Overview
The department runs three main benefit programs for residents. You can apply for all of them with one application, online through Access Franklin, in person at your county social services office, or on paper.
| Program | What it helps with | How often you renew |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid | Doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, behavioral health, long-term care | Once a year |
| Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP) | Groceries, using an EBT card | Every 6 to 12 months |
| Work First (TANF) | Short-term cash assistance and help finding work | Every 6 months |
Medicaid and health coverage
Franklin Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage. Most members get their care through a managed care health plan that they choose when they enroll. If you don't choose, we'll pick a plan for you and tell you how to change it.
Who may qualify
- Adults with income below the program limit
- Children, including through the children's health insurance program
- Pregnant people, with coverage that continues for 12 months after pregnancy
- People age 65 or older, and people who are blind or have a disability
- People who need long-term care at home or in a facility
Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP)
Food and Nutrition Services helps households with low income buy food. Benefits are loaded each month onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that works like a debit card at most grocery stores and farmers markets.
If your household has very little income or money in the bank, you may get benefits within 7 days. Tell us when you apply.
Work First cash assistance (TANF)
Work First provides short-term cash assistance to families with children while adults in the household prepare for, find or keep a job. Most adults sign a personal plan with their county caseworker that lists the steps they'll take toward work.
Who can apply
Anyone can apply. We decide eligibility based on:
- Who lives in your household and how you are related
- Your household's income before taxes
- For some programs, your resources, such as bank accounts
- Residency in the State of Franklin
- Citizenship or eligible immigration status for the person getting benefits
Parents can apply for their children even if the parents are not eligible themselves.
How to apply
- ApplyOnline through Access Franklin, at your county social services office, or by mailing a paper application to your county.
- InterviewFood and cash assistance need a short interview, usually by phone. Medicaid usually does not.
- Send proofWe'll send a checklist of anything we need. You can upload documents in Access Franklin.
- Get a decisionWe mail a notice with our decision and the reason for it. Most applications are decided within 30 days, or 45 days for Medicaid.
Documents you may need
- Photo identification
- Proof of income for the last 30 days, such as pay stubs
- Proof of where you live, such as a lease or a utility bill
- Immigration documents, if they apply to you
- Bills for rent, utilities, child care or medical costs, which can affect food assistance
Don't wait for every document before applying. Your application date matters, and we can help you get proof.
Renew your benefits
We check eligibility again at regular intervals. Before your renewal date, we'll try to renew you automatically using information we already have. If we can't, we'll mail you a renewal form.
Return your form on time
If you don't return your renewal form by the date on the notice, your benefits may end. You can renew online in Access Franklin, by mail, or at your county office.
Keep your mailing address up to date so renewal notices reach you.
Report a change
Tell us within 10 days if your household changes. Changes you need to report include:
- A new address or phone number
- Someone moves in or out
- A new job, a lost job, or a change in pay
- A pregnancy or a new baby
- New health insurance through a job
Your rights
We don't discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability. If you disagree with a decision we make about your benefits, you can ask for a fair hearing.