Changes to SNAP Work Requirements in Tennessee

Tennesseans who depend on SNAP food benefits will have to provide documentation to show they cannot meet new work requirements set by the Trump administration by October 31st.

The updated rules apply to adults aged 18 to 64. Previously in Tennessee, individuals could maintain their benefits by participating in vocational training, but this extension now applies to those up to age 54. It’s worth noting that parents of children over 16 were previously exempt from these requirements.

Currently, more than 700,000 residents, or about one in ten, rely on the SNAP program to support their families.

The expanded age requirement is part of a significant reform to the federal food aid program through the Big Beautiful Bill Act, which introduces the largest cuts to the Federal Prevention Program to date.

This legislation also shifts most of the financial responsibility for the program from the federal government to the state.

So far, the federal government has covered half of the $128 million administrative fees for Tennessee while providing $800 million in cash benefits, according to data from the USDA in 2023. Under the new mandate, Tennessee is expected to cover 75% of its administrative costs and about 10% of its cash benefits. Recent analyses suggest that Tennessee taxpayers could face up to $110 million annually for the program.

The Tennessee Department of Human Services, which manages SNAP, has set a deadline of October 31st for submissions. Exceptions to the requirements include those who are pregnant or medically certified as unfit for employment, whether physically or mentally.

SNAP recipients have the option to submit their documents electronically and can access resources for job searching, training, and information about new department requirements.