When financial situations cause feeding the family to be difficult, applying for food stamps may be a solution to help get through the tough times. Financial hardships are more common today than in years past based on the high unemployment rates and declined economy.

Many have found it necessary to seek assistance to support their family. The food stamp program is designed to provide nutritional assistance to families, children, the elderly and anyone experiencing a financial hardship. In Tennessee, more than 385,000 families receive food stamps assistance.http://www.state.tn.us/humanserv/adfam/afs_fsp.html Using food stamps in Tennessee is easier than ever as benefits are loaded onto a EBT debit card for use in stores and farmer’s markets.

Basic requirements for food stamp assistance include:

1. Resident of Tennessee
2. U.S. Citizen, U.S. National or qualified alien
3. Social Security Number
4. Be working if you are between the ages of 16 and 59, or participate in the Employment and Training Program. Without work, you may be limited to 5 months of food stamps assistance.
5. Resource Constrained:
   1. Less than $2,000 in liquid assets
   2. Less than $3,000 in liquid assets for people over 60 or disabledhttp://www.state.tn.us/humanserv/adfam/fs_1.html
6. Have Low Income:
   1. 1 Person Household: Gross income less than $1,174 monthly
   2. 2 Person Household: Gross income less than $1,579 monthly
   3. 3 Person Household: Gross income less than $1,984 monthly
   4. 4 Person Household: Gross income less than $2,389 monthlyhttp://www.state.tn.us/humanserv/adfam/fs-test.pdf

To apply for food stamp benefits, visit your local Department of Human Services office.

You will be required to fill out an application and provide proof of your eligibility for food stamp assistance. The application is available in English and Spanish.http://www.state.tn.us/humanserv/adfam/afs_fsp.html

Be prepared by taking the following items with you:

1. Proof of your income or unemployment
2. Proof of your address
3. Proof of your financial situation including bank and savings account statements
4. Utility bills
5. Recurring medical bills
6. Social Security card

Once you apply for food stamp benefits, your application will be reviewed and you will typically receive a response by mail as to your acceptance and the amount of benefits you are eligible to receive based on your specific financial situation.

Once you are accepted for benefits, make sure you take advantage of all aspects of the food stamp program including free training classes and nutrition information. Make sure you understand how to use your benefits correctly. You cannot purchase prepared foods or non-food items with your food stamps. If you abuse your food stamps, you can have your privileges revoked, so make sure you understand food stamp limits.

If you were on food stamps in the past and need benefits again, you will need to apply for food stamps in Tennessee again.