If you have arthritis in Tennessee and it prevents you from working, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, as well as state programs for support, healthcare, and daily living. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what help is available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and earned enough work credits. For most adults, this means 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled. If you are younger, fewer credits may be needed. Your arthritis must be severe enough to prevent you from doing any substantial work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a list of conditions, but even if arthritis isn’t listed, you can still qualify if your symptoms are severe enough to stop you from working. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have low income and few resources, and your arthritis must also prevent you from working for at least 12 months. Both programs require medical proof of your disability.
Source: Disability Resources TN, 2025
In Tennessee, arthritis may qualify you for state programs that help with daily living, healthcare, and family support. The Family Support Program assists individuals with severe disabilities and their families with services like respite care, home modifications, equipment, and personal assistance. This program is for families with children or adults with severe disabilities who need extra help at home. The Katie Beckett program helps children under 18 with complex medical needs, including severe arthritis, who do not qualify for TennCare due to family income. Tennessee also offers Medicaid waivers (HCBS) for people with disabilities, which can provide home and community-based services. Eligibility for these programs depends on the severity of your arthritis, income, and other factors. State programs often work alongside federal benefits like SSI and SSDI.
Step 1: Review eligibility. Make sure your arthritis is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. Check if you meet SSDI work credit requirements or SSI income limits.
Step 2: Gather documents. Collect medical records, doctor’s notes, work history, and proof of income and resources.
Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI. You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office. For children, apply for SSI or the Katie Beckett program.
Step 4: Apply for state programs. Contact the Tennessee Family Support Program or Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) for extra help with daily living, medical costs, and equipment.
Step 5: Follow up. The SSA may ask for more information or a medical exam. Respond quickly to avoid delays.
Step 6: Appeal if denied. If your application is denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Get help from a disability advocate or legal aid if needed.
Step 7: Report changes. If your income, work, or medical condition changes, report it to the SSA to avoid overpayments.
Source: TN.gov Family Support, 2025
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Tennessee, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. The account grows tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed. ABLE accounts can help with medical costs, education, housing, and more. You must have a disability that started before age 26 to qualify.
Source: ABLE National Resource Center, 2025
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $967 per month for an individual. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not earn more than $1,550 per month (non-blind) or $2,590 (blind) from work. State programs like Family Support and Medicaid Waivers have their own income and asset limits, which vary by program and household size.
If your income, work, or medical condition changes, you must report it to the SSA to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes or if the SSA makes a mistake. If you get an overpayment, you may have to pay it back, but you can ask for a waiver if it wasn’t your fault. Always keep records of your income and work, and report changes as soon as possible.
Contact your local SSA office or a Tennessee disability advocate for help with your application. Many nonprofits offer free assistance.
Yes, if your arthritis is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You must provide medical proof and meet federal eligibility rules.
SSI is for people with low income and few resources, while SSDI is for those with a work history. Both require proof that arthritis prevents substantial work for at least 12 months.
In 2025, the maximum SSDI payment is $4,018 per month, and the maximum SSI payment is $967 per month. Actual amounts depend on your work history and income.
Tennessee offers the Family Support Program, Katie Beckett for children, Medicaid Waivers (HCBS), and TennCare. These programs help with medical costs, equipment, and daily living.
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or at a local SSA office. For state programs, contact the Family Support Program or Medicaid Waivers.
You need medical records, doctor’s notes, work history, and proof of income and resources. The SSA may ask for more information or a medical exam.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Yes, children with severe arthritis may qualify for SSI or the Katie Beckett program. Both require proof of disability and financial need.
If denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Get help from a disability advocate or legal aid to improve your chances of approval.
Report changes in income, work, or medical condition to the SSA as soon as possible to avoid overpayments. Keep records of all changes.
Yes, but you must not earn more than $1,550 per month (non-blind) or $2,590 (blind) from work. Social Security offers work incentives to help you test return-to-work.
