How to get cash help from the state if you lost your job, income
The Tennessee Department of Human Services is deploying emergency cash assistance to families whose income has been significantly hurt by the
COVID-19 outbreak, accessing dollars in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
Families can apply online for up to two months of assistance, with some families eligible for up to $1,000 a month. Those applying had to be employed as of March 11 and had to have lost a job or experienced a 50% decline in earnings because of the impact of the coronavirus.
“We know the next few months are going to be a challenge for families across our state who unexpectedly lost a job through no fault of their own,” said TDHS Commissioner Danielle Barnes. “This emergency cash assistance will provide families with the temporary resources they need to support them
selves during what we hope will be a short time away from their jobs. Helping families through this emergency is how we continue building a thriving Tennessee.”
The families must include a child or a pregnant woman and they must have a valid Social Security number.
A household of one or two people can receive $500 a month for two months. A household with three or four people can receive $750 a month, and homes with five or more people can receive $1,000 a month. These benefits are in addition to unemployment benefits an individual can access and existing TANF customers are eligible for the cash assistance as well.
The TANF program is a federal workforce program that has amassed a surplus of $732 million. The stockpile has stirred controversy in the past as families in need have not been able to utilize those dollars. Lee announced the use of TANF funds for addressing the damage from COVID-19 on March 17.
Households can apply online and can expect to receive an approval or denial within five days. If they are approved, they can receive an electronic benefit transfer card within five to seven days of approval by mail.
Eligible families cannot have resources available greater than $2,000 and their monthly benefits income cannot be greater than 85% of Tennessee’s median income. That is $2,696 for a household of one and $3,526 for a household of two, $4,356 for a household of three, $5,185 for a household of four and $6,015 for a household of five.
To apply, visit tdhs.service-now.com.