TENNESSEE, USA — The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) has decided to move to appointment only for in-person services beginning Monday, March 23, to slow the spread of COVID-19, according to a release from the department.
Local offices will have employees available to respond to questions or applications via telephone. Customers can find the number to their local office by going on online.
Knox County’s Office can be reached at (865) 594-6151 from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The department said these changes will remain in effect indefinitely for offices in each Tennessee county until the COVID-19 state of emergency is reduced. No issuance of benefits will be impacted as a result of these office closures.
“The decision to close our offices to foot traffic was made with the health and safety of both our staff and customers in mind,” said TDHS Commissioner Danielle W. Barnes. “The Tennessee Department of Human Services has taken many steps to modernize our processes and make it easier for individuals who need our services to access them online. These efforts are essential to our work building a thriving Tennessee, and they will allow us to continue serving our customers during the COVID-19 emergency.”
These TDHS services are always available online:
- The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutritional assistance benefits to children and families, the elderly, the disabled, unemployed and working families. Apply for services online.
- Families First provides temporary cash assistance, transportation, child care assistance, educational supports, job training, employment activities, and other support services. Apply for services online.
- The Child Support program provides services that promote parental responsibility to meet the financial needs of children and their families. Apply for services online. Payments can be made online.
- Adult Protective Services investigates reports of abuse, neglect (including self-neglect) or financial exploitation of adults who are unable to protect themselves due to a physical or mental limitation. Call toll free 1-888-APS-TENN (1-888-277-8366) or report suspected abuse online
- The Child Care Certificate Program provides child care financial assistance to families who are working or pursuing post-secondary education and who meet certain income eligibility requirements. Apply for Child Care Payment Assistance/Smart Steps online
