Assistance for Single Moms in Tennessee

Single moms can receive help and assistance in all cities and counties across the state of Tennessee. Assistance programs aid with free food, housing costs, rent, energy bills, mortgages, free health care, and more.

Tennessee Food Stamp Program
Nutritional assistance benefits can be provided to single moms, children and families, the elderly, the disabled, unemployed and working families by the Tennessee Food Stamp program, financed 100 percent by Federal funds and administered by the department of human services. The program provides a mechanism for stretching food dollars for those families and individuals with insufficient income. Malnutrition has been virtually eliminated since the implementation of the Food Stamp Program back in 1964. A national campaign to end hunger has been initiated by USDA's Food and Nutrition Services due to the unacceptable levels of hunger and food insecurity that continued in every state. A goal has been set to eliminate hunger in Tennessee and other states in the southeast region by 2005. For more information about the program you may contact the family assistance Help-Line with questions at 888-863-6187.

Tennessee School Breakfast and Lunch Program
These programs are destined for the public school systems, private schools, charter schools, and residential childcare institutions. All students can benefit from this program. Meals will have to meet the nutrition standards established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) while the meal cost itself will vary based on the household’s income. In order to qualify for free or reduced meals the guidelines the income and size of a household must be met. For more information on school nutrition programs contact the Tennessee School Nutrition Program at 800-354-3663.

Special Milk Program
Children in schools, childcare institutions, and eligible camps that do not participate in other Federal child nutrition meal service programs, are provided with milk from the Special Milk program. Schools can participate in the Special Milk Program only for half-day kindergarten and pre-kindergarten children who do not have access to a school meals program, if the schools in question already participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs. For the milk they serve, the program reimburses schools and institutions. Any child in a school or institution can get milk as long as they get involved in the Special Milk Program. You must be a resident of Tennessee in order to qualify for this benefit program. To ask about the Special Milk Program call 615-532-4744.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Nutritious education, health care referrals, breastfeeding support and supplemental nutritious foods is what the WIC program provides to nearly 150,000 women, single moms, infants, and children under the age of five through departments located in 95 counties across the state of Tennessee. Vouchers are issued in three month increments and can be used to acquire the foods that are provided at approximately 155 local health departments, primary care, and hospital sites throughout the state. For more information on the program call 800-342-5942.

Tennessee Summer Food Service
Children who would normally receive free or reduced price meals when school is in session can receive nutritious meals from the Tennessee Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). The program will be offered in various locations such as playgrounds, parks, housing authorities, churches, day camps, community centers, and more. To be able to receive the benefits of this program you must be a resident of the state and meet a certain income threshold. For more information on the program call 615-313-4749.

Head Start
Head Start is a Federal program that aims to enhance the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children from birth to age five from low income families making sure they are school ready. Language, literacy, and social and emotional development are some area where the program can support a child’s growth. The role of parents is emphasized by the program as their child’s first and most important teacher. To find a Head Start or Early Head Start program near you, call 866-763-6481.

Families First
As a replacement to the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program, Families First is Tennessee’s welfare reform plan. Work, training, and personal responsibility is what the program emphasizes. Each participant must agree to follow a Personal Responsibility Plan (PPR) if they chose to apply for this program. Call the Family Assistance Helpline to speak with program representatives at 888-863-6178 for more info on the program.

Rental Assistance Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program
Low income single moms, the elderly, and the disabled can receive assistance to afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market with the help of The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program offered through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. 615-815-2200 for more information and general inquiries about the program.

Credit Repair, Debt Reduction and Financial Assistance
Single moms can get help to pay and reduce debts, be offered housing counseling, and be administered general budgeting and financial advice from a number of non-profit organizations across the state of Tennessee. To contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling call 800-388-2227.

Case Management and Emergency Financial Assistance in Tennessee
Advice, counseling and financial aid are being provided to single moms by the nation’s leading non-profit organization, which is the Salvation Army. There are several centers across the state where an individual can call for help for paying electric bills, food, holiday meals and gifts, and other help

TennCare
Single moms who are eligible for Medicaid and certain other people who lack health insurance can get health insurance from the TennCare program. In order to deliver program benefits a managed care model is used. Enrollees can receive aid with their health and acute care needs, covered mental health and substance abuse services, covered dental services and covered pharmacy services. For more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply call 800-669-1851.

CoverKids
Without there being a monthly premium to pay, this assistance program will provide a low cost, comprehensive health insurance plan for children age 18 and under along with maternity coverage for pregnant women. To get more information on how to apply for this assistance program call 866-CoverTN.

CoverRX
Affordable prescription medications will be provided to eligible state residents and single moms who do not have prescription drug benefits and or coverage through their existing insurance. CoverRx is a component of Tennessee's CoverTN healthcare coverage program. For more information call 866-CoverTN.

Legal Aid
Lawyers, free legal advice, and other support can be provided to single moms by attorneys and non-profit law firms across the state of Tennessee. 800-238-1443 to call the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands.

Tennessee Unemployment Insurance
If eligibility requirements are met, financial assistance is provided through unemployment insurance benefits to workers unemployed through no fault of their own. You must have worked in Tennessee during the past 12 to 18 months and have earned at least a minimum amount of wages, in order to qualify for this benefit program. 615-741-6642 to contact the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development.

Lifeline/Link-up
Single moms can receive a discount of up to $13.50 on the local service portion of their monthly telephone bill with the help of the Lifeline assistance program. Link-up on the other hand, covering both land lines and cellular phones up to a maximum of $30.00, will pay for one half of the installation charges for new telephone service. Dial the Universal Service Administrative Company at 888-641-8722 to learn more about the Lifeline or Link-Up programs.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The program is administered through contracts to a network of 20 established non-profit and local government agencies experienced in providing energy assistance programs made available in all 95 counties across the state of Tennessee. Through a payment to the utility company or home energy provider this program will help single moms manage their energy bills more easily. Call 615-815-2200 to contact the Tennessee Housing Development Agency for more information about the program.