Overview
- Following July’s One Big Beautiful Bill, Tennessee now requires able-bodied adults 18–64 without disabilities or children under 14 to work, volunteer, or train 20 hours a week or face a three-month limit on SNAP in a three-year period.
- Tennessee’s Department of Human Services is directing those who qualify for exemptions to upload verification through the One DHS Customer Portal by October 31.
- State guidance lists exemptions such as pregnancy, being under 18 or 65+, living with a child under 14, disability or receiving disability benefits, caring for someone sick, half-time school enrollment, participation in treatment, or receiving unemployment.
- Local pantries say demand is climbing as benefits drop, with one seven-person household reporting their monthly assistance was cut roughly in half and turning to food shelves to fill the gap.
- Rep. G.A. Hardaway says the state must improve technology and appeals processes for a smooth transition, and Tennessee has sought permission to exclude sodas and allow some prepared foods in SNAP purchases.