Qualifying Tenn. families to receive $950 pandemic payment
After receiving more than $12 million through a federal pandemic fund, Tennessee will send $950 to families who qualify under a Department of Human Services program.
DHS announced the one-time payment on Thursday.
The funds should automatically reach reach families through their Electronic Benefit Transfer cards in early December, DHS said in a statement.
“Child-only” households qualify for the payment, which include households where a child is being cared for by relatives.
“Families who receive ‘child-only' benefits are often grandparents, aunts, and uncles stepping in to provide a stable and nurturing home to vulnerable children,” said TDHS Commissioner Clarence H. Carter in a statement. “These families don't receive all the same benefits, goods, and services as our other Families First participants despite playing an impactful role in the development of children. We hope this one-time payment provides support to address challenges they might be facing.”
Families First is Tennessee's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, which uses federal funds for families who need temporary help with cash assistance, childcare and transportation needs as they seek work and education opportunities. Tennessee recently overhauled its TANF program amid criticism it stockpiled $740 million in federal funds.
The $950 payments are Tennessee's first expenditure from the $12 million Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund, which was established by the American Rescue Plan Act.
The fund can only be used for shortterm benefits and must be used by Sept. 30, 2022.
DHS said additional plans for Tennessee's PEAF money will be announced next year.
Reach Melissa Brown at mabrown@tennessean.com.
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