Low-Income Resources in Tennessee

This page is a public directory of programs that may help with food support, housing and utilities, child and family care, healthcare resources, and crisis services. Availability and eligibility vary by program. If something looks outdated, please let us know.

Food resources
Housing and utilities
Child and family care
Healthcare resources
Crisis care
Debt help

Food resources

If you need help with groceries, start with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the Tennessee Department of Human Services. Nutrition support for families with young children and local food pantry options are also available statewide.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — Tennessee DHS

Helps with: Monthly food benefits for eligible households.
How to start: Review program details, then apply online when ready.

Program overview: Tennessee SNAP (TDHS)
Apply / manage benefits: One DHS Customer Portal

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) — Tennessee Department of Health

Helps with: Nutrition support for eligible pregnant people, infants, and young children.
How to start: Learn about the program and find a local WIC clinic.

Program overview: Tennessee WIC Program

Find a food pantry — Feeding Tennessee

Helps with: Locating food banks, pantries, and meal programs across Tennessee.
How to start: Use the food finder to search by location.

Feeding Tennessee Find Food

Housing and utilities

If housing or utility bills are a concern, Tennessee offers assistance through energy programs and housing agencies. Many services are delivered locally through community action agencies.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) — Tennessee DHS

Helps with: Assistance paying home heating and cooling costs for eligible households.
How to start: Review program details and contact a local provider.

Program overview: Tennessee LIHEAP
Find a local agency: LIHEAP local providers

Housing programs and renter resources — Tennessee Housing Development Agency

Helps with: Affordable housing programs, rental assistance information, and renter guidance.
How to start: Review renter resources and linked programs.

THDA renter resources

Child and family care

Families may need help with child care costs or temporary cash assistance. In Tennessee, these programs are administered through the Department of Human Services.

Child Care Payment Assistance — Tennessee DHS (Smart Steps)

Helps with: Assistance paying for child care for eligible working families.
How to start: Review program information and apply when ready.

Program overview: Child Care Payment Assistance
Apply: One DHS Customer Portal

Families First (TANF) — Tennessee DHS

Helps with: Temporary cash assistance and employment supports for eligible families with children.
How to start: Review eligibility and apply when ready.

Program overview: Families First (TANF)
Apply: One DHS Customer Portal

Healthcare resources

If healthcare coverage or medical costs are a concern, Tennessee offers TennCare (Medicaid) for eligible residents. Applications are handled through the state benefits portal.

TennCare (Medicaid) — Eligibility and enrollment

Helps with: Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible Tennessee residents.
How to start: Review eligibility information and apply online when ready.

Program overview: TennCare information
Apply: One DHS Customer Portal

Find a community health center — HRSA

Helps with: Locating federally supported clinics that often offer sliding-fee care.
How to start: Search by location to find a clinic near you.

HRSA Find a Health Center

Crisis care

If you or someone in your household is in immediate danger, call 911. If you need urgent emotional support or help finding local services, the options below can help you find the right next step quickly.

211 Tennessee

Helps with: Local referrals for food, housing, utilities, childcare, healthcare, and community services.
How to start: Call 211 or use the online directory.

Dial: 2-1-1
211 Tennessee

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Helps with: Free, confidential support for mental health or emotional crisis.
How to start: Call or text 988, or use chat.

Call or text: 988
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Tennessee Statewide Crisis Line

Helps with: 24/7 mental health crisis support and connection to local services.
How to start: Call the statewide crisis line.

Call: 1-855-274-7471
Tennessee Crisis Services

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Helps with: Confidential support and referrals for domestic violence situations.
How to start: Call or chat with trained advocates.

Call: 1-800-799-7233
The Hotline

Disaster Distress Helpline (SAMHSA)

Helps with: Crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters.
How to start: Call or text.

Call or text: 800-985-5990
Text: TalkWithUs to 66746
Helpline details

If debt is part of the picture

Many people looking for assistance are also dealing with credit card balances, collections, payday loans, or medical bills. If you want a calm review of options, Money Fit offers nonprofit credit counseling and education. We’ll help you understand what’s realistic, without pressure.

Talk with Money Fit Debt management plan help Payday loan help

Note: Program availability and eligibility vary. Money Fit does not provide cash assistance and cannot guarantee outcomes.

Last reviewed: January 2026 | URL: /low-income/tennessee/