Tennessee Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program distribution schedule change to go into Effect in October
September 10, 2012
SNAP Issuance Dates will Balance Food Supply for all Tennesseans
Nashville, TN – Effective October 1st, 2012, the day in which Tennessee Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants receive benefits may change depending on the last two digits of their Social Security Number(SSN).
The Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association (TGCSA) has requested that SNAP benefits issuance dates be extended to help accommodate demand on grocers and provide all Tennesseans more access to a complete selection of food items. [Read more]
Tennessee Department of Human Services Encourages Child Care Providers to heighten protective measures when Transporting Children
June 13, 2012
Nashville, TN – Extreme temperatures cause many health risks for children such as: sunburn, heatstroke, dehydration, brain damage and even death. The Tennessee Department of Human Services encourages state child care agencies to heighten preventative measures to keep children safe when transporting them during the summer months.
On an 80-degree day the temperature inside a locked vehicle increases 19 degrees in just 10 minutes; 29 degrees in 20; and 43 degrees in just one hour. For any human being subjected to such excessive extremes, the experience could prove fatal. [Read more]
Tennessee Department of Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Kick Off 2012 Summmer Food Program
June 7, 2012
Local Agencies Throughout Tennessee Assist Children with Nutritional Needs
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Human Services is partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and local agencies across the State to kick off the 2012 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). This year’s Summer Kick-Off Event will be hosted by DHS and East Tennessee Human Resource Agency on June 7th, 2012 at 11:00am at the Seymour Boys and Girls Club in Sevier County.
At the end of the school year many children anxiously await for the last bell to ring. Summer should be an exciting time for children to enjoy playtime with friends, a week at camp, a family vacation, or time at the pool. But for many children who receive free and reduced-price meals at school, summer can mean hunger. Just as learning does not end when school lets out, neither does a child’s need for good nutrition. [Read more]
State Readies for Third Round of Standard Spend Down
September 8, 2011
Phone Lines will open 6:00pm CST September 12th
Nashville, TN – The TennCare Standard Spend Down program will again offer open enrollment opportunities to new applicants on Monday, September 12th, 2011 beginning at 6:00pm CST.
Standard Spend Down is available through a waiver to the Medicaid program for a limited number of qualified low income individuals, or those with high, unpaid medical bills who are aged, blind, disabled, or the caretaker relative of a Medicaid eligible child. Eligible individuals must have enough unpaid medical bills to meet the “spend down” threshold to qualify for coverage. [Read more]
New Program Year for LIHEAP now begins October 1st
June 27, 2011
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Start Date Aligned with Federal Fiscal Year
Nashville, TN – The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced that program funds offered through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will now be awarded annually to coincide with the federal fiscal year moving from July 1st to October 1st.
Individuals who have received LIHEAP assistance since July 2010 must wait until October 1st for the new program year to begin before they can re-apply for benefits.
“We are aware of the hardships many citizens face during the summer months where there is an increase in utility costs,” said Tennessee Department of Human Services Assistant Commissioner Robert L. Matthews. “DHS is here to assist in any way possible.” [Read more]
THP Reminds Motorists: Never Leave Children Unattended in a Vehicle
June 22, 2011
Nashville, TN – Today marks the official start of summer and as temperatures rise, the Tennessee Highway Patrol would like to remind motorists to never leave children or pets in an unattended vehicle.
“Our ultimate goal is to prevent the senseless death of children who have been left in unattended vehicles,” said Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons. “Everyone should be especially cautious in the summer months and protect children in their custody from heat-related accidents. Those who fail to fulfill their responsibility to children face criminal prosecution.” [Read more]
Tennessee Marks Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15th
June 14, 2011
Capitol To Be Illuminated In Purple; Proclamation Launches State Efforts
Nashville, TN – Since 2006, when purple was chosen as the “awareness color” for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), Tennessee — which acknowledges the annual effort through a series of events statewide — has played its part in “lighting the way” to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of elderly and vulnerable adults. This year is no exception.
The Tennessee Vulnerable Adult Coalition (TVAC) is partnering with the Department of Human Services and the Commission on Aging and Disability in efforts designed to stem the growing problems of abuse (whether physical, sexual or emotional), neglect, and financial exploitation of elderly and vulnerable adults.
Tennessee State Capitol illuminated in honor of 2010 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. (Photo by Rob Johnson, State of Tennessee)
DHS and USDA Kick Off 2011 Summer Food Program
June 6, 2011
Local Agencies Throughout State Assist Children With Nutrition Needs
Nashville, TN – The need for healthy nutrition does not end when school lets out for the summer. Providing proper nutrition options is especially important for those children in low-income areas so they may learn, grow and be active throughout the summer months.
Thanks to the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), free meals and snacks will again be available for low income children during the summer months through the 2011 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). [Read more]
Haslan requests Presidential Disaster Declaration
May 1, 2011
Initial counties to include Bradley, Greene, Hamilton and Washington
More counties to be added as damage assessments are completed
Nashville, TN – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has asked President Barack Obama to declare four Tennessee Counties as federal disaster areas following the severe storms, flash flooding and tornadoes that struck the state beginning on April 25th, 2011.
Should this initial request for assistance be granted Bradley, Greene, Hamilton and Washington counties would have access to varying levels of federal assistance programs.
As local officials and responding agencies complete damage assessments, other counties are expected be added to the April 25th declaration request. [Read more]
Thousands of Flood Victims receive disaster food and cash assistance
June 6, 2010
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]
