Tennessee Department of Health says “Emma” and “William” are Tennessee’s Most Popular Baby Names for 2013

Nashville, TN – Tennessee’s modern tradition for the top names for new babies continued in 2013, with Emma and William taking the number one spots for a third consecutive year as the most popular names given by new Tennessee parents. [Read more]

Bredesen announces extension of registration deadlines for FEMA Assistance Programs

Deadline to apply for Federal Assistance Programs Extended to August 5th

Nashville, TN – Governor Phil Bredesen today announced Tennessee has requested and received a 30-day extension of deadlines for FEMA assistance programs that will assist individuals in the 46 counties eligible for Individual Assistance as a result of the extreme weather and flooding that struck the state April 30th – May 2nd.

“I’m extremely pleased people will have more time to register to get the help they need as Tennessee recovers from these historic and devastating floods,” said Bredesen. “I appreciate the support Congressman Jim Cooper, members of the Tennessee delegation and FEMA have provided as we’ve worked in partnership to assist affected Tennesseans.” [Read more]

Disaster unemployment assistance filing deadlines near

If the severe storms and flooding between April 30th and May 18th affected your income, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

You can apply by calling (877) 813-0950 or (615) 253-0800 (in Nashville). Help is available Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Filing deadlines are:

• June 7th, 2010 for Benton, Carroll, Cheatham, Crockett, Davidson, Decatur, Dickson, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Haywood, Henderson, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Madison, Maury, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion, Perry, Rutherford, Shelby, Sumner, Tipton and Williamson counties.
• June 9th, 2010 for Chester, Clay, DeKalb, Hardin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, Robertson, Smith, Stewart, Trousdale, Wayne and Wilson counties.
• June 21st, 2010 for Cannon, Giles and Marshall counties. [Read more]

Thousands of Flood Victims receive disaster food and cash assistance

DHS Office of Inspector General working to fight Flood Fraud

Nashville, TN – Thousands of Tennesseans from 45 disaster-designated counties received millions of dollars in food and cash assistance from May 13th through May 28th. The DHS-administered programs have helped put food on the table of more than 9,600 families who were not previously enrolled in the Food Stamp (now called SNAP) program. Nearly $4.4 million in Disaster SNAP benefits were distributed to these families. In addition, more than 5,400 families already enrolled in the program received replacement benefits for food that was lost due to power outages or flood damage. An additional 6,700 families were granted Disaster Supplemental SNAP benefits because of storm damage to their residences. More than $1.4 million was issued to these households.

DHS also administered a cash assistance program for eligible citizens who sustained flood damage to their homes. More than 12,500 families qualified for the $250.00 and $500.00 payments. Just under $5 million in disaster cash benefits were issued. [Read more]