Families First, known in Tennessee as the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, is strategically designed as a workforce development and employment initiative. The core principle of Families First is to foster work ethic, encourage job training, and instill personal responsibility among its participants. It’s structured as a temporary support system with the overarching goal of empowering individuals to achieve self-sufficiency through gainful employment. To aid participants in this journey, Families First offers a range of temporary assistance, including crucial cash support, transportation solutions, help with child care costs, access to educational resources, job training programs, various employment-related activities, and a suite of other essential support services.
Eligibility for the Families First program is detailed here.
Applying for Families First Services
For your convenience, applications for many Families First services can be submitted online.
Your opinion matters greatly to us. We encourage you to participate in our Customer Experience Survey today to help us improve our services.
Access the DHS Customer Experience Survey here.
Families First: Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Families First, applicants must satisfy specific technical and financial eligibility requirements. A key component of the program is agreeing to and adhering to a Personal Responsibility Plan (PRP). This plan outlines the participant’s commitment to ensuring their children receive timely immunizations and health check-ups, maintaining their children’s school attendance, cooperating fully with child support services, and, unless an exemption applies, engaging in work and/or training activities for a minimum of 30 hours each week.
Existing Families First beneficiaries can access detailed information about their case through the One DHS Customer Portal.
If you are a new user, you will need to create a One DHS Account to access these services. Detailed instructions for account setup are available here.
Families First distributes cash assistance benefits electronically via Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. Tennessee residents participating in Families First or other TDHS programs can manage their benefits using the ebtEDGE Cardholder Portal or the ebtEDGE Mobile App available for download here. These tools allow users to check their EBT balance, track transaction history, freeze accounts for security, and restrict card usage outside of Tennessee.
Contacting Families First
For assistance and information, please utilize the following resources:
Frequently Asked Questions, Email Support, and Live Chat
Family Assistance Service Center: 1-866-311-4287 (Toll-free)
Required Documents for Families First Application
When applying for Families First benefits, you may need to provide documentation in several categories to complete your application. Gathering these documents beforehand can streamline the application process.
POSSIBLE DOCUMENTATION NEEDS:
- Social Security Information: Social Security cards for all household members, or an SS5 form for newborn infants.
- Proof of Identity: Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, school ID with photo, Passport, Resident Alien Card, I-94 card, or voter registration card.
- Citizenship Verification: Examples include a Birth Certificate, U.S. Passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, hospital records, U.S. Citizen I.D. Card, adoption papers, or military records, and INS (Immigration) papers if applicable.
- Household Relationship Verification: A Birth certificate may be required to verify household relationships.
- Age Verification: Documents such as Birth certificates, hospital records, baptismal records, or school records can verify age.
- Proof of Residency: Provide a lease agreement, utility bill, phone bill, or driver’s license displaying your current address.
- Documentation of Earned Income: Check stubs, employer statements, award letters, or W-2 forms are acceptable.
- Documentation of Unearned Income: Provide records of child support, social security benefits, unemployment benefits, or disability payments.
- Resource Documentation: Bank account statements, certificates of deposit, savings bonds, property deeds, vehicle registrations, or recreational vehicle documentation may be needed.
- School Enrollment/Grade Records: Required for any dependent child for whom you are seeking assistance.
- Immunization and Health Check Records: Required for all dependent children for whom you are seeking assistance.
It is important to note that you might be asked to supply further information during your interview. Your eligibility counselor will clarify what additional information is needed, guide you on how to obtain it, and offer assistance if you encounter any difficulties.
Utilizing the One DHS Customer Portal for applications and document uploads, or accessing resources at a TDHS office, can significantly expedite application processing times. If you choose to mail documents to TDHS, ensure you send copies of personal records and retain originals, as submitted documents may not be returned.
Restrictions on Families First (TANF) Benefits Usage
Federal law prohibits the use of your EBT card at specific establishments. These restricted locations include liquor stores, casinos, adult entertainment venues (such as strip clubs), and retail stores where the majority of sales are derived from:
- Loose tobacco products
- Cigars, cigarettes, and pipes
- Other smoking-related accessories
The Tennessee Department of Human Services is actively enhancing its monitoring of EBT card usage and enforcement measures. Since July 1, 2014, stricter penalties are in place for benefit misuse. Businesses that violate these restrictions are also subject to penalties.
Customer Support Chat
For immediate assistance in finding information, use the chat icon, typically located in the lower right corner of your screen (marked with a red circle). This chat service can provide answers to many questions regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Families First Program, and general contact information.
Preventing and Reporting EBT Theft and Fraud
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is committed to providing Tennesseans with resources to achieve financial stability through programs like Families First, which utilizes Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. Unfortunately, criminal activities such as card skimming pose a threat to these essential benefits. TDHS urges both customers and businesses involved with EBT card transactions to familiarize themselves with preventative measures and reporting procedures to combat benefit theft.
Click here for detailed guidance on how to prevent, report, and stop EBT theft and fraud.
Additional Resources and Information
Explore these links to learn more about related programs and opportunities:
Job Opportunities – Jobs4TN.gov
Tennessee EBT Cash Access Locations
Family Assistance program informational training
Enroll a child in the Imagination Library
Family Focused Solutions
Family Focused Solutions (FFS) is a voluntary support service offered by agencies contracted with the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS). FFS is specifically designed to help TANF clients overcome obstacles to employment and further education. Through counseling and direct services, FFS counselors collaborate with clients to build upon their strengths and progress towards self-sufficiency.
How can Family Focused Solutions benefit you?
Life presents challenges to everyone. By engaging with FFS, you gain a partner in your journey toward achieving long-term goals. Working with your counselor, you will define the focus of services, receive support, and be encouraged to leverage your strengths throughout your journey to independence.
Learn more about FFS by clicking here. For questions or to express interest in FFS, please contact your TANF Case Manager.
Program Reports and Background
Families First was established as a component of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996, often known as “welfare reform.” It succeeded the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program and serves as the primary federal funding source for Tennessee’s TANF Program.
The Claims Resolution Act of 2010 introduced new reporting mandates for states, extending TANF funding through September 30, 2011. Section 812, concerning Modifications to TANF Data Reporting, requires states to publish new reporting requirements regarding engagement in additional work activities on their websites.
Report on Engagement – April to June 2011
TN WIOA 2023 Combined Plan Completion Letter
In compliance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Furthermore, under the Food Stamp Act and USDA policy, discrimination based on religion or political beliefs is also prohibited.
To file a discrimination complaint, contact either USDA or HHS. For USDA, write to Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). For HHS, write to Director, Office for Civil Rights, Room 506-F, 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201, or call (202) 619-0403 (voice) or (202) 619-3257 (TDD). USDA and HHS are equal opportunity providers and employers.
