Thousands of families who get monthly money assistance through the state’s Families First Program are receiving additional support from the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). As of 1 December 2022, households having a case in the Families First Program will get a $500 one-time extra payment on their current Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. From 1 December 2022, these one-time payments will be available.
Before the holiday season, the payment will give roughly 24,000 children in participating Families First families additional support.
According to TDHS Commissioner Clarence H. Carter, “We assist some of the most economically challenged families and children through the Families First program and realize the issues they’re facing.”
“Meeting the demands of the holiday season can provide additional challenges for those responsible for childcare, such as arranging for school breaks, serving extra food, and a host of other issues. The purpose of this one-time boost in financial aid is to assist Families First participants in overcoming these temporary obstacles and putting them in a strong position to begin the year.
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program in Tennessee is called Families First. The federally funded TANF program empowers families for long-term success by emphasizing job, family strengthening, and responsibility. The program offers temporary money assistance, childcare, educational support, transportation, career training, and other support services to participants to help them achieve this goal.
Participants of Families First are also being warned by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) and its Office of Inspector General about the current rise in EBT card fraud attempts. Participants of Families First are advised to remain careful against phishing and EBT card-swiping scams.
