Tennessee families impacted by COVID-19 will have more time to apply for the state’s Emergency Cash Assistance program, according to a news release from the Department of Human Services.
The program’s application acceptance extension to August 29 follows Governor Bill Lee’s decision to extend the state of emergency to the same date. The application process had originally been set to end on Tuesday.
The ECA program provides a maximum of two months of cash payments to qualifying families and provides $500 for a household of 1 to 2 persons, $750 for a household of 3 to 4 persons and $1000 for a household with 5 or more persons.
To qualify, families must have been employed as of March 11 but have since lost employment or at least 50% of their earned income due to the COVID-19 emergency, include a child under the age of 18 or a pregnant woman and have a valid Social Security Number. They also must not have resources exceeding $2,000 and their gross and/or unearned monthly income may not exceed 85% of the State’s Median Income that’s currently:
- Gross Monthly Income of $2,696 for a household of one.
- Gross Monthly Income of $3,526 for a household of two.
- Gross Monthly Income of $4,356 for a household of three.
- Gross Monthly Income of $5,185 for a household of four.
- Gross Monthly Income of $6,015 for a household of five.
Individuals who have already received money from the ECA program should not reapply. Families can apply at https://tdhs.service-now.com/.
Those needing help completing their ECA applications or have general questions about the program are encouraged to call the TDHS hotline at 1-833-496-0661.
“Through sound fiscal management of our federal dollars, Tennessee had the resources to immediately begin providing emergency cash assistance to families who unexpectedly needed help during the pandemic,” Tennessee Department of Human Services Commissioner Danielle W. Barnes said in the release. “Extending the application deadline until late August gives families that are losing employment now an opportunity to apply for this program. By supporting families when they need it the most, we are helping to build a thriving Tennessee when the COVID-19 pandemic passes.”
The ECA program is funded by Tennessee’s surplus Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding. TANF is a federal workforce development and employment program emphasizing work, training, and personal responsibility. It’s temporary and has a primary focus on gaining self-sufficiency through employment. Existing TANF customers receiving Families First benefits will also be eligible to apply for the emergency cash assistance.
For more information about the TDHS, visit https://www.tn.gov/humanservices.