How To Report Changes to SNAP in Tennessee

If you get SNAP (food stamp) benefits in Tennessee, you are required to tell the state when certain things in your life change. Reporting changes on time helps keep your benefits accurate and can prevent overpayments, penalties, or losing help you qualify for.

This guide explains what changes to report, when to report them, and how to contact the official Tennessee SNAP office. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government office or application site, but this information can help you prepare before you reach out through official channels.

Understanding SNAP in Tennessee

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income individuals and families buy food. In Tennessee, SNAP is administered by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS).

When you are approved for SNAP, you agree to:

• Report certain changes in your household
• Renew (recertify) your benefits regularly
• Respond to letters or requests for information from your local TDHS office

Failing to report changes can cause:

• Overpayments (you may have to pay money back)
• Underpayments (you get less help than you should)
• Sanctions or penalties, including being disqualified from SNAP

Which SNAP Changes Must Be Reported in Tennessee?

Tennessee SNAP rules can vary slightly by household type (for example, whether you are considered a “simplified reporting” household, if you have earned income, etc.). However, there are common categories of changes that generally must be reported.

When in doubt, it is usually safer to report the change and let your caseworker decide if it affects your case.

Common Changes You Usually Must Report

These types of changes often need to be reported to Tennessee SNAP:

• Income changes

  • Starting or stopping a job
  • Changes in work hours
  • Raises or pay cuts
  • New self-employment or gig work
  • Changes in Social Security, unemployment, or other benefits

• Household size changes

  • Someone moves in or moves out
  • A child is born or adopted
  • A household member dies

• Address or housing changes

  • Moving to a new address
  • Change in rent or mortgage amount
  • Change in utilities (for example, now paying your own heating or cooling)

• Changes in expenses (for certain households)

  • Increase or decrease in childcare or dependent care costs
  • Changes in court-ordered child support paid
  • Large medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members (if previously reported)

• Work or student status

  • Losing a job, getting a new job, or changing from part-time to full-time
  • Beginning or ending college or job training that affects your eligibility
  • Changes affecting work requirements, especially for certain adults without dependents

• Immigration or legal status changes

  • Changes in citizenship or immigration status for any household member

Your approval or recertification notice from TDHS usually explains exactly what you must report and by when. If you’re unsure, contact your local TDHS office or the SNAP helpline and ask what applies to your case.

When You Have to Report Changes in Tennessee

Tennessee uses different reporting rules depending on your situation, but commonly:

• Some households must report within 10 days of the change
• Others follow “simplified reporting”, where you generally only have to report:
  • When your income goes over a certain limit, or
  • Other specific changes listed in your approval notice

Because rules can change, it’s important to:

• Review all letters and notices from TDHS for specific instructions
• Call your local TDHS office if you are not sure what your reporting deadline is

Examples of Common Reporting Timeframes

Use this as a general guide only; always confirm with TDHS:

*Always follow the specific instructions on your own SNAP approval or recertification notice.

How to Report SNAP Changes in Tennessee

You cannot report changes through HowToGetAssistance.org. Changes must be reported through official Tennessee SNAP channels.

In Tennessee, people typically report changes in one or more of these ways:

1. Online (Through the Official State Portal)

Tennessee generally offers an official online benefits portal where you can:

• Log in using your account
• View your case
• Report certain changes electronically

What to expect:

• You may need your case number, Social Security number, and personal information to register or log in.
• After submitting changes, you may receive:
  • A confirmation message
  • A request for proof documents (such as pay stubs or a lease)

To find the correct portal:

• Search online for the official Tennessee Department of Human Services SNAP website or benefits portal.
• Look carefully for .gov in the web address to help confirm it’s an official site.

2. By Phone

You can often report changes by calling:

• The state’s SNAP or TDHS customer service line
• Your local county TDHS office

When you call:

• Have your full name, date of birth, and case number (if available)
• Be ready to give:
  • Details about the change (for example, new employer name, new income amount, or new address)
  • The date the change happened (for example, first day at new job)

Ask the representative:

• Whether you need to send proof documents
• If they can note the change immediately or if you need to complete a form

3. In Person at a Local TDHS Office

If you prefer or if your case is complicated, you can usually go to your local TDHS office to report changes.

What you can typically do in person:

• Talk to a caseworker or front desk staff
• Fill out a change report form
• Submit copies of your documents directly

Before going:

• Check the office address, hours, and appointment rules
• Some offices may have specific hours for walk-ins

4. By Mail or Fax

Some households choose to report changes using paper forms:

• Complete a Change Report Form (often available from the TDHS office or online as a printable form)
• Mail or fax it to your local county TDHS office

If you use mail or fax:

• Keep a copy of everything you send
• If possible, use a mailing option with tracking or request a fax confirmation
• Follow up by phone to confirm it was received, especially if the change is time-sensitive

Information and Documents You May Need

When you report a change, Tennessee SNAP usually asks for proof. Having documents ready can make the process smoother.

Common Types of Proof

• Proof of identity and case

  • Case number (from letters or your EBT card paperwork)
  • Photo ID, if needed in person

• Proof of income

  • Recent pay stubs
  • A letter or statement from your employer showing start date, hours, and pay rate
  • Benefit award letters (Social Security, unemployment, pensions, etc.)

• Proof of address and housing

  • Lease or rental agreement
  • Rent receipt or letter from landlord
  • Mortgage statement
  • Utility bills (for heating, cooling, electricity, water, etc.)

• Proof of household changes

  • Birth certificate for a new baby
  • School or medical records (for children moving into your home, if requested)
  • Death certificate or obituary (if a member has passed away, if requested)

• Proof of expenses

  • Childcare or dependent care receipts or signed statements from your provider
  • Receipts or statements for medical expenses (for elderly or disabled members, if counted)
  • Court orders and payment records for child support paid

Not every situation requires every document. Your caseworker or local office can tell you exactly what’s needed for your change.

What Happens After You Report a Change?

Once you report a change to Tennessee SNAP, the process commonly looks like this:

1. Your caseworker reviews the change

   • They decide whether the change affects your eligibility or benefit amount.

2. You may be asked for more information

   • If something is missing or unclear, the office may send you a notice or call you.
   • These notices usually have a deadline. Missing the deadline can delay or reduce benefits.

3. Your benefits may increase, decrease, or stay the same

   • If your income goes up, your SNAP benefits may go down.
   • If your income goes down or your expenses go up, your SNAP benefits may go up.
   • Some changes only take effect at your next recertification.

4. You receive an official notice

   • TDHS typically sends a written notice explaining:
     • Whether your benefits changed
     • The effective date of the change
     • Your rights to appeal if you disagree

Keep all letters in a safe place, as you may need them later if there is a problem or you choose to appeal.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Delays

Several things can slow down or complicate change reporting for Tennessee SNAP. Being prepared can help.

1. Waiting Too Long to Report

Delays in reporting can lead to:

• Overpayments (you might owe money back)
• Sudden benefit cuts when the change is finally processed
• Penalties if the state believes you intentionally did not report

To avoid this:

• Report changes as soon as you can, ideally within the time frame listed on your approval notice (often 10 days).

2. Missing Documents

If you report a change but do not send the proof requested, the office may:

• Delay updating your case
• Use lower deductions (which can lower your benefit)
• Reduce or stop benefits if required information is missing

To avoid this:

• Ask exactly what proof is needed and how to send it
• Keep copies of everything
• Follow up if you don’t receive any response after a reasonable time

3. Not Reading Notices Carefully

Official letters often include:

• Deadlines
• Requests for more information
• Notices of benefit reductions or closures
• Instructions on how to appeal

To avoid problems:

• Open all mail from the Tennessee Department of Human Services right away
• If you don’t understand something, call your local TDHS office and ask them to explain

If You Disagree With a Change or Decision

If Tennessee SNAP reduces, denies, or ends your benefits and you believe the decision is wrong, you usually have the right to:

• Request a fair hearing or appeal through the official state process

Typical steps:

1. Read your notice

   • It should describe:
     • The reason for the decision
     • The deadline to request a hearing
     • How to submit that request (mail, phone, in person, etc.)

2. Prepare your information

   • Gather:
     • Letters, pay stubs, or other documents that support your side
     • Any notes about conversations with TDHS (dates, names, what was said)

3. Request the hearing by the deadline

   • Usually, you must request within a specific number of days from the date on the notice.
   • In many cases, if you request quickly enough, you may be able to continue receiving your current benefits until the hearing is decided. The notice should explain if this option is available.

If you need help understanding the appeal process, you may:

• Call the TDHS office for procedural information
• Contact legal aid or a local civil legal services organization that helps with public benefits issues

If Your Situation Changes and You No Longer Qualify

Sometimes, after you report a change, Tennessee SNAP may find that you no longer qualify. For example:

• Your income is now too high
• You moved out of state
• You no longer meet work requirements and no exemption applies

In that case:

• You may receive a notice that your case will close on a certain date.
• You can still request a hearing if you believe the decision is wrong.

If you no longer qualify for SNAP, you might still be able to get help from:

• Local food banks and pantries
• Community or faith-based organizations
• 211 (calling 2-1-1 from most phones can connect you to community resources in many areas)
• Other programs like WIC (for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children) if you meet those requirements

These resources are separate from SNAP and have their own rules and application processes.

How to Make Sure You’re Using an Official Tennessee SNAP Channel

Because SNAP benefits are important and scams do exist, it’s wise to double-check that you are working with the real Tennessee state agency.

Here are some tips:

• Look for “.gov” in website addresses for online portals
• When in doubt, call the Tennessee Department of Human Services main phone line or your local TDHS office, using numbers listed in:
  • State government directories
  • Official state publications
• Be cautious if:
  • A site asks for fees to apply for SNAP
  • Someone promises “guaranteed approval” for a payment
  • You are asked to send money or gift cards in exchange for benefits

HowToGetAssistance.org is not an official Tennessee SNAP website, cannot access or change your case, and cannot take applications or reports. It is an informational resource only.

Quick Checklist: Reporting SNAP Changes in Tennessee

Use this checklist to prepare before contacting the official office:

• [ ] I know what changed (income, job, address, household member, expenses, etc.).
• [ ] I know the date the change happened or will happen.
• [ ] I have my case number (from letters or EBT paperwork).
• [ ] I gathered any proof documents (pay stubs, lease, bills, letters).
• [ ] I reviewed my SNAP approval notice for reporting deadlines and rules.
• [ ] I identified how I want to report:
  • [ ] Online through the official Tennessee portal
  • [ ] By phone to the state or local TDHS office
  • [ ] In person at the local TDHS office
  • [ ] By mail or fax with a completed change form
• [ ] I will keep copies of all documents and notes of who I spoke with and when.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’re ready to contact the official Tennessee SNAP office and report your change through the state’s approved methods.