Editor’s note: Due to the serious public health implications associated with COVID-19, The Daily Memphian is making our coronavirus coverage accessible to all readers — no subscription needed.

The Tennessee Department of Human Services is making essential financial resources available to families that have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. 

Families can apply online for up to two months of emergency cash assistance if they were employed as of March 11, 2020, and lost employment or at least 50% of their earned income as a result of the pandemic.

All TDHS offices are currently operating on appointment only as a precaution for COVID-19. 

During this time, the department is asking applicants to complete the application process for emergency cash assistance online at https://tdhs.service-now.com/relief?id=relief_registration. 

Applicants are required to upload their verification to the application prior to submitting to TDHS.

Once the application and verifications have been submitted, no further action will be needed. Applicants do not need to call the DHS office for an interview. Applicants will receive a notification of denial or approval via email within five days. If approved, applicants can expect an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card to be sent within 5-7 days of approval via mail.

The Emergency Cash Assistance is funded by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and provides:

• $500 for a household of 1 to 2 persons.
• $750 for a household of 3 to 4 persons.
• $1,000 for a household with 5 or more persons.

This assistance is available in addition to any unemployment benefits individuals in the family may be receiving.

To be eligible, families must have been employed as of March 11, 2020 but have since then lost employment or at least 50% of their earned income due to the COVID-19 emergency; have a child under the age of 18 or a pregnant woman; have a valid Social Security number; must not have resources exceeding $2,000; and the gross and/or unearned monthly income may not exceed 85% of the state’s median income, which is 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.