How to Apply for Disability Benefits in Tennessee
Atticus offers free, high-quality disability advice for Americans who can't work. Our team of Stanford and Harvard-trained lawyers has a combined 15+ years of legal experience and has helped over 50,000 Americans apply for disability benefits.
If you're a Tennessee resident unable to work due to an injury or illness, you might qualify for disability benefits. Federal disability programs are available to provide financial assistance and healthcare coverage to those in need. Approximately 250,000 Tennesseans receive Social Security disability benefits.
We’ll walk through everything you need to know about disability benefits in Tennessee, from the eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Disability benefits in Tennessee
In Tennessee, individuals looking to apply for disability benefits primarily navigate through federal programs since the state doesn't offer a disability program. Disability benefits available to Tennessee residents include:
Social Security Disability Insurance: SSDI is a federal program that provides financial support to those who can no longer work due to a medical condition. SSDI benefits include monthly payments and Medicare coverage after a five-month waiting period.
Supplemental Security Income: SSI is for individuals with little income and resources, including those without a significant work history. SSI beneficiaries also qualify for Medicaid.
VA benefits: The Department of Veterans Affairs manages the VA benefits program to compensate veterans for injuries or illnesses incurred during military service.
Private disability insurance: This can be an option for individuals with coverage through their employer or a personal policy, but only if it was purchased before becoming disabled. These policies typically offer a percentage of the salary if you cannot work due to a disability.
Workers’ compensation: Workers’ comp is an insurance program to cover medical costs and wage replacement if you cannot work because of a work-related injury or illness.
Each program has unique features designed to support those who qualify based on their work history, income, resources, or military service. Navigating these options can be complex, but understanding what each offers is the first step toward receiving benefits.
The rest of this guide will focus on how to apply for Social Security disability programs.
How to apply for Social Security Disability in Tennessee
Applying for Social Security disability benefits takes time and effort. Follow these steps to begin the application process:
Gather documentation. You’ll need personal identification, medical records, employment history, and other documents that “prove” your disability to the Social Security Administration for the initial application.
Create an SSA account. To apply for benefits, you must create an account on SSA.gov.
Consider working with a disability lawyer. A lawyer can help build your case, gather your medical records, and help you complete the paperwork.
Fill out the application forms. The main application form will ask for your basic information.
How to submit your application
There are three ways you can submit your Social Security Disability application:
Apply online: Utilize the SSA website to down the online application and submit electronically.
Apply via phone: Call the SSA at (800) 772-1213, and an SSA claims representative can talk you through the application and fill it out for you.
Apply in-person: Visit your local SSA office to apply. An SSA claims representative can provide specific instructions about the application. (Know they can't offer advice on how to frame your answers to benefit your case — that’s where a lawyer can be helpful.)
SSA offices in Tennessee
From Cookeville to Nashville, Johnson City to Knoxville, there are 28 SSA field offices in Tennessee. Search below for the location and phone number of the office nearest you:
Athens 921 Congress Pkwy N Athens, TN 37303 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 964-7431 Fax Number: (833) 597-0068 | Chattanooga 1290 Premier Dr Ste 140 Chattanooga, TN 37421 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 964-0029 Fax Number: (833) 597-0086 | Clarksville 119 Center Pointe Dr Clarksville, TN 37040 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (877) 531-4695 Fax Number: (833) 597-0134 |
Cleveland 529 Inman St W Cleveland, TN 37311 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (855) 207-4867 Fax Number: (833) 912-2284
| Columbia 1885 Shady Brook St Columbia, TN 38401 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (877) 876-3174 Fax Number: (833) 597-0124 | Cookeville 1145 Perimeter Park Dr Cookeville, TN 38501 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (888) 717-1528 Fax Number: (833) 597-0132 |
Dyersburg 1070 Vendall Rd Dyersburg, TN 38024 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (877) 480-5002 Fax Number: (833) 597-0126 | Gallatin 637 Commons Dr Gallatin, TN 37066 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 964-7392 Fax Number: (833) 950-3791
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How much are Social Security benefits in Tennessee?
The maximum Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefit for 2024 is $3,822 monthly, while Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offers a maximum of $943 monthly for individuals. On average, SSDI recipients in Tennessee receive $1,678 for SSDI, and the average SSI benefits are $599.
The payment amounts depend on your work history, earnings, and resources. To check the exact amount you’ll receive, create an account on SSA.gov.
Click here for a step-by-step guide to creating an SSA account.
Do I need a disability lawyer in Tennessee?
The SSA does not require disability applicants to have a lawyer, but it’s a good idea to have one. A disability lawyer in Tennessee can help you navigate every step of the application process and build your disability claim. Benefits of working with a lawyer include:
Paperwork assistance: There’s a lot of paperwork as part of the application. Lawyers can help you accurately complete and submit all necessary forms.
Communication: A lawyer can handle all correspondence with the SSA on your behalf, ensuring clarity and timeliness.
Increased success rate: Statistically, applicants with legal representation are three times more likely to win their benefits case.
Advocacy: A lawyer will advocate for your rights and interests throughout the application and appeals process.
Get help applying for disability benefits in Tennessee
Finding the right lawyer involves research and consultation to ensure they understand your needs and have a proven track record of success in disability cases. Atticus has done all the hard work of finding great disability lawyers.
Take our 2-minute quiz and connect with a client advocate to get free advice on your disability claim. If you'd like, we can introduce you to a lawyer who can help you navigate the application process, step by step.
Frequently asked questions about benefits in Tennessee
How do I qualify for disability in Tennessee?
To qualify for disability you need to have a condition that prevents you from working for at least a year. You’ll also need to meet certain work history requirements (for SSDI) or be within certain income limits (for SSI). For more on these requirements, read our full write up here.
What conditions qualify for disability in Tennessee?
Any condition that will prevent you from working for a year or more can qualify for disability benefits. Some of the most common conditions include musculoskeletal disorders, mental disorders, nervous system diseases, and circulatory system diseases. See our full list of conditions that qualify here.
How long does it take to get approved for disability in Tennessee?
It takes an average of 7 months to get an initial disability decision in Tennessee. Most people who apply are initially rejected, and need to appeal this decision. If you appeal and go to a hearing, the process takes around two years on average. Read more: How Long It Takes to Get Approved for Disability Benefits
How much does disability pay in Tennessee?
The average SSDI payment in Tennessee is $1,678 per month. The average SSI payment is $599 per month. What you’ll earn is dependent on your income, or the amount you’ve historically paid into the Social Security program. Read more on what amount you can expect.
How should I prepare my disability application in Tennessee?
Answer the application questions truthfully, consistently, and succinctly. You should also ensure that you gather and submit all your medical records with your application. The SSA paperwork can be complicated, so our legal team has written a full guide to the application here.
Does Tennessee have a state disability program?
No, Tennessee doesn't have a state disability program. Only five states (California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island) have a state program. Residents of Tennessee can apply for federal disability programs (SSDI and SSI). Read more about SSDI and SSI here.
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