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Tennessee • Chronic Illness
If you have severe asthma in Tennessee, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, as well as state programs such as Medicaid waivers and family support. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and earned enough work credits. Most adults need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have low income and few resources, and your asthma must be severe enough to prevent substantial work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a medical guide called the Blue Book to decide if your condition meets the criteria for disability. Severe asthma is listed under respiratory disorders, and you must show that it severely limits your ability to work or do daily activities [1].
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for 2025 is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you generally cannot get SSDI, but there are work incentives and trial periods that let you test your ability to work without losing benefits right away [1].
In Tennessee, eligibility for disability benefits is based on federal rules, but the state also offers extra help through programs like Medicaid waivers and the Family Support Program. To qualify for state programs, you must have a severe disability that affects daily life and meets income or resource limits. For example, the Family Support Program helps families with children or adults who have severe disabilities, including asthma, by providing respite care, home modifications, and other supports. The Katie Beckett program is for children under 18 with complex medical needs who do not qualify for TennCare because of their parents’ income. These programs are not substitutes for federal benefits but can fill gaps in care and support [3][4].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Tennessee, you can open an ABLE account to pay for qualified disability expenses like medical care, housing, and education. Contributions do not count as income for SSI, but there are annual and lifetime limits. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one in Tennessee [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $967 per month for an individual. Tennessee does not add a state supplement to SSI, so this is the maximum you can get. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not earn more than $1,550 per month from work (SGA limit). For Medicaid (TennCare), income limits vary by household size and program, but generally, you must have low income and few resources [2][5].
If your income or condition changes, you must report it to the SSA or TennCare to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you earn too much, get other benefits, or your condition improves. If you get an overpayment notice, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan. Always keep records of your reports and follow up to make sure your benefits are correct [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Contact your local Family Support Council or TennCare office for help with applications and gathering documents. They can guide you through the process and answer your questions.
Yes, if your asthma is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must provide medical proof and meet income or work credit requirements.
The maximum SSI payment in 2025 is $967 per month. Tennessee does not add a state supplement, so this is the total amount you can receive.
You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office. For state programs, contact your local Family Support Council or TennCare.
You need medical records from your doctor that show your asthma diagnosis, treatments, and how it limits your ability to work or do daily activities.
Yes, children with severe asthma may qualify for SSI or the Katie Beckett program if they meet medical and income requirements.
The Family Support Program helps families with children or adults who have severe disabilities, including asthma, by providing respite care, home modifications, and other supports.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.
The Katie Beckett program is for children under 18 with complex medical needs who do not qualify for TennCare because of their parents’ income. It covers medical care not paid by private insurance.
Yes, but you must not earn more than $1,550 per month from work (SGA limit). There are work incentives and trial periods that let you test your ability to work without losing benefits right away.
SSI is for those with low income and few resources, while SSDI is for those who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both require severe asthma that prevents work for 12+ months.
The SSA may take 6 to 8 months to decide on your claim. For some severe conditions, payments may start right away while your claim is reviewed.
