How to Qualify for Disability Benefits in Tennessee

In Tennessee, residents who cannot work due to injury or illness can access several benefits programs. Although Tennessee does not have a state-specific short-term disability program, individuals can apply for Social Security benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). These federal programs include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which provide eligible individuals with financial assistance and healthcare coverage. We’ll walk through the types of benefits programs in Tennessee and the eligibility requirements.

How to qualify for disability benefits in Tennessee

Qualifying for disability benefits in Tennessee involves a structured evaluation process defined by the SSA. Here’s an overview to help you understand the key steps and qualifications for SSDI and SSI:

The 5-step sequential disability evaluation process

To determine eligibility for disability benefits, the SSA follows a methodical 5-step evaluation process to assess your work capability and medical condition.

1. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): The SSA will assess if you're working and earning more than a specific monthly amount ($1,550 for non-blind individuals in 2024), which would be considered engaging in SGA and may disqualify you from receiving disability benefits.

2. Severe impairment: The SSA then examines if your condition significantly limits your ability to perform basic work-related activities. Your condition must be expected to last more than 12 months.

3. SSA definition of disability: Your condition is evaluated against the SSA’s criteria in its Blue Book to see if it meets their definition of disability. Even if your condition is not listed, you can qualify if you can prove you cannot work because of your disability. 

4. Previous work: The SSA will consider if you can perform previous work you’ve done in the past 15 years. They’ll also determine your residual functional capacity (RFC), which is the most work you can perform despite your limitations.

5. Other work: Finally, the SSA evaluates if you can do any other type of work based on your RFC, age, education, and work experience. 

SSDI benefits eligibility

To be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), applicants must meet both medical and work history criteria set by the SSA:

• Applicants must meet the SSA's disability criteria and be unable to work for at least a year due to a medical condition.

• The SSA generally requires 40 work credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years. You likely meet this if you’ve worked 5 out of the previous 10 years and paid Social Security taxes.

SSI benefits eligibility

To qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), applicants must meet medical and income requirements:

• You must be unable to work for at least a year due to a qualifying disability or be

• You must have less than $2,000 in assets ($3,000 for married couples) and limited income. Most types of income and support can affect eligibility.

Learn more about the differences between SSDI and SSI, and about the strict SSI assets and income requirements. 

What conditions qualify for disability in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, as in the rest of the U.S., eligibility for Social Security disability benefits is not dependent on the name of a condition. Instead, its based on how severely the condition affects your ability to work. 

The SSA maintains a comprehensive list of medical conditions considered severe enough to prevent an individual from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). This list, known as the SSA Blue Book, outlines the evaluation process for qualifying conditions.

It's important to note that simply having a condition listed in the SSA Blue Book does not automatically qualify someone for disability benefits. The key factor in determining eligibility is the severity of the condition and how it limits your ability to work. The SSA thoroughly reviews medical evidence to assess the condition's impact on your daily life and work capabilities.

For individuals with conditions not explicitly mentioned in the Blue Book, the SSA will evaluate their Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) to determine if they can perform any work given their limitations.

Conditions most approved in Tennessee

According to the latest SSA data, the most common conditions to qualify for benefits in Tennessee are:

• Mental disorders: 29.8%

• Diseases of the musculoskeletal system: 33.2%

• Diseases of the nervous system and sense organs: 9.5%

Among the mental disorders, the most common in the state are: 

• Depression, bipolar, and related disorders: 27,193 beneficiaries

• Intellectual disorders: 20,532 beneficiaries

• Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders: 8,231 beneficiaries

Do I need a disability lawyer in Tennessee?

No, the SSA does not require disability applicants to work with a lawyer, but working with a disability attorney is a good idea. Case in point: Working with a disability lawyer improves your chances of winning benefits three times. 

Benefits of working with a disability lawyer

Navigating the complexities of applying for disability benefits can be overwhelming, especially when you are focused on managing your health. A disability lawyer can:

• Build your case: Disability lawyers specialize in the intricacies of Social Security law and understand how to present a case in the most favorable light.

• Gather medical records: An experienced attorney will know exactly what medical evidence is needed to support your disability claim.

• Complete and submit paperwork: The application process involves extensive paperwork. A lawyer can ensure that all documents are accurately completed and submitted on time.

• Represent you at hearings: If your claim goes to a hearing, having a lawyer to represent you can be invaluable. They'll prepare you for questions, argue on your behalf, and present your case to the judge.

SSA offices in Tennessee

From Cookeville to Nashville, Johnson City to Memphis, there are 28 SSA offices throughout the state of Tennessee. Visit your nearest SSA field office to apply for benefits:

Get help with your disability application

If you’re a Tennessean applying for disability benefits, we can help. Take our 2-minute quiz to assess your eligibility, and a member of our team will follow up for more information about your case.

We can introduce you to a qualified disability lawyer who can help you navigate the disability application process. There are no upfront costs to work with Atticus—you only pay your lawyer a one-time fee when they win you benefits.

Related resources:

Tennessee Disability Benefits

By Jackie Jakab

SSA Offices in Tennessee

By Jackie Jakab