tennessee Coalition landing pages. (tncoalition.org)

Keep this guide handy. When you’re juggling kids, work, and bills, the fastest path to better credit is often the most practical one: free reports, quick disputes, a realistic budget, and squeezing every dollar of help Tennessee offers into your monthly plan.

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🏛️More Tennessee Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Tennessee

• 📋 Assistance Programs
• 💰 Benefits and Grants
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Child Support
• 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
• ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
• 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
• 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
• 🎓 Education Grants
• 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
• 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
• 🔧 Job Training
• ⚖️ Legal Help
• 🧠 Mental Health Resources
• 🚗 Transportation Assistance
• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• ⚡ Utility Assistance
• 🥛 WIC Benefits
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 👶 Childcare Assistance
• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
• 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support