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Reviewed October 1, 2026

Families First (Tennessee TANF Cash Assistance)

Families First is Tennessee TANF. Apply through One DHS and discuss the Personal Responsibility Plan as part of the eligibility review.

Who can apply

TDHS reviews income, resources, status and a qualifying child living with a parent or eligible relative. Child-only cases receive different adult treatment.

What help is available

Approved support includes temporary cash and potentially transportation, childcare, education or employment services.

Documents to prepare

  • Child age and relationship records.
  • Household income and resources.
  • Identity and requested status evidence.

How to get started

  1. Apply through One DHS

    Use the Families First application link.

  2. Complete the eligibility review

    Answer document and interview requests.

  3. Discuss your plan

    Ask about work or training duties, exemptions and support needed to participate.

After applying

Keep plan records and report changes. Ask the worker about a safety concern or other good-cause barrier before missing an assigned action.

Website screenshots

These images show the pages captured in August 2026. Website screens and rules may have changed.

The Tennessee Families First applying-for-services page.
August 2026 reference screenshot.
The Tennessee Families First eligibility information page.
August 2026 reference screenshot.

Common questions

Can a relative request a child-only case?

The state describes a route where a nonparent relative chooses to be excluded from the adult benefit group.

Is Families First only a cash payment?

It also describes employment and related support services.

Do all adults have the same work duty?

The state provides participation rules and exemptions assessed for the case.

Sources and review

Checked October 1, 2026 using Families First services and portal, Child categories and responsibility plan. USA Assistance background guide. Program staff determine eligibility and available assistance.

Historical screenshots: source reference.