The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) has launched a special hotline to make it easier for families with children to check on their application for emergency cash assistance. You can call 833-496-0661 to learn the status of your application, including approval or denial and how much money the approved family will receive.
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Tennessee families who have lost their jobs because of the coronavirus can now apply for emergency cash assistance, according to The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS).
To qualify, you must have been employed up until March 11, 2020, and as a family, lost at least 50 percent of earned income as a result of the pandemic, and include a child under the age of 18 or a pregnant woman.
To apply, you must also have a valid Social Security Number, not have resources exceeding $2000, and the gross and/or unearned monthly income may not exceed 85% of the State’s Median Income that’s currently:
• Gross Monthly Income of $2,696 for a household of one.
• Gross Monthly Income of $3,526 for a household of two.
TDHS is taking applications through May 29.
Applicants are required to upload their verification to the application prior to submitting to TDHS. Once the application and verifications have been submitted, no further action will be needed.
You do not need to call the office for an interview.
You will receive notification of denial or approval within five days.
If you are approved, you will receive an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card within 5-7 days of approval via mail.
The Emergency Cash Assistance program will provide two monthly cash payments to those that are approved:
• $500 for a household of 1 to 2 persons.
• $750 for a household of 3 to 4 persons.
• $1000 for a household with 5 or more persons.
This money is funded by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and provides:
This assistance is available in addition to any unemployment benefits individuals in the family may be receiving.