Rutherford County, Tennessee, is a thriving community with a strong economy and a high quality of life. However, like many other counties in the United States, it is not immune to poverty and food insecurity. Many residents of Rutherford County struggle to make ends meet and provide for their families, particularly when it comes to accessing nutritious food. This is where the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, comes in.
The SNAP program is designed to provide financial assistance to low-income individuals and families to help them purchase food and improve their overall health and well-being. In Rutherford County, the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is responsible for administering the SNAP program and ensuring that eligible residents receive the benefits they need.
To be eligible for SNAP benefits in Rutherford County, applicants must meet certain income and resource requirements. These requirements vary depending on the size of the household and the type of assistance being applied for. Generally, applicants must have a gross income that is at or below 130% of the federal poverty level, and a net income that is at or below 100% of the federal poverty level.
How to Apply for Food Stamps in Rutherford County
Applying for food stamps in Rutherford County is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:
- Gather required documents: Before applying for SNAP benefits, applicants will need to gather certain documents, including proof of identity, residency, income, and resources.
- Submit an application: Applications for SNAP benefits can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at a local TDHS office. Applicants can also call the TDHS customer service line to request an application be mailed to them.
- Complete an interview: Once an application is submitted, applicants will be required to complete an interview with a TDHS representative. This interview can be conducted in person or over the phone.
- Receive a determination: After the interview is complete, the TDHS will review the application and make a determination regarding eligibility for SNAP benefits.
Required Documents for SNAP Application
When applying for SNAP benefits in Rutherford County, applicants will need to provide the following documents:
- Proof of identity (such as a driver's license or state ID)
- Proof of residency (such as a lease agreement or utility bill)
- Proof of income (such as a pay stub or tax return)
- Proof of resources (such as a bank statement or property deed)
SNAP Benefits in Rutherford County
Once an applicant is approved for SNAP benefits in Rutherford County, they will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. This card can be used to purchase food at participating grocery stores, farmers' markets, and other food retailers.
The amount of SNAP benefits an individual or family receives will depend on their income, expenses, and family size. In general, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and seafood
- Dairy products
- Bread and grains
- Pantry staples (such as canned goods and pasta)
SNAP Benefit Amounts in Rutherford County
The amount of SNAP benefits an individual or family receives will depend on their income, expenses, and family size. Here are some examples of SNAP benefit amounts in Rutherford County:
- 1 person: $192 per month
- 2 people: $353 per month
- 3 people: $505 per month
- 4 people: $642 per month
- 5 people: $762 per month
- 6 people: $900 per month
- 7 people: $1,036 per month
- 8 people: $1,164 per month
SNAP Application Status in Rutherford County
Applicants can check the status of their SNAP application in Rutherford County by:
- Calling the TDHS customer service line
- Logging into their online account
- Visiting a local TDHS office
SNAP Application Status Online
Applicants can check the status of their SNAP application online by visiting the TDHS website and logging into their account. From there, they can view the status of their application, as well as any benefits they may be receiving.
Rutherford County Food Stamp Office
The Rutherford County food stamp office is located at:
1401 West College St. Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Phone: (615) 898-7890
Fax: (615) 898-7895
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Rutherford County Food Stamp Phone Number
The Rutherford County food stamp phone number is (615) 898-7890. Applicants can call this number to:
- Apply for SNAP benefits
- Check the status of their application
- Ask questions about the SNAP program
Rutherford County Food Stamp Fax Number
The Rutherford County food stamp fax number is (615) 898-7895. Applicants can fax documents to this number, including:
- Applications for SNAP benefits
- Supporting documents (such as proof of income and resources)
Rutherford County Food Stamp Hours
The Rutherford County food stamp office is open Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm. Applicants can visit the office during these hours to:
- Apply for SNAP benefits
- Check the status of their application
- Ask questions about the SNAP program
Rutherford County Food Stamp Office Locations
There is one food stamp office location in Rutherford County:
1401 West College St. Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Rutherford County Food Stamp Image Gallery
We hope this article has provided you with helpful information about the food stamp program in Rutherford County, Tennessee. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more about the program, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.