Information regarding effects of the Federal Government Shutdown on Tennesseans:
(courtesy of Tennessee Department of Human Services)
Federal Government Shutdown
Because of the federal government shutdown, the Tennessee Department of Human Services cannot send out Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or food stamp benefits for November. SNAP is paid for by the federal government.
TDHS is watching the situation closely and will update this web page when there is new information.
Need Help?
Find resources near you:
Feed TN – https://www.feedtn.org/
TN Community Compass – https://communitycompass.tn.gov/
For more help visit our Community Resource webpage: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/information-and-resources/tdhs-resource-library/community-resources.html
Current SNAP Households
Benefits for October were sent out as usual. If the shutdown continues, benefits for November will not be available on your EBT card.
Please note: You can still use any leftover or unused benefits on your EBT card after October.
SNAP Applicants
If you apply and are approved for SNAP benefits in October, you will get October benefits. If the shutdown continues, you will not get benefits for November.
TDHS will keep accepting and processing SNAP applications, but no new benefits will be sent until the shutdown ends.
SNAP Renewals
If you got a letter to renew your SNAP, please continue to follow the steps to renew.
Quality Reviews
If you are contacted to do a Quality Control interview, please do it.
SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T)
SNAP E&T services were stopped effective 5:00 PM CST, October 20, 2025, until the shutdown ends. If you are required, such as ABAWD SNAP recipients, you still must fulfill the work, volunteer or education requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I still use my EBT card after November 1?
Yes. You can use any benefits on your card after November 1.
I applied for benefits and was scheduled for an interview. Do I still need to show up?
Yes, SNAP interviews will continue in November, but you will not get the benefits for November until after the shutdown ends. It is important that you complete the process.
I received a SNAP renewal packet. Do I still need to fill it out and return it?
Yes, TDHS will continue to accept and process SNAP renewals.
If I get SNAP each month, will I have to reapply for SNAP benefits once the government shutdown is over?
No. There is no need to reapply for benefits if you regularly receive benefits.
I received a notice that I was approved for SNAP benefits. Will I receive those benefits?
You will get October benefits, but you will not get the November benefits until the shutdown ends.
Are Families First benefits impacted?
No. Families First benefits are not impacted.
I need help with food, where can I go?
Tennessee area food banks and community organizations are getting ready to help. For more information, visit our Community Resources page at https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/information-and-resources/tdhs-resource-library/community-resources.html
Questions about your benefits?
Please note: TDHS staff won’t have information on SNAP benefits beyond October.
As new information becomes available, this page will be updated.
(Last Updated October 30, 2025)
Community Resources
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is on a mission to strengthen Tennessee and recognizes that sometimes community members need additional assistance or to find stability through resources available outside of our department. If you are in need, there are a number of organizations across the state that offer food aid, utility help, housing assistance, and other supports for community members facing hardships.
Use the list below to find helpful resources and aid organizations in Tennessee. The organizations and tools listed are not operated by TDHS and may have policies and eligibility standards/requirements for individuals who request assistance.
TDHS appreciates and values the hard work of organizations that strengthen our state and make a positive difference in the lives of Tennesseans every day.
Food Resources
Use the links below to search for food resources based on your location:
FeedTN – https://www.feedtn.org/
Mid-South Food Bank – https://www.midsouthfoodbank.org/find-food
Click here for a list of more food banks in the West Tennesse area.
Chattanooga Area Food Bank – https://chattfoodbank.org/hungry
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee – https://netfoodbank.org/help/
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee – https://secondharvestetn.org/find-a-food-pantry/
Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee – https://www.secondharvestmidtn.org/find-resources/find-food/
Community Directories/Resource Finders
TN Community Compass https://communitycompass.tn.gov/
TN Disability Pathfinder https://www.tnpathfinder.org/
United Way 2-1-1
Dial 2-1-1, or search for local resources online:
Chattanooga 2-1-1 https://team211.communityos.org/
Memphis 2-1-1 https://team211.communityos.org/linc211memphis
Nashville 2-1-1 https://team211.communityos.org/homepage-uwgn
Knoxville 2-1-1 https://easttn211.communityos.org/
More Resources
Dream Streets (Mobile Groceries) Serving the Nashville area – https://dreamstreetstn.com/mobilefood
Helping Hands of Middle and West Tennessee – https://helpinghandstn.com/
Families & Children’s Services – https://www.fcsnashville.org/programs-and-services/
All information courtesy of Tennessee Department of Human Services at https://www.tn.gov/humanservices.html
