Menu
tennessee

Grants for Single Mothers in Tennessee

Tennessee Single Mother’s Guide to Benefits, Grants, and Support Programs (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

If you’re facing an immediate crisis, here are three steps you can take right now:


  1. Call 2-1-1 – Free 24/7 help finding emergency assistance for housing, food, utilities, and more
  2. Apply for Emergency SNAP at One DHS Customer Portal – you can get benefits within 1-3 days if you qualify
  3. Contact Second Harvest Food Bank at (615) 329-3491 for emergency food assistance

Quick Summary for Busy Moms

Tennessee offers multiple assistance programs for single mothers, but benefits are modest compared to other states. Emergency help available within 1-3 days. Key programs include food assistance for families earning under $2,798/month, cash assistance up to $387/month, and childcare help while working or in school.

Top Programs by Urgency:

  • Emergency Food: SNAP benefits up to $768/month for family of 3
  • Emergency Cash: Families First (TANF) up to $387/month
  • Emergency Housing: Local agencies and 2-1-1 referrals
  • Tax Benefits: EITC up to $8,046/year, Child Tax Credit up to $2,000 per child
  • Education: Tennessee Student Assistance Award up to $4,000/year

Main Points

According to the Tennessee Lookout, Tennessee currently has a $717 million surplus in TANF funds while families struggle. Tennessee ranks 36th nationally in TANF benefit levels, providing only 18% of the federal poverty level for a family of three.

What you need to know:

  • Benefits are limited – Tennessee has some of the lowest assistance amounts in the country
  • Emergency help is available – You can get food assistance within days if you qualify
  • Work requirements are strict – Most programs require 30+ hours of work, school, or training weekly
  • Time limits apply – Families First has a 60-month lifetime limit
  • Education matters – Job training and college programs provide the best path to self-sufficiency

Reality Check: Tennessee’s monthly cash payment for a family of three is $387, which is among the lowest TANF cash payments in the nation.

Emergency Cash and Basic Needs

When you need help paying bills or buying food, these programs can provide immediate relief.

Families First (Tennessee’s TANF Program)

Families First, the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, is a workforce development and employment program that emphasizes work, training, and personal responsibility. The program provides temporary cash assistance along with supportive services to help families become self-sufficient.

Current benefit amounts:

  • Maximum $387/month for family of three with shelter costs
  • Benefits vary based on income and family size
  • This represents only 18% of the federal poverty level

Income limits (2025):

Family Size Monthly Income Limit Annual Income Limit
1 person $1,255 $15,060
2 people $1,695 $20,340
3 people $2,134 $25,620
4 people $2,574 $30,900

Requirements:

  • Must be U.S. citizen or qualified legal resident
  • Must live in Tennessee
  • Must have children under 19 (or under 20 if in school)
  • Must participate in work activities for 30+ hours weekly unless exempt
  • Must agree to Personal Responsibility Plan (PRP)
  • Assets under $2,000 (excluding home and one vehicle)

Important limitations:

  • 60-month lifetime limit for adults
  • Work requirements begin immediately
  • Extensions only for domestic violence or incapacity

How to apply:

  1. Apply online at One DHS Customer Portal
  2. Call Family Assistance Service Center at (866) 311-4287
  3. Visit local DHS office

Processing time: Up to 45 days from application date

SNAP (Food Assistance)

Formerly referred to as “food stamps,” the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutritional assistance initiative administered at the state level.

Maximum benefit amounts (FY 2025):

  • 1 person: $292/month
  • 2 people: $536/month
  • 3 people: $768/month
  • 4 people: $975/month

Income limits (130% of Federal Poverty Level):

Family Size Monthly Gross Income Limit Annual Gross Income Limit
1 person $2,510 $30,120
2 people $3,407 $40,880
3 people $4,303 $51,640
4 people $5,200 $62,400

Special rules:

  • Households with elderly (60+) or disabled members don’t have to meet gross income limits
  • ABAWD (able-bodied adults without dependents) work requirements: 20 hours weekly or 3 months in 3 years

How to apply:

Emergency SNAP: If you have less than $150 monthly income and $100 or less in bank accounts, you can get benefits within 1-3 days.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

In Tennessee, the WIC program serves 155,000 people through a $101 million grant administered by the Department of Health. WIC provides nutrition assistance to pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5.

Who qualifies:

  • Pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women (up to 6 months after birth)
  • Children under age 5
  • Household gross income must be equal to or less than 185% of Federal Poverty Level
  • Must be at “nutritional risk” (determined by health screening)

Automatic qualification if you receive:

  • Medicaid (TennCare)
  • TANF (Families First)
  • SNAP (Food Assistance)

Benefits include:

  • Monthly food packages with milk, eggs, cereal, peanut butter, baby formula
  • Nutrition education and counseling
  • Breastfeeding support and breast pump loans
  • Referrals to healthcare and social services

How to apply:

Reality Check: WIC provides specific healthy foods, not cash. You must visit approved stores and can only buy approved items.

Tax Credits and Federal Benefits

Many single mothers miss these programs that provide significant annual income.

Federal Tax Credits

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

  • Up to $8,046 for families with 3+ children (2025 tax year)
  • Working families with income under $59,899 (single filers with 3+ children)
  • File tax return with IRS Form 1040, even if you don’t owe taxes
  • This is refundable – you get money back even if you pay no taxes

Income Limits for EITC (2025 Tax Year):

Children Single Filer Income Limit Maximum Credit
1 child $47,915 $4,213
2 children $53,057 $6,960
3+ children $59,899 $8,046

Child Tax Credit (CTC)

  • Up to $2,000 per child under 17
  • Up to $1,700 refundable per child
  • Single mothers with income under $200,000 qualify

Child and Dependent Care Credit

  • 20-35% of childcare costs
  • Up to $3,000 for one child or $6,000 for two+ children
  • Keep receipts, file with tax return using Form 2441

Contact for Free Tax Help: IRS VITA Program at 1-800-906-9887

Childcare Help While You Work or Go to School

Smart Steps Child Care Assistance

The Smart Steps Child Care Assistance Program is available to income-eligible working parents and parents pursuing post-secondary educational goals that have children ages six (6) weeks to kindergarten.

Who qualifies:

  • Working parents (minimum 30 hours/week)
  • Parents in approved education/training programs
  • Income up to 85% of State Median Income

How much you pay:

  • Co-payments based on sliding income scale
  • Payments range from $15-$200+ per month based on income
  • Lower income families pay less

Types of providers:

  • Licensed childcare centers
  • Licensed family childcare homes
  • Approved relative care (in some cases)
  • Before/after school programs

How to apply:

Processing time: 30-45 days if all documents provided

Reality Check: Tennessee Child Care costs for 2025 can top $11,985 a year for infants, and waiting lists are common in urban areas.

Other Childcare Programs

Teen Parent Program

  • For eligible high school or middle school mothers who stay in school
  • No co-pay required
  • Must maintain school enrollment

Families First Child Care

  • Full coverage for TANF participants
  • No parent co-pay
  • Must be completing work activities in Personal Responsibility Plan

Transitional Child Care Assistance

  • Parents whose Families First case has closed can receive transitional child care assistance for 18 months
  • Must work 30+ hours weekly
  • Sliding scale co-pay based on income

Head Start and Early Head Start

Free comprehensive early childhood programs for low-income families.

Head Start (Ages 3-5):

  • Free preschool education
  • Full-day or part-day options
  • Meals and snacks included
  • Health and dental screenings

Early Head Start (Birth to 3):

  • Childcare for infants and toddlers
  • Home visiting programs
  • Pregnant women services

Income requirements:

  • Family income at or below 130% of Federal Poverty Level
  • Automatic qualification for families receiving TANF, SNAP, or SSI

How to apply:

Healthcare for You and Your Kids

TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid)

Tennessee’s Medicaid program provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families.

Income limits (138% of Federal Poverty Level):

Household Size Monthly Income Limit Annual Income Limit
1 person $1,801 $21,597
2 people $2,433 $29,180
3 people $3,064 $36,763
4 people $3,696 $44,346

Coverage includes:

  • Doctor visits and specialist care
  • Prescription medications
  • Mental health and substance abuse treatment
  • Hospital and emergency room care
  • Preventive care including mammograms and cancer screenings

For children (CoverKids): Children 18 and under can get coverage if family income is up to 250% of Federal Poverty Level.

How to apply:

Processing time: Usually 30 days or less

Reality Check: Even if you don’t qualify for full TennCare, your children may qualify for CoverKids at higher income levels.

Educational Grants and Opportunities

Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA)

Tennessee Student Assistance Award is a state-funded grant program that provides non-repayable financial aid to needy undergraduate students who are enrolled at a public or an eligible non-public postsecondary institution in Tennessee.

Benefits:

  • Grant amounts vary from $2,000 to $4,000 and are awarded to the neediest applicants on a first come, first served basis
  • No repayment required
  • Can be renewed annually if eligible

Requirements:

  • Tennessee resident for at least one year
  • Enrolled at least half-time as undergraduate student
  • Attending eligible Tennessee institution
  • Eligibility is based on Student Aid Index (SAI) of $3,500 or less

How to apply:

  1. Complete FAFSA at studentaid.gov by March 1st
  2. Apply to participating Tennessee colleges
  3. Institution automatically considers you for TSAA

Tennessee Promise and Reconnect

Tennessee Promise

  • High school seniors in Tennessee may apply for the Tennessee Promise Scholarship, which will provide two years of free tuition attendance at any of Tennessee’s 13 community colleges and 27 colleges of applied technology
  • Must complete FAFSA and community service requirements
  • Mentoring component required

Tennessee Reconnect

  • Free community college tuition for adults
  • Available to Tennessee residents without college degree
  • Must complete FAFSA and maintain 2.0 GPA

How to apply:

Reality Check: These programs cover tuition but not living expenses. You’ll need additional support for housing, food, and childcare.

Housing Help

Finding safe, affordable housing is challenging for single mothers. Here are programs that can help.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

Federal program that helps very low-income families afford decent, safe housing.

Types available:

  1. Housing Choice Vouchers: You find your own rental, voucher pays portion of rent
  2. Project-based Section 8: Specific apartment complexes with reduced rent

Income limits (30% of Area Median Income):

  • Varies by Tennessee metro area
  • Generally under $25,000-$35,000 annually for family of three
  • Contact local housing authority for current limits

How to apply:

  • Nashville: Nashville Metropolitan Housing Authority at (615) 252-8400
  • Memphis: Memphis Housing Authority at (901) 544-6549
  • Knoxville: Knoxville Community Development Corporation at (865) 546-3500
  • Chattanooga: Chattanooga Housing Authority at (423) 756-6421

Reality Check: Waiting lists are often 1-3 years. Apply to multiple housing authorities if eligible.

Emergency Housing Assistance

Contact 2-1-1 for:

  • Emergency shelter referrals
  • Rental assistance programs
  • Utility assistance
  • Eviction prevention services

Local resources:

  • Salvation Army locations statewide
  • Catholic Charities
  • Local churches and faith-based organizations
  • Community Action Programs in each county

Specific Grants for Single Mothers

The Hope Station (Davidson and Rutherford Counties)

Founded in 2014, The Hope Station Inc. is a temporary crisis relief agency that gives HOPE to single, working mothers in Davidson County and Rutherford County who make too much to qualify for public assistance.

What they provide:

  • Emergency grants for rent, utilities, and essential needs
  • Financial assistance for urgent circumstances
  • Bridge between financial need and empowerment

Who qualifies:

  • Single, working mothers
  • Davidson or Rutherford County residents
  • Income too high for public assistance but facing crisis

Contact:

USDA Rural Housing Repair Grants

Grants have a lifetime limit of $10,000, except in presidentially declared disaster areas in which they have a $15,000 lifetime limit.

Who qualifies:

  • Very low-income homeowners in rural areas
  • 62+ years old or disabled
  • Unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere

What’s covered:

  • Essential home repairs
  • Health and safety improvements
  • Accessibility modifications

How to apply:

  • Contact local USDA Rural Development office
  • Find offices at rd.usda.gov

Reality Check: These are for homeowners only and have very strict income and location requirements.

Support for Diverse Single Parent Families

Single Fathers

Most programs in this guide also serve single fathers raising children alone:

Available programs:

  • SNAP (food assistance) – same eligibility and benefits
  • Families First (cash assistance) – same income limits and requirements
  • TennCare (healthcare) – full family coverage available
  • Child support services – help collecting from other parent
  • Housing assistance – Section 8 and emergency rental help
  • Childcare assistance – same work/school requirements

LGBTQ+ Single Parents

All Tennessee state programs serve LGBTQ+ parents without discrimination per federal law.

Support organizations:

  • Tennessee Equality Project: (615) 348-8671
  • OUTMemphis: (901) 278-6422
  • Knoxville LGBT Center: Contact through 2-1-1

Legal protections:

  • Federal law prohibits discrimination in federally funded programs
  • Same-sex couples eligible for all family programs

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Special considerations for kinship families:

TANF eligibility:

  • Income limits may be more flexible when grandparent applies only for grandchild
  • Grandparent’s needs not included in benefit calculation
  • May qualify even if grandparent receives Social Security

Kinship support:

  • Contact Tennessee Department of Children’s Services
  • Legal assistance for custody issues available through legal aid
  • Support groups available through 2-1-1

Native American Families

Tennessee does not have federally recognized tribes, but Native American families can access:

Federal programs:

  • All standard state programs available
  • Indian Health Service if eligible through tribal membership elsewhere
  • Educational assistance through Bureau of Indian Education

Rural Tennessee Families

Additional challenges:

  • Limited public transportation
  • Fewer service providers
  • Longer travel distances to offices

Rural-specific resources:

  • Mobile services: Some programs offer home visits
  • Telehealth: TennCare covers telehealth appointments
  • 2-1-1: Especially important for finding local resources
  • USDA Rural Development: Housing and business programs

Child Support Enforcement

Don’t overlook this important source of financial support.

Tennessee Child Support Services

What they provide:

  • Locate absent parents using federal databases
  • Establish paternity through genetic testing
  • Establish and modify support orders
  • Collect and distribute support payments automatically
  • Enforce support orders through wage garnishment

Who qualifies:

  • Any parent or caregiver with custody of a child
  • No income requirements
  • Available regardless of marital status

How to apply:

Costs:

  • $25 application fee for families not receiving TANF
  • Fee waived for TANF recipients

What to expect:

  • Case opening: 1-2 weeks
  • Locating absent parent: 30-90 days
  • Establishing support order: 90-180 days

Resources by Region

Middle Tennessee (Nashville Area)

Emergency assistance:

  • The Hope Station: hopestationtn.org
  • Second Harvest Food Bank: (615) 329-3491
  • Nashville Rescue Mission: (615) 255-2475

Housing:

  • Nashville MDHA: (615) 252-8400
  • Room in the Inn: (615) 254-4041

East Tennessee (Knoxville Area)

Food assistance:

  • Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee: (865) 521-0775
  • East Tennessee Community Action Program: Various counties

Housing:

  • Knoxville Community Development Corporation: (865) 546-3500

West Tennessee (Memphis Area)

Food assistance:

  • Mid-South Food Bank: (901) 527-0841
  • Memphis Union Mission: (901) 526-8403

Housing:

  • Memphis Housing Authority: (901) 544-6549

Statewide Resources

Information and referral:

  • 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 for help finding local resources
  • Tennessee Department of Human Services: (615) 313-4700

Legal assistance:

  • Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee: (615) 244-6610
  • West Tennessee Legal Services: (731) 423-0616
  • East Tennessee Legal Aid: (865) 637-0484

How to Apply: Your 4-Week Action Plan

Week 1: Immediate Emergency Needs

Day 1-2:

  1. Apply for Emergency SNAP at One DHS Customer Portal
  2. Call 2-1-1 for immediate crisis resources in your area
  3. Contact Second Harvest Food Bank for emergency food

Day 3-4: 4. Apply for TennCare – same application as SNAP 5. Call utility companies if behind on bills – many have hardship programs 6. Contact local churches/nonprofits for emergency assistance

Day 5-7: 7. Gather required documents (see list below) 8. Follow up on SNAP application if no response within 3 days 9. Apply for WIC if you have children under 5

Week 2: Cash Assistance and Support Programs

Day 8-10:

  1. Apply for Families First (TANF) through One DHS Portal
  2. Apply for LIHEAP utility assistance through local Community Action Program
  3. Contact child support services: 1-800-838-6911

Day 11-14: 4. Apply for childcare assistance if working or in school 5. Research Head Start programs for children 3-5 6. Contact local food banks for ongoing support

Week 3: Housing and Legal Support

Day 15-17:

  1. Apply for Section 8 housing vouchers with local housing authority
  2. Contact legal aid if needed for housing, family, or benefits issues
  3. Research emergency housing options through 2-1-1

Day 18-21: 4. File taxes or contact VITA program for EITC/Child Tax Credit 5. Apply for additional local emergency assistance programs 6. Follow up on all pending applications

Week 4: Long-term Planning and Education

Day 22-24:

  1. Research Tennessee Promise/Reconnect programs
  2. Complete FAFSA for educational grants at studentaid.gov
  3. Contact community colleges about programs and support services

Day 25-28: 4. Apply for Tennessee Student Assistance Award if pursuing education 5. Follow up on all pending applications 6. Create ongoing plan for managing benefits and requirements

Documents You Need

Keep copies ready for all applications:

Personal identification:

  • Tennessee driver’s license or state ID
  • Social Security cards for all family members
  • Birth certificates for all children
  • Immigration documents (if applicable)

Income and employment:

  • Pay stubs from last 30 days
  • Unemployment benefits statement
  • Self-employment records
  • Child support payment records

Housing and expenses:

  • Current lease or mortgage statement
  • Rent receipts for last 3 months
  • Utility bills (electric, gas, water, phone)
  • Childcare payment receipts

Financial information:

  • Bank statements for last 3 months
  • Vehicle registration and insurance
  • Medical bills and expenses
  • Court orders (custody, child support, if applicable)

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

Q: Can I get help if I’m working? A: Yes! Most programs allow working families:

  • SNAP: Up to 130% of poverty level ($4,303/month for family of 3)
  • TennCare: Up to 138% of poverty level ($3,064/month for family of 3)
  • Childcare assistance: Up to 85% of state median income
  • WIC: Up to 185% of poverty level

Q: What if I have a criminal record? A: Some programs have restrictions, but you can still qualify for:

  • SNAP (food assistance) – unless drug felony conviction
  • TennCare (healthcare)
  • WIC
  • Most childcare and housing programs Contact local legal aid for guidance on specific situations.

Q: How long do applications take to process? A: Processing times vary:

  • SNAP: 1-30 days (1-3 days if emergency)
  • Families First: Up to 45 days
  • TennCare: Usually 30 days or less
  • Housing vouchers: Months to years due to waiting lists
  • Childcare assistance: 30-45 days

Q: Can I apply for multiple programs at once? A: Yes! The One DHS Customer Portal allows you to apply for SNAP, Families First, and TennCare with one application.

Q: What if I get denied? A: You have the right to appeal any denial within 30 days. Contact local legal aid for help with appeals. Common denial reasons include missing documents or calculation errors.

Q: Do I have to pay anything back? A: Most programs don’t require repayment:

  • Never repay: SNAP, TennCare, WIC, LIHEAP, tax credits
  • Educational grants: May have requirements like staying in Tennessee after graduation
  • Overpayments: If you receive too much due to unreported income changes, you may need to repay

Q: What if I don’t have documentation? A: Programs can help you get required documents:

  • Birth certificates: Contact vital records office
  • Social Security cards: Contact Social Security Administration
  • Pay stubs: Ask employer for employment verification letter
  • Don’t let missing documents prevent you from applying – apply and work on getting documents

Q: How do work requirements affect me? A: Most programs require 30+ hours weekly of work, school, or training:

  • Exemptions: Pregnancy, children under 6, disability, domestic violence
  • Education counts: College, job training, and GED programs usually qualify
  • Childcare provided: Programs often help with childcare costs while meeting requirements

Q: What if I live in rural Tennessee? A: Additional challenges but options available:

  • Mobile services and home visits for some programs
  • TennCare covers telehealth appointments
  • 2-1-1 essential for finding local resources
  • USDA Rural Development programs for housing and utilities

What to Do When You’re Denied

Don’t give up! Most denials can be resolved.

Common Denial Reasons

Missing information:

  • Incomplete application
  • Missing required documents
  • Failed to attend required interview
  • Income not properly documented

Eligibility issues:

  • Income appears too high (often calculation errors)
  • Didn’t meet residency requirements
  • Failed to meet work requirements
  • Assets over program limits

Your Legal Rights

Appeal process:

  • 30-day deadline: Request appeal within 30 days of denial
  • Continued benefits: Keep current benefits during appeal (if already receiving)
  • Fair hearing: Present your case to impartial hearing officer
  • Legal representation: Right to bring advocate or attorney

How to appeal:

  1. Request appeal in writing within 30 days
  2. State specific reasons you disagree
  3. Submit additional documentation
  4. Attend hearing or participate by phone
  5. Receive written decision within 60 days

Getting Help with Appeals

Free legal assistance:

  • Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee: (615) 244-6610
  • West Tennessee Legal Services: (731) 423-0616
  • East Tennessee Legal Aid: (865) 637-0484

Benefits advocates:

  • Local Community Action Programs often help with appeals
  • 2-1-1 can connect you with advocates
  • DHS customer service can explain denial reasons

Warning Signs and Red Flags

Scams to Avoid

Grant scams:

  • Red flag: Requests upfront fees for “guaranteed grants”
  • Reality: Legitimate government programs never charge application fees
  • Action: Report to Tennessee Attorney General: (615) 741-3491

Benefits card scams:

  • Red flag: Calls asking for your EBT card number or PIN
  • Reality: DHS will never call asking for card information
  • Action: Never give card information

🏛️More Tennessee Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Tennessee

Related Posts