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Tennessee Families First

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undefined Tennessee Families First?

Families First is Tennesseee’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. It is temporary and has a primary focus on gaining self-sufficency through employment. The Families First program helps participants reach this goal by providing transportation, child care assistance, education, job training, employment activities, and other support services. Temporary cash assistance is also provided to families with dependent children and the family is unable to pay for essential living expenses. As part of the Families First program, each participant must agree to follow a Personal Responsibility Plan (PRP). Unless a participant is exempt from the work requirement, he/she must also agree to develop, follow, and complete a work plan. The work plan is based on the individual's needs and skills.

Families First is Tennesseee’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. It is temporary and has a primary focus on gaining self-sufficency through employment. The Families First program helps participants reach this goal by providing transportation, child care assistance, education, job training, employment activities, and other support services. Temporary cash assistance is also provided to families with dependent children and the family is unable to pay for essential living expenses. As part of the Families First program, each participant must agree to follow a Personal Responsibility Plan (PRP). Unless a participant is exempt from the work requirement, he/she must also agree to develop, follow, and complete a work plan. The work plan is based on the individual's needs and skills.

undefined Tennessee Families First?

To be eligible for Tennessee Families First, you must be a resident of Tennessee, and a U.S. citizen, legal alien or qualified alien. You must be unemployed or underemployed and have low or very low income. You must also be one of the following:

  • Have a child 18 years of age or younger, or
  • Be pregnant, or
  • Be 18 years of age or younger and the head of your household.

undefined Tennessee Families First?

To apply for this program visit TN Department of Human Services. Applications can be submitted online, by mail or fax, and to TDHS county offices.

How to Apply

Please call the Family Assistance Helpline to speak with program representatives: 1-866-311-4287 (toll-free).

Residents in the Nashville area can call: (615) 743-2000.

1-866-311-4287

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