RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN – Tennessee has begun distributing long-delayed SNAP benefits following the government shutdown, providing backlogged payments to recipients’ EBT cards while also rolling out major policy changes that could affect eligibility. Updated work requirements now apply to most adults ages 18–64, requiring 20 hours of work or volunteer service per week unless they meet an exemption such as disability, age, pregnancy, caregiving, or sufficient earned income. Those who are not exempt may only receive three months of benefits within a three-year period unless they comply, and DHS has already notified at-risk recipients about submitting proof of exemptions. Despite these changes, SNAP remains a vital resource for combating food insecurity, and Tennesseans can still apply online or in person, while the Legal Aid Society is available to assist individuals who are denied benefits or need help navigating the system.
FULL DETAILS – The wait is finally over for the hundreds of thousands of Tennessee residents who have been awaiting their delayed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the prolonged government shutdown.
Tennessee’s Department of Human Services (DHS) recently announced that SNAP benefits are in the process of being distributed to recipients via their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, which will include any backlogged payments…