Tennessee · Updated October 14, 2026
Tennessee income limits for SNAP, Medicaid and WIC (2026-27)
Tennessee’s SNAP limit for October 2026 to September 2027, Medicaid and WIC limits by household size, and energy bill help, from the official tables.
Quick check: which limits does your income fit?
Compares income only, before deductions. Assets, work rules, citizenship and other rules also apply; your state agency decides.
SNAP (food stamps) income limits in Tennessee
Tennessee uses the federal SNAP tests: gross income up to 130% of poverty, net income up to 100%, and the federal asset limit of $3,000 ($4,750 if someone is 60 or older or disabled).
| Household size | Federal gross limit / month (130%) | Net limit / month (100%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,729 | $1,330 |
| 2 | $2,345 | $1,804 |
| 3 | $2,960 | $2,277 |
| 4 | $3,575 | $2,750 |
| 5 | $4,191 | $3,224 |
| 6 | $4,806 | $3,697 |
| 7 | $5,421 | $4,170 |
| 8 | $6,037 | $4,644 |
October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027. Sources: USDA FNS, SNAP income eligibility standards FY2027; USDA FNS, Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility chart (June 2026).
Medicaid in Tennessee
Tennessee has not adopted the Medicaid expansion. Adults without children usually cannot qualify on income alone; parents, children, pregnant women, older adults and people with disabilities may. HealthCare.gov advises applying through the Marketplace anyway, since other options may fit.
Sources: KFF, Status of State Action on the Medicaid Expansion Decision (October 2026); HealthCare.gov, Medicaid expansion & what it means for you; HHS 2026 poverty guidelines, Federal Register Jan 15, 2026.
WIC in Tennessee
WIC helps pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children under 5 with healthy food. The income limit is 185% of the poverty guideline, July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027:
| Household size | Per year |
|---|---|
| 1 | $29,526 |
| 2 | $40,034 |
| 3 | $50,542 |
| 4 | $61,050 |
| 5 | $71,558 |
| 6 | $82,066 |
| 7 | $92,574 |
| 8 | $103,082 |
Count a pregnant woman as two (or more) people. Source: USDA WIC 2026-2027 income eligibility guidelines, Federal Register Apr 29, 2026.
Energy bill help (LIHEAP)
Tennessee sets its own LIHEAP income limit, no higher than the greater of 150% of the poverty guideline or 60% of the state median income. 150% of the 2026 guideline is $23,940 a year for one person and $49,500 for four. Ask your local energy assistance office for the exact limit. Source: HHS ACF, LIHEAP fact sheet.
Cut the rest of your bills
Benefits help most when they come with lower bills: see our guides to cutting each big bill, the phone script builder and help paying bills.
Frequently asked questions
What is the SNAP income limit in Tennessee?
For a household of four, $3,575 a month gross and $2,750 net. Figures apply October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027.
Did Tennessee expand Medicaid?
No. As of October 2026, Tennessee has not adopted the Medicaid expansion.
What is the WIC income limit in Tennessee?
$61,050 a year for a household of four (185% of poverty), from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.
See an outdated figure?
Checked October 14, 2026. Income limits are one part of eligibility; Tennessee’s agencies make the decision. This is general information, not legal advice.