Help aging out of foster care in Tennessee
We've found 6 places in Tennessee for people aging out of foster care, and 6 that serve the whole state. Our volunteers haven't confirmed these yet, so a quick call ahead is worth it. Most of them help with benefits & cash (3), food (2) and shelter & housing (2).
Places in Tennessee
211 Tennessee (Middle Tennessee)
Free information line covering 42 Middle Tennessee counties that points callers to food, rent help, shelter, utilities, and health services. Dial three digits or text a ZIP code to reach a specialist any time of day.
DCS Independent Living and Extended Foster Care
Covers the state's post-18 foster care benefits: continued placement or an Independent Living Allowance through age 21, case management, life-skills classes, Education and Training Vouchers up to $5,000 a year, and the Bright Futures scholarship through age 26. Jim Casey resource centers in Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga serve current and former foster youth ages 14–25.
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
Free civil legal help across 48 Middle and Upper Cumberland counties, including eviction defense, restoration of rights after a conviction, and legal clinics. Phone intake is required before any in-person appointment; the Nashville office serves Davidson and Williamson counties.
Tennessee Office of Vital Records
State office that issues certified birth certificates for $15 per copy. Because records are registered statewide, any county health department can also issue a Tennessee birth certificate; bring identification and fees, and non-parent/child/spouse requesters need proof of entitlement.
Tennessee Identification License
State photo ID for Tennesseans who do not hold a driver license. Apply at a Driver Services Center with proof of citizenship or legal presence, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency; a free permanent ID is available to residents whose disability prevents driving.
One DHS Customer Portal (SNAP, Families First, Child Care)
Tennessee's online door to food stamps and other DHS benefits, open around the clock, with a contact center for people who prefer to call. Upload copies of ID, income, and shelter-cost documents within 10 days of applying to avoid delays.
National lines that work in Tennessee
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.