Tennessee Benefits Appeal — Your Filing Guide

What This Document Does

This guide helps you appeal if Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) denied, reduced, or stopped your SNAP (food stamps), Families First (cash assistance), or TennCare (Medicaid) benefits. The court document is a formal Request for Fair Hearing that you file with TDHS.

When to Use This

Use this packet if:

• TDHS denied your application for benefits
• TDHS reduced your monthly benefit amount
• TDHS terminated (stopped) your benefits
• TDHS failed to act on your application within 30 days (SNAP) or 45 days (TANF)
• You believe TDHS calculated your benefits incorrectly

Important Deadlines

Before You File

Gather these items:

• [ ] The denial, reduction, or termination notice from TDHS
• [ ] Proof of income for the last 30 days (pay stubs, unemployment letter, Social Security letter)
• [ ] Proof of household expenses:
• [ ] Rent receipt or lease
• [ ] Utility bills (electric, gas, water, phone)
• [ ] Child care receipts
• [ ] Medical bills (if you are elderly or disabled)
• [ ] Proof of who lives in your home (birth certificates, school records)
• [ ] Your case number (on any TDHS notice)
• [ ] Photo ID
• [ ] Social Security cards for all household members

Step-by-Step Filing

Step 1: Complete the Request for Fair Hearing

Fill in every blank on the court document:

1. Write your county name at the top
2. Write your full legal name as "Appellant"
3. Fill in your address, phone, and email
4. Check which program you are appealing (SNAP, Families First, or TennCare)
5. Write your case number
6. Copy the date and reason from your TDHS notice
7. Describe why TDHS made a mistake (factual error, wrong income calculation, missing deductions)
8. Sign and date the form

Step 2: Make Copies

Make 2 copies of your completed Request for Fair Hearing.

• Keep one copy for yourself
• One copy goes to TDHS
• Bring extra copies if you have supporting documents

Step 3: Submit Your Request

Option A: In Person (Fastest)

1. Take your Request and documents to your local TDHS office
2. Ask the receptionist for the "Fair Hearing" desk
3. Get a receipt showing you submitted your request
4. Write down the date, time, and name of the person who accepted it

Option B: By Phone

1. Call TDHS Family Assistance: 1-866-311-4287
2. Tell them: "I want to request a Fair Hearing"
3. They will ask for your case number and reason for appeal
4. Write down the date, time, and confirmation number

Option C: By Mail

1. Mail to: Tennessee Department of Human Services

Family Assistance Division

P.O. Box 305200

Nashville, TN 37229

1. Use certified mail with return receipt requested
2. Keep the receipt as proof you mailed it on time

Option D: Online

1. Go to: tdhs.service-now.com
2. Log in to your account
3. Select "Request a Fair Hearing"
4. Upload your documents
5. Save the confirmation number

Step 4: Request Continued Benefits (If Applicable)

If your benefits were terminated or reduced:

• For SNAP: Request continued benefits within 10 days of the notice to keep receiving benefits while you appeal
• For TANF/Families First: Request continued benefits within 10 days

Say or write: "I request that my benefits continue at the previous level during this appeal."

Step 5: Attend Your Hearing

You will receive a notice with your hearing date, time, and location (or phone number for phone hearings).

Before the hearing:

• Organize your documents in order
• Write down what you want to say
• Practice explaining why TDHS made a mistake
• Bring a friend or advocate if you want support

At the hearing:

• Arrive 15 minutes early (or call in 5 minutes early for phone hearings)
• Bring ALL your documents
• The Hearing Officer will swear you in
• TDHS will explain why they denied/reduced your benefits
• You can present your evidence and explain your side
• You can ask questions of the TDHS representative
• You can have witnesses testify

What to Say:

• "My name is [YOUR NAME]. I am appealing the decision dated [DATE]."
• "TDHS said my income was $[WRONG AMOUNT], but my actual income is $[CORRECT AMOUNT]."
• "Here is my proof: [SHOW YOUR DOCUMENTS]."
• "I am asking that the decision be reversed and my benefits reinstated."

After the hearing:

• You will receive a written decision within 30-60 days
• If you win, TDHS must correct your benefits and may owe you back benefits
• If you lose, you can appeal to court within 30 days

Legal Aid Resources

If you need free legal help with your appeal:

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands

• Phone: (615) 252-3360
• Website: las-mt.org
• Counties: Davidson, Rutherford, Williamson, Montgomery, and surrounding
• Services: Free legal help with benefits appeals

Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET)

• Phone: (865) 637-6790
• Website: laet.org
• Counties: Knox, Hamilton, Washington, and surrounding
• Services: Free civil legal services, benefits advocacy

Memphis Area Legal Services (MALS)

• Phone: (901) 523-8822
• Website: malsinc.org
• Counties: Shelby, Fayette, Tipton
• Services: Free legal aid for low-income residents

West Tennessee Legal Services (WTLS)

• Phone: (731) 423-0616
• Website: wtls.org
• Counties: Madison and surrounding West Tennessee counties
• Services: Free legal help for qualifying clients

Tennessee Justice Center

• Phone: (615) 255-0331
• Website: tnjustice.org
• Services: Self-help resources, benefits information

Find more legal aid: https://www.lsc.gov/about-lsc/what-legal-aid/find-legal-aid

TDHS Contact Information

Statewide Family Assistance Line: 1-866-311-4287

Online Portal: tdhs.service-now.com

TDHS Website: tn.gov/humanservices

Major County Offices:

Find your county office: tn.gov/humanservices/office-locations.html

Quick Reference Checklist

Before submitting your appeal, check:

• [ ] I filed within 90 days of the notice date
• [ ] I included my case number
• [ ] I described exactly why TDHS made a mistake
• [ ] I attached copies of my proof documents
• [ ] I signed and dated the form
• [ ] I made a copy for my records
• [ ] I got a receipt or confirmation number
• [ ] I requested continued benefits (if applicable)

Common Reasons Appeals Win

1. Wrong income calculation — TDHS used gross income instead of net, or missed deductions
2. Wrong household size — TDHS didn't count everyone in your home
3. Missed deductions — TDHS didn't deduct shelter costs, childcare, or medical expenses
4. Missing documentation — TDHS didn't receive or lost your paperwork
5. Procedural error — TDHS didn't follow proper rules

What Happens If You Win

• TDHS must fix your benefits
• You may receive back benefits from the date of the wrong decision
• Your case will be recalculated correctly going forward

What Happens If You Lose

• You can appeal to Chancery Court within 30 days of the hearing decision
• Contact legal aid for help with a court appeal
• You may have to repay benefits if you received continued benefits during appeal

Disclaimer

This guide and the court document template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change. For legal advice specific to your situation, contact a licensed attorney or the legal aid organizations listed above.

Jurist-Diction is not a law firm. Not your attorney. No attorney-client relationship exists.

jurisdiction-correct Tennessee benefits documents from Jurist-Diction start at $37 — administrative appeal templates with step-by-step instructions.

Last Updated: March 2026