Children’s Special Services (CSS)

Medical services are coordinated by a full time social worker for children (birth to 21 years) with special handicapping or chronic conditions who meet financial criteria.

Embracing special children today, for independent citizens tomorrow.
The Tennessee Children's Special Services (CSS) program assures appropriate, timely, comprehensive, quality services to children from birth to 21 years of age who have or are at-risk for special needs. CSS can assist with diagnostically related services that your child may need.

Apply
Anyone interested in the Children's Special Services program must first be diagnostically eligible.

If you are diagnostically eligible then a referral is required to be a part of the Children's Special Services program.
Referrals to CSS can come from:

• Physicians
• Other providers/agencies
• Families
• Schools
• Friends

If you think that you or someone you know might be eligible for the CSS program:
Contact Brenda Ramirez by email at [email protected] or by phone (615) 795-1327. You may also make the referral online at https://stateoftennessee-cvlyz.formstack.com/forms/chant_referral_form.

Certification
When the CSS Care Coordinator has completed the CSS application packet, it is sent to the Regional Office. The documentation is reviewed by the CSS Regional Director to determine financial and diagnostic eligibility.

Financial and Diagnostic Eligibility
Click here to find out more about the state of Tennessee's CSS financial and diagnostic eligibility requirements.

Notification of Eligibility
After determination of eligibility, the family is notified by mail if they have been approved or denied of CSS services. If approved, the family will receive an approval letter, CSS Fact Sheet, Copay/Deductible Schedule, and CSS Insurance Card.

Re-certification for CSS
Once the child is enrolled in CSS the family must reapply on an annual basis. This is called re-certification. All the documentation required with initial application is requested at the time of re-certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who can make referrals to CSS? 
  Anyone
• What is covered?
  CSS can assist with diagnostically related services.
• Would they qualify if family has insurance/TennCare?
  Yes, if they qualify diagnostically and financially

Additional Helpful Resources:

• Tennessee State Requirements and Information for CSS Program