American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), Tennessee is receiving a substantial investment from the federal government to create and save jobs, and aid individuals and families affected by the recession. The Tennessee Department of Human Services administers several programs that will benefit from this investment, including the Weatherization, Food Stamp and Child Care programs. Visit the DHS Recovery page
Human Services Headlines
$19.5 Million In Recovery Funds Approved For Tennessee
July 28, 2009NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Governor Phil Bredesen today announced the approval of $19.5 million in federal stimulus funding for Tennessee to help low income citizens weather these tough economic times.(More)
Local Child Care Provider Earns Perfect Score On Assessment
July 27, 2009NASHVILLE, Tenn.— The Strawberry Patch Group Child Care Home at 158 East Rhea Avenue in Spring City has done what no other child care agency in the state has ever been able to do—score a perfect “7” on its annual assessment. (More)
Weatherization “Recovery” Work To Begin In Middle Tennessee
July 23, 2009The Tennessee Department of Human Services has begun posting the first Weatherization/Recovery jobs in the state. The Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency, serving Wilson, Sumner, Williamson, Robertson, Trousdale, Rutherford and Cheatham Counties, has performed energy audits on nearly two dozen homes in recent weeks. (More)
Tennessee Sees Record Child Support Collections
July 21, 2009NASHVILLE, Tenn. –The Tennessee Department of Human Services collected more than $557 million for children though its child support program over the last state fiscal year, surpassing the previous year’s record of $530 million. (More)
Training To Begin for Recovery Act Weatherization Program
July 1, 2009NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Department of Human Services announced today that training will begin next week to prepare energy auditors and contractors to weatherize thousands of homes across Tennessee, including homes of some families not previously eligible for the program.(More)
Public Hearings and Comments
Public hearings to discuss amendments to rules on liens for child support.Read the Full Story
Public hearing to discuss amendments to financial eligibility requirements
for the standards of need/income on food stamp standard utility allowance.Read the Full Story
Public hearings to discuss amendments to Child Support forms for withholding of income for child support.Read the Full Story
The comment period on the VR FY 2010 State Plan ends June 26, 2009. Please see the announcement for more details.Read the Full Story
Public hearings set to discuss new rule to technical and financial eligibility requirements for Medicaid on community spouse resource allocation.Read the Full Story
Click here for a complete list of all of the Department's upcoming Rule Making hearings.
Human Services At A Glance
Adult and Family Services
The Adult & Family Services Division is responsible for services that help strengthen families and protect the most vulnerable citizens in Tennessee. This division also supplies funding to community human and social services agencies.
Child Support Services
The Child Support Division offers help in locating missing parents, establishing paternity, obtaining or modifying child support orders through the courts, and enforcing court orders so children receive the support they need.
Rehabilitation Services
The Division of Rehabilitation Services helps persons with disabilities become self-sufficient, gain or retain competitive employment, or receive timely and accurate decisions on their applications for disability benefits.
Appeals and Hearings
This Division receives appeals and conducts fair hearings for applicants and clients who believe they did not receive the services and/or benefits from the Department of Human Services to which they are entitled.
Office of the General Counsel
The Office of the General Counsel provides legal advice to DHS programs,
legal representation in judicial and administrative litigation affecting the
department, prepares departmental rules, and prepares legislation for and
analysis of legislation affecting the Department.
Rules and Regulations
The rules and regulations for the programs administered by the Department of Human Services.
Human Services Media
Popular Topics
Human Services Mission Statement
To improve the well-being of economically disadvantaged, disabled or vulnerable Tennesseans through a network of financial, employment, rehabilitative and protective services.
