Beneficios, Identificación y Familia
Los trámites y programas que abren la puerta a todo lo demás: cobertura de salud, Seguro Social, ayuda para el cuidado infantil, WIC, una identificación de reemplazo y un acta de nacimiento. Muchos servicios exigen una identificación con foto, así que obtenerla pronto ahorra tiempo.
Esta guía está disponible solo en inglés por ahora. Si tiene preguntas, llámenos al (901) 286-1035 o escriba a [email protected].
Free to download, print, and share. Works offline.
Numbers to know
- 911Emergency Services (911)24/7
- 988988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline24/7
- 1-800-222-1222Poison Help Line24/7
- 2-1-1LINC 2-1-1 (Memphis Public Libraries & United Way)Library-based staff: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
| Organization | What they offer | Who qualifies & cost | How to apply | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelby County Health Department: Birth & Death Certificates official websiteTennessee records, issued in Shelby County | Certified copies of Tennessee birth certificates for births after 1924 and death certificates after 1955. A valid government photo ID is required, and authorized requesters include immediate family and legal representatives. Two offices are open on weekdays. | Immediate family, legal representatives, or beneficiaries with documentation; valid photo ID requiredCost: $15 per copy; cash and most cards, no American Express, no personal checks | Visit the main office (814 Jefferson Ave, Room 100) or the East office (1826 Sycamore View Rd). |
|
| Social Security Administration official websiteUnited States | Apply for retirement, disability (SSDI), or SSI benefits, and request a replacement Social Security card. The national line schedules appointments, and many people find it faster to start online or by phone before visiting. The Memphis field office is at 1330 Monroe Ave. | Varies by programCost: Free | Call the national number or the Memphis field office to schedule, or start online. |
|
| TennCare Connect official websiteTennessee | The state site and phone line to apply for or manage TennCare (Medicaid) coverage. It has live chat and a mobile app, and you can upload documents online. Apply here before sending someone to a clinic if they have no coverage. | Tennessee residents; eligibility is determined by the stateCost: Free to apply | Apply online, by app, or by phone. |
|
| Tennessee Child Care Payment Assistance (Smart Steps) official websiteTennessee | A state subsidy that helps working parents and students pay for child care for children from 6 weeks through kindergarten. Parents generally need to work or attend school 30 or more hours a week and be under the income limit, and they pay a co-pay based on income. Apply through the One DHS portal. | Parents working or in school 30+ hours/week; household income at or below 85% of state median incomeCost: Subsidized; income-based co-pay | Apply through the One DHS Customer Portal with the child care payment assistance application, and upload income and ID documents. | |
| Tennessee Driver Services Center: East Shelby (License & Photo ID) official websiteShelby County, TN | The state center where you can replace or renew a driver license, get a state photo ID, and arrange REAL ID services. Many transactions can be booked by appointment online. Bring your identity documents, and arrive about 15 minutes early. | Tennessee residents with required identity and residency documentsCost: State fees apply | Book an appointment online or visit in person. |
|
| WIC (Women, Infants & Children): Shelby County Health Department official websiteShelby County, TN | Nutrition support and education for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and for infants and children up to age 5. Households at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level qualify, and people on SNAP, TANF, or TennCare are automatically income-eligible. Bring proof of identity, residency, and income to a clinic. | Pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women; infants and children to age 5; income at or below 185% of povertyCost: Free | Call to schedule a WIC appointment, then visit a clinic with your documents. |
Last verified
Preguntas frecuentes
I lost my ID. What should I do first?
Start with the state driver services center for a replacement or state ID, and bring whatever identity documents you still have. A birth certificate from the county health department is often the first document you need if nothing else is on hand.
How do I apply for TennCare, SNAP, or child care help?
TennCare has its own application site and phone line, and the state human services portal handles SNAP and child care payment assistance. You can apply online or by phone, and many applicants need proof of identity and income.
What is WIC and who qualifies?
WIC provides nutrition support for pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 in households under the income limit. People who already receive SNAP or TennCare are treated as income-eligible.