$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
Tennessee Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in Tennessee
SSDI in Tennessee - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in Tennessee - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is money you already earned by paying Social Security taxes while you worked. If a disability now keeps you from working, you have a right to claim it. The fastest way to file a strong SSDI claim is through Turnout, which offers a free consultation and works on contingency - you pay nothing unless you win.
AVERAGE MONTHLY BENEFIT
$1,630/mo
The average monthly SSDI payment for a disabled worker in 2026.
SSA, 2026
SUBSTANTIAL WORK LIMIT
$1,690/mo
You can generally earn up to this amount and still be considered not working at a substantial level, or $2,830 if blind.
SSA, 2026
MEDICARE AFTER
24 months
Medicare coverage starts two years after your SSDI cash benefits begin.
SSA/CMS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Have a work history with enough Social Security credits, usually about 10 years of work
- Have a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
- Earn less than $1,690 a month from work in 2026 ($2,830 if you are blind)
- Live anywhere in Tennessee, since SSDI rules are federal and identical in all 95 counties
How to apply
The fastest way to file a strong SSDI claim is through Turnout. Most first-time claims are denied for paperwork and medical-evidence problems, which is why getting it right the first time matters. Turnout offers a free consultation and works on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does Tennessee add a state disability payment to SSDI?
No. SSDI is a federal benefit paid entirely by the Social Security Administration, and Tennessee does not add a state disability payment. Your benefit amount is based on your past earnings, not where you live.
Will working part-time cost me my SSDI?
Not automatically. In 2026 you can earn up to $1,690 a month ($2,830 if blind) before it counts as substantial work, and a Trial Work Period lets you test working while keeping full benefits in any month you earn over $1,210.
Can I get TennCare or Medicare with SSDI?
Yes. SSDI recipients become eligible for Medicare 24 months after cash benefits begin, and depending on income you may also qualify for TennCare help with Medicare costs while you wait.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SSI in Tennessee - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI in Tennessee - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a monthly cash payment for people who are aged, blind, or have a disability and have very little income or savings. In Tennessee, getting approved for SSI also enrolls you automatically in TennCare (Medicaid). The fastest way to file a strong SSI claim is through Turnout, with a free consultation and no fee unless you win.
MAX MONTHLY PAYMENT
$994/mo
The 2026 federal SSI payment for an individual, or $1,491 for an eligible couple.
SSA, 2026
RESOURCE LIMIT
$2,000
Countable resources must stay under $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple.
SSA, 2026
STATE SUPPLEMENT
$0
Tennessee is one of six states that pays no state supplement on top of the federal SSI amount.
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Have limited income and countable resources under $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple
- Are age 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability
- Get automatic TennCare (Medicaid) enrollment once your SSI is approved
- Live in Tennessee, which pays only the federal benefit with no state add-on
How to apply
The fastest way to file a strong SSI claim is through Turnout. Because SSI weighs both your medical condition and your finances, small mistakes can lead to denials, which is why getting it right matters. Turnout offers a free consultation and works on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does Tennessee pay extra on top of SSI?
No. Tennessee is one of only six states (with Arizona, Arkansas, Mississippi, North Dakota, and West Virginia) that pays no state supplement, so Tennessee recipients get the federal amount of $994 a month for an individual in 2026 and nothing more from the state.
Is SSI the same as SSDI?
No. SSI is based on financial need and does not require a work history, while SSDI is based on the Social Security taxes you paid through past work. Some people qualify for both.
Will SSI get me health coverage in Tennessee?
Yes. In Tennessee, being approved for SSI makes you automatically eligible for TennCare (Medicaid) with no separate application needed.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Veterans Benefits in Tennessee
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
Veterans Benefits in Tennessee
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans with a service-connected condition. It is earned, not charity, and Tennessee adds its own benefits like property-tax relief for disabled veterans. The fastest way to file or appeal a VA claim is through Turnout, with a free consultation and no fee unless you win.
100% DISABILITY RATE
$3,938.58/mo
The 2026 tax-free monthly payment for a veteran alone rated 100 percent disabled.
VA.gov, 2026
PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
$175,000
State-reimbursed property-tax relief covers the first $175,000 of home market value for eligible disabled veterans.
TN Comptroller, 2025
TENNESSEE VETERANS
~400,000
Roughly 400,000 veterans live in Tennessee and may be eligible for federal and state benefits.
USAFacts, 2022
Who qualifies
- Served on active duty and have a service-connected condition rated from 10 percent to 100 percent
- File in Tennessee, where VA disability pay is not taxed because the state has no income tax
- Qualify for property-tax relief on up to $175,000 of home value with a 100 percent permanent and total rating
- Include surviving spouses, who may keep property-tax relief if they do not remarry
How to apply
The fastest way to file or appeal a VA disability claim is through Turnout. Many veterans are underrated or denied the first time because the medical evidence and nexus are not documented well, which is why getting it right matters. Turnout offers a free consultation and works on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does Tennessee tax my VA disability pay?
No. Tennessee has no state income tax, so VA disability compensation is not taxed at the state level - and it is already tax-free federally.
What property-tax break do disabled veterans get in Tennessee?
Veterans with a 100 percent permanent and total service-connected disability can get state-reimbursed relief on the property tax for the first $175,000 of their home's market value, with no income test. You apply through your county trustee's office.
Can I get both VA compensation and SSDI?
Yes. VA disability and SSDI are separate programs with separate rules, and receiving one does not disqualify you from the other. Many veterans collect both at the same time.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Healthcare Advocacy in Tennessee
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare Advocacy in Tennessee
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Medicare is federal health coverage for people 65 and older and for many people who have received SSDI for two years. Choosing among Original Medicare, Advantage, and drug plans can be confusing, and mistakes are costly. The fastest way to get help is through Turnout, whose Medicare advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you.
TENNESSEE ENROLLEES
~1.5 million
Roughly 1.5 million Tennesseans were enrolled in Medicare as of early 2024.
HHS ASPE, 2024
FREE PLAN COUNSELING
TN SHIP
Tennessee SHIP gives free, unbiased Medicare counseling through the Department of Disability and Aging.
TN Dept of Disability and Aging, 2026
WAIT AFTER SSDI
24 months
Medicare eligibility starts two years after SSDI cash benefits begin, regardless of age.
SSA/CMS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Are age 65 or older, or have received SSDI for 24 months
- Get free, unbiased plan counseling from Tennessee SHIP
- May qualify for TennCare help paying Medicare premiums through QMB, SLMB, or QI programs
- Live in Tennessee and enroll through federal Medicare
How to apply
The fastest way to get Medicare guidance is through Turnout, whose advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you. An advocate can compare Original Medicare, Advantage, and Part D plans and check whether you qualify for help with premiums. You can also get free counseling from Tennessee SHIP at 1-877-801-0044.
Frequently asked questions
What is Tennessee SHIP?
SHIP is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, run in Tennessee by the Department of Disability and Aging. It offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling and does not sell or endorse any insurance plan. Reach it at 1-877-801-0044.
Can TennCare help pay my Medicare costs?
Yes. If your income is low, TennCare's Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, and QI) can pay your Medicare Part B premium and sometimes deductibles and coinsurance. Eligibility runs from 100 percent up to 135 percent of the poverty level depending on the program.
Do I get Medicare automatically if I have a disability?
Yes, but there is a wait. Once you have received SSDI for 24 months, Medicare begins automatically. People with ALS or end-stage renal disease may qualify sooner.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Education Advocacy in Tennessee
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education Advocacy in Tennessee
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal plan that spells out the special-education services your child has a right to in a Tennessee public school. Parents are equal members of the team, but the process moves fast and the rules are technical. The fastest way to prepare is through Turnout, whose advocates prepare with you and join your IEP meetings.
EVALUATION TIMELINE
60 calendar days
A school must complete an initial special-education evaluation within 60 calendar days of your written consent.
TN State Board of Education Rule, 2025
IEP AFTER ELIGIBILITY
30 calendar days
If your child is found eligible, the IEP must be developed within 30 calendar days.
TN State Board of Education Rule, 2025
PRIOR WRITTEN NOTICE
10 school days
Schools must give written notice at least 10 school days before changing your child's evaluation or placement.
TN State Board of Education Rule, 2025
Who qualifies
- Have a child ages 3 to 21 enrolled in a Tennessee public school
- Suspect a disability that affects learning and may require special education
- Can request an evaluation in writing at any time, even if the school has not suggested it
- Keep full rights whether your child attends a public, charter, or in some cases private school
How to apply
The fastest way to prepare is through Turnout, whose advocates prepare with you and join your IEP meetings. Start by requesting an evaluation in writing from your child's school and signing consent, which starts Tennessee's 60-calendar-day evaluation clock. An advocate can help you gather records, understand the results, and push for the right services.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Tennessee school have to evaluate my child?
Once you sign consent, the school has 60 calendar days - counting weekends and holidays - to complete the evaluation and decide eligibility. If your child qualifies, the IEP must be written within 30 calendar days after that.
The school suggested a 504 plan instead of an evaluation. What should I do?
Put your request for a full special-education evaluation in writing and ask to sign consent. A 504 plan is not the same as an IEP, and the school must respond to your written evaluation request rather than substituting a 504 plan without your agreement.
Can I bring an advocate to my child's IEP meeting?
Yes. You have the right to bring anyone with knowledge of your child, including an advocate. Turnout advocates prepare with you beforehand and attend the meeting with you.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
TennCare (Medicaid) in Tennessee
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying residents.
TennCare (Medicaid) in Tennessee
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying residents.
Tennessee's Medicaid program is called TennCare, and children's coverage is called CoverKids. TennCare is free or very low-cost health coverage, but Tennessee did not expand Medicaid, so you must fit a specific category - being pregnant, a parent, a child, elderly, or disabled - and meet income limits. Apply anytime through TennCare Connect.
TENNCARE ENROLLMENT
~1.4 million
TennCare covers about 1.4 million Tennesseans, roughly 20 percent of the state.
Division of TennCare, 2026
PARENT INCOME LIMIT
105% FPL
Parents and caretakers qualify up to about 105 percent of poverty, the highest limit among non-expansion states.
Division of TennCare, 2026
CHILDREN & PREGNANCY
250% FPL
Children and pregnant applicants are covered up to 250 percent of poverty through TennCare Medicaid or the CoverKids CHIP program, with younger children eligible at higher Medicaid levels.
Division of TennCare, 2026
Who qualifies
- Are pregnant, with household income up to 250 percent of poverty
- Are a child under 19, covered up to 250 percent of poverty through TennCare or the CoverKids CHIP program
- Are a parent or caretaker of a minor child with income up to about 105 percent of poverty
- Are aged, blind, or disabled - note that non-disabled adults without children generally cannot qualify at any income
How to apply
Apply anytime online through TennCare Connect, or call TennCare Connect at 855-259-0701. Have ready proof of income, Tennessee residency, Social Security numbers, and citizenship or immigration status. Most applications are decided within 45 days, and pregnant women and children are often approved faster.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medicaid called something different in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee's Medicaid program is called TennCare, and the children's coverage program (CHIP) is called CoverKids. They are the same public coverage that is called Medicaid in other states.
I'm a low-income adult with no kids. Can I get TennCare?
Generally no. Because Tennessee did not expand Medicaid, non-disabled adults without dependent children usually cannot qualify no matter how low their income is. This leaves many people in a coverage gap - too poor for marketplace subsidies but not eligible for TennCare. Community health centers and CoverRx may help.
Will a small raise at work end my family's TennCare?
It can for parents, whose limit is about 105 percent of poverty, but children and pregnant women have much higher limits (up to 250 percent). If a parent loses coverage due to higher earnings, the children usually keep TennCare or CoverKids, and transitional Medicaid may bridge the gap.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SNAP in Tennessee
Monthly grocery benefits to help cover food costs.
SNAP in Tennessee
Monthly grocery benefits to help cover food costs.
SNAP (once called Food Stamps) helps low-income Tennesseans buy groceries, with benefits loaded monthly onto an EBT card. It is run by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). Tennessee uses the strict federal rules, so both an income test and an asset test apply. Apply through the One DHS Customer Portal.
MAX BENEFIT, FAMILY OF 4
$994/mo
The maximum monthly SNAP allotment for a family of four in the 48 contiguous states for FY2026.
USDA FNS, 2026
GROSS INCOME LIMIT
130% FPL
Household gross income must be at or below 130 percent of poverty, about $3,483 a month for a family of four.
The Sycamore Institute, 2026
TENNESSEE PARTICIPANTS
~696,100
About 696,100 Tennesseans received SNAP in fiscal year 2025, roughly 9.5 percent of the state.
USAFacts, 2025
Who qualifies
- Have gross monthly income at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level
- Meet the federal asset test, since Tennessee does not use broad-based categorical eligibility
- Get automatic eligibility if everyone in your household receives Families First or SSI
- Include working families, seniors, and people with disabilities
How to apply
Apply online through the One DHS Customer Portal, in person at a local TDHS office, or by phone at 866-311-4287. Have ready proof of ID, income, residency, and resources. Standard decisions take up to 30 days, but you can get expedited benefits within 7 days in urgent need.
Frequently asked questions
Does Tennessee have higher income limits than the federal 130 percent?
No. Unlike most states, Tennessee does not use broad-based categorical eligibility, so it applies the full federal gross income limit of 130 percent of poverty plus the federal asset test. That makes Tennessee one of the stricter SNAP states in the country.
How fast can I get benefits in an emergency?
If your household has very little income and few resources, you may qualify for expedited SNAP within 7 days. Otherwise a standard application is decided within 30 days.
Does my car or savings count against me?
Yes, they can. Because Tennessee enforces the federal asset test, most households must have countable resources under $3,000 ($4,500 if a member is elderly or disabled). Your home and usually one vehicle are not counted.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC in Tennessee
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC in Tennessee
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC gives pregnant women, new mothers, babies, and children under 5 healthy food, nutrition counseling, and breastfeeding support. It is run by the Tennessee Department of Health, and benefits come on a TNWIC card that works like a debit card at authorized stores. Income limits are higher than many people expect.
INCOME LIMIT
185% FPL
Household income must be at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level.
USDA FNS / TN Dept of Health, 2026
BENEFIT CARD
TNWIC card
Tennessee's eWIC card works statewide in all 95 counties at authorized grocers and pharmacies.
TN Dept of Health, 2026
WHO IT SERVES
Women with children
WIC covers pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5.
TN Dept of Health, 2026
Who qualifies
- Are pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding, or have a child under age 5
- Have household income at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level
- Automatically meet the income test if you already get SNAP, Families First, or TennCare
- Have a nutritional or health need identified at your appointment
How to apply
Tennessee WIC does not have a statewide online application, so you call your local county health department or WIC clinic to schedule a certification appointment. Find your clinic at tn.gov/health/wic or call 1-800-342-5942 (Shelby County residents call 901-222-9980). Bring proof of ID, residency, and income, and your child's immunization records.
Frequently asked questions
Do I automatically qualify for WIC if I have SNAP or TennCare?
Yes. If you, your child, or anyone in your household already receives SNAP, Families First (TANF), or TennCare, you are automatically income-eligible for WIC. You still need to complete a certification appointment for the health screening.
What is the TNWIC card?
It is Tennessee's eWIC card, which replaced paper vouchers. It works like a debit card for approved WIC foods at over 800 authorized stores in all 95 counties. Use it before any other form of payment at checkout.
Can I get WIC and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. WIC and SNAP are separate programs and you can receive both. WIC covers specific healthy foods and formula, while SNAP is a broader grocery benefit.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
LIHEAP in Tennessee
Help with heating and cooling costs.
LIHEAP in Tennessee
Help with heating and cooling costs.
LIHEAP helps low-income Tennesseans pay heating and cooling bills. It is funded federally and run by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) through local community action agencies in all 95 counties. Money is limited each year and paid directly to your utility company, so apply early when the season opens.
BENEFIT RANGE
$174 to $750
Assistance for the 2025-2026 program year ranges from $174 to $750 depending on household energy burden.
THDA, 2026
INCOME LIMIT
60% of SMI
Households at or below 60 percent of the state median income are eligible.
THDA, 2026
CRISIS ASSISTANCE
Year-round
Crisis help for a shutoff or fuel emergency is available year-round and handled on an expedited basis, often within a couple of days at local agencies.
LIHEAP Clearinghouse / THDA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Have household income at or below 60 percent of the state median income
- Are responsible for paying a home heating or cooling bill
- Face a shutoff notice or fuel emergency, which qualifies you for priority crisis help
- Live in any of Tennessee's 95 counties, served through local community action agencies
How to apply
Apply through your local community action agency, which THDA contracts with in every county, or online through the THDA LIHEAP portal when the season opens (applications for 2025-2026 began November 1, 2025). Bring proof of income for the past 30 days and recent energy bills. You can receive either regular or crisis assistance, but not both in the same program year.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between regular and crisis LIHEAP?
Regular assistance helps with ongoing high bills, while crisis assistance is reserved for households with a shutoff notice or a fuel emergency (like less than a 7-day fuel supply or broken heating equipment). Crisis cases are expedited, but you can only get one type of help per program year.
Does the money come to me?
No. LIHEAP payments go directly from your local agency to your utility company or fuel provider, not to you. You should keep paying your bills until the benefit is applied to your account.
What if funds run out?
LIHEAP is not an entitlement, so once an agency's yearly allocation is spent, it stops taking applications until more funds arrive. Applying early in the season and having your documents ready gives you the best chance.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Health Insurance Marketplace in Tennessee
Cut your monthly premium - sometimes $0.
Health Insurance Marketplace in Tennessee
Cut your monthly premium - sometimes $0.
The Affordable Care Act marketplace lets Tennesseans buy private health plans, often with large subsidies that lower the monthly cost. Tennessee never built its own exchange, so you shop and enroll through the federal site, HealthCare.gov. Because Tennessee did not expand Medicaid, marketplace subsidies start at 100 percent of poverty.
MARKETPLACE ENROLLMENT
~643,000
Nearly 643,000 Tennesseans enrolled in ACA marketplace plans for 2025, more than double the 2020 count.
The Sycamore Institute / CMS, 2025
GET PREMIUM SUBSIDIES
90%
About 90 percent of Tennessee marketplace enrollees qualified for premium tax credits for 2026 coverage.
healthinsurance.org, 2026
STATE EXCHANGE
HealthCare.gov
Tennessee uses the federal marketplace and does not run its own state-based exchange.
healthinsurance.org, 2026
Who qualifies
- Are a Tennessee resident not eligible for Medicare or affordable job-based coverage
- Have household income at or above 100 percent of poverty, the subsidy floor in a non-expansion state
- Can enroll during open enrollment or a special enrollment period after a life change
- Shop all available plans through the federal HealthCare.gov marketplace
How to apply
Enroll through HealthCare.gov during open enrollment or within 60 days of a qualifying life event. Have ready your projected household income, Social Security numbers, and any employer coverage details. Nine in ten Tennessee enrollees get premium tax credits, so check your subsidy before assuming a plan is unaffordable.
Frequently asked questions
Does Tennessee have its own health insurance exchange?
No. Tennessee uses the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov and never built a state-based exchange. That is the official site for comparing plans and applying for subsidies.
I earn too little for a subsidy but don't qualify for TennCare. What now?
This is the coverage gap created because Tennessee did not expand Medicaid. Marketplace subsidies generally start at 100 percent of poverty, so people below that with no TennCare category may look to community health centers, CoverRx, or sliding-fee clinics.
Will my subsidy change for 2026?
It may. The enhanced federal subsidies expired at the end of 2025, so the 400 percent income cliff has returned and average premiums rose. Re-check your eligibility each year, because subsidy amounts and plan prices change.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
TANF in Tennessee (Families First)
Short-term cash for families with children in financial crisis.
TANF in Tennessee (Families First)
Short-term cash for families with children in financial crisis.
Tennessee's cash-assistance program is called Families First, and it is the state's version of TANF, run by TDHS. It provides temporary monthly cash for low-income families with children, plus work support, child care, and transportation. The monthly cash grant is modest and separate from the income limit used to qualify.
MAX CASH, FAMILY OF 3
$387/mo
The maximum monthly cash grant for a family of three with no income, among the lowest in the nation.
CBPP, 2024
LIFETIME LIMIT
60 months
Families First cash assistance is limited to 60 months over a lifetime, with limited extensions.
TDHS, 2026
WORK REQUIREMENT
30 hours/week
Non-exempt adults must take part in about 30 hours a week of work or approved activities.
TDHS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Have a child under 18 (or 18 and finishing high school) living in the home
- Pass both a gross and a net income test, and have countable assets under $2,000
- Agree to a Personal Responsibility Plan with work or training, usually 30 hours a week
- Have not used more than 60 lifetime months of TANF cash assistance
How to apply
Apply online through the One DHS Customer Portal or at a local TDHS county office. Cash is delivered on an EBT card. Have ready proof of income, your child's information, and assets. If you need only short-term help, ask about a one-time Families First Diversion payment instead of ongoing assistance.
Frequently asked questions
Is the $387 the income limit or the payment?
It is the payment - the most a family of three with no income can receive in monthly cash. The income limit to qualify is a separate calculation based on the state's Consolidated Need Standard, and it is not the same as the benefit amount.
How long can I get Families First?
Cash assistance is limited to 60 months over your lifetime, and months used in other states count too. A small share of families who hit the limit may get an extension if they are exempt from work rules and still eligible.
Can I get Families First and SNAP together?
Yes, and it helps. Families First recipients are automatically (categorically) eligible for SNAP, so approval for cash assistance also opens the door to food benefits without a separate income test.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
EITC in Tennessee (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
EITC in Tennessee (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal refund for people who work but earn low or moderate wages. It can be worth thousands of dollars, and you can get it even if you owe no tax. Tennessee has no state income tax, so there is no separate state EITC - the federal credit is what you claim.
MAX CREDIT, 3+ KIDS
$8,231
The largest federal EITC for a family with three or more qualifying children in tax year 2026.
IRS, 2026
MAX CREDIT, NO KIDS
$664
The largest federal EITC for a worker with no qualifying children in tax year 2026.
IRS, 2026
STATE EITC
$0
Tennessee has no state EITC because it has no state income tax.
Tax Foundation, 2026
Who qualifies
- Have earned income from a job or self-employment in the tax year
- Have investment income below the annual IRS limit
- Have a valid Social Security number and file a federal tax return
- Live in Tennessee, which has no state EITC because it levies no state income tax
How to apply
Claim the EITC on your federal tax return - it is not automatic, so you must file even if you owe nothing. Free help is available through IRS Free File and VITA sites across Tennessee. Check the current income thresholds on IRS.gov before filing.
Frequently asked questions
Does Tennessee have a state EITC?
No. Tennessee has no state income tax - it fully repealed the Hall tax on investment income as of 2021 - so there is no state EITC to add on top of the federal credit. Everyone claims only the federal EITC.
Can I get the EITC if I have no children?
Yes. Workers without qualifying children can still claim a smaller EITC, worth up to $664 for tax year 2026, if they meet the age and income rules.
Will claiming the EITC affect my TennCare or SNAP?
No. Federal tax refunds, including the EITC, do not count as income for TennCare or SNAP eligibility, and they are not counted as a resource for 12 months after you receive them.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Tax Credit in Tennessee
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
Child Tax Credit in Tennessee
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is a federal credit worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child, and part of it is refundable, meaning you can get money back even if you owe no tax. It is claimed on your federal return. Tennessee has no state income tax and no separate state child tax credit.
MAX CREDIT PER CHILD
$2,200
The maximum federal Child Tax Credit per qualifying child under age 17 for tax year 2026.
Tax Foundation / IRS, 2026
REFUNDABLE PORTION
$1,700
Up to $1,700 per child can be refunded even if you owe no federal tax.
Tax Foundation / IRS, 2026
STATE CTC
$0
Tennessee offers no state child tax credit because it has no state income tax.
Tax Foundation, 2026
Who qualifies
- Have a qualifying child under age 17 with a Social Security number
- Have some earned income to claim the refundable portion
- File a federal tax return, even if you owe no tax
- Live in Tennessee, which offers no separate state child tax credit
How to apply
Claim the Child Tax Credit on your federal tax return using Schedule 8812. Free filing help is available through IRS Free File and VITA sites across Tennessee. You must file to receive it, even if your income is low enough that you owe no tax.
Frequently asked questions
Does Tennessee have its own child tax credit?
No. Because Tennessee has no state income tax, there is no state child tax credit. Tennessee families claim only the federal Child Tax Credit.
Can I get the credit if I owe no taxes?
Partly. Up to $1,700 per child is refundable for tax year 2026, so you can receive that portion as a refund even with no tax liability, as long as you have earned income and file a return.
Is the Child Tax Credit the same as the EITC?
No. They are two separate federal credits, and many families qualify for both. The CTC is based on having qualifying children, while the EITC is based on earned income and can be claimed with or without children.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Care Assistance in Tennessee
Subsidized childcare for working families.
Child Care Assistance in Tennessee
Subsidized childcare for working families.
Tennessee helps eligible families pay for child care through the Child Care Certificate Program, whose largest track for working families is called Smart Steps. It is run by TDHS and pays providers directly. Because federal funding was cut, new Smart Steps applicants are being placed on a waitlist as of August 2025.
INCOME LIMIT
85% of SMI
Household income must be below 85 percent of the state median income, about $6,389 a month for a family of four.
TDHS, 2026
NEW APPLICANT WAITLIST
Since Aug 2025
New Smart Steps applicants are placed on a waitlist that began August 26, 2025.
TDHS, 2026
PARENT CO-PAY
5% of income
Weekly co-pays are calculated at 5 percent of monthly gross income, split across children in care.
TDHS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Have household income below 85 percent of the state median income
- Work, attend school, or train at least 30 hours a week
- Have a child from 6 weeks through pre-kindergarten age
- Understand new Smart Steps applicants are placed on a waitlist as of August 2025
How to apply
Apply online through the One DHS Customer Portal at onedhs.tn.gov/csp, or submit form HS-3408 at a local TDHS office. Have ready proof of income, Tennessee residency, and your work, school, or training schedule. New Smart Steps applicants may be directed to a waitlist, but families in Families First, SNAP E&T, foster care, or teen-parent tracks can still enroll.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a waitlist for child care help in Tennessee?
Yes. After a roughly $44.5 million cut in federal child care funding, TDHS started a waitlist for new Smart Steps applicants on August 26, 2025. Families already enrolled keep their benefits through their 12-month eligibility period, and families qualifying through Families First, SNAP E&T, foster care, or teen-parent tracks can still enroll.
How much will I pay out of pocket?
Most families pay a weekly co-pay equal to about 5 percent of their monthly gross income, divided across the children in care. As of October 2025, the prior zero co-pay for families below 150 percent of poverty was ended for most tracks.
What is the difference between Smart Steps and the Child Care Certificate Program?
The Child Care Certificate Program is the umbrella subsidy program, and Smart Steps is its main track for working families. Other tracks include Families First, Transitional Child Care, At-Risk Child Only, Teen Parent, SNAP E&T, and foster care.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
