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Tennessee • Mental Health
If you have Bipolar Disorder and cannot work, you may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) in Tennessee. State programs like Family Support and Medicaid waivers can also help. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and extra resources.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Tennessee, you must have a medical condition that stops you from working for at least 12 months. Bipolar Disorder can qualify if it severely limits your ability to work.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): You need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. Most adults need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled. The number of credits needed depends on your age when you became disabled. You must also earn less than $1,620 per month in 2025 (or $2,700 if blind) to meet the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit [5].
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): You do not need work credits. Instead, your income and resources must be below certain limits. The SGA limit is the same as for SSDI. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, including children and adults with disabilities [5].
Both programs require a medical review to confirm your disability. Bipolar Disorder is listed in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book under mental disorders, but you do not need to match the listing exactly to qualify [2].
In Tennessee, people with Bipolar Disorder may also qualify for state programs that help with daily living, health care, and family support. The Family Support Program helps families with children or adults with severe disabilities stay together at home. It can pay for respite care, home modifications, equipment, and more. The maximum benefit is $6,000 per person per year, but actual amounts depend on available funds and local needs [3].
Tennessee also offers Medicaid waivers, such as the Medicaid HCBS Waiver, which can provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. These waivers can help with personal care, therapy, and other supports. Eligibility depends on income, disability severity, and available slots [4].
Other state resources include SNAP for food help, TennCare for health coverage, and housing assistance through the Tennessee Housing Development Agency. These programs can fill gaps in federal benefits and help you live more independently [4].
Collect Documents: Get medical records, work history, pay stubs, and proof of income. You will need details about your Bipolar Disorder diagnosis, treatment, and how it limits your daily life and work.
Check Eligibility: Use the SSA’s online tools to see if you meet SSDI or SSI requirements. SSDI needs work credits; SSI needs low income and resources [5].
Start Application: Apply online at SSA.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit a local Social Security office. The online application is fast, but you can get help from a disability advocate if needed [1].
Submit Medical Evidence: Provide all medical records, doctor’s notes, and test results. The SSA will review your case and may ask for more information or a medical exam [6].
Wait for Decision: The SSA will review your application and medical evidence. This can take 6–8 months. If approved, you will get a letter with your benefit amount and start date [6].
Appeal if Denied: If your claim is denied, you have 60 days to appeal. You can request a reconsideration, a hearing, or further review. Many people get benefits after appealing [1].
The main federal programs for Bipolar Disorder in Tennessee are:
SSDI: Monthly payments for people who paid Social Security taxes and are unable to work due to disability. The maximum payment in 2025 is $4,018 per month [2].
SSI: Monthly payments for people with low income and resources. The maximum payment in 2025 is $967 per month [2].
Medicare: Health coverage for SSDI recipients after a 24-month waiting period (exceptions for ALS and end-stage renal disease) [5].
Medicaid: Health coverage for SSI recipients and others with low income. In Tennessee, this is called TennCare [4].
Tennessee offers several programs to help people with Bipolar Disorder:
Family Support Program: Provides up to $6,000 per year for families with children or adults with severe disabilities. Services include respite care, home modifications, equipment, supplies, personal assistance, transportation, and more. Local councils help decide how funds are used [3].
Medicaid HCBS Waiver: Offers home and community-based services for people with disabilities. Services can include personal care, therapy, and support to live in the community. Eligibility depends on income, disability severity, and available slots [4].
SNAP (Food Stamps): Helps with food costs for low-income individuals and families [4].
TennCare: Tennessee’s Medicaid program, providing health coverage for people with disabilities and low income [4].
Housing Assistance: The Tennessee Housing Development Agency offers programs to help with safe and affordable housing [4].
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. Contributions do not count as income for SSI, and earnings grow tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free. 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. SSDI has no income limit, but you must earn less than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) to meet the SGA limit. State programs like SNAP and Medicaid have their own income limits based on household size and resources [2][5].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to the SSA to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you earn too much or get other benefits. Report changes promptly to avoid penalties. Learn how to report changes and avoid overpayments [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Contact your local Social Security office or a disability advocate for free help with your application. Many nonprofits in Tennessee offer support for people with Bipolar Disorder.
Most disability claims are denied at first. You can appeal and many people get benefits after a hearing or reconsideration.
Yes, Bipolar Disorder can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it prevents you from working for at least 12 months. You must provide medical evidence showing how your condition limits your daily life and work.
SSI is for people with low income and resources, while SSDI is for those who paid Social Security taxes and have enough work credits. Both require a severe disability that stops you from working.
The maximum SSDI payment in 2025 is $4,018 per month. The maximum SSI payment is $967 per month. Actual amounts depend on your work history, income, and resources.
You need medical records, work history, proof of income, and details about how Bipolar Disorder affects your daily life. The SSA may ask for more information or a medical exam.
The SSA usually takes 6–8 months to decide on a disability claim. Some cases are decided faster if they meet certain medical criteria.
If your claim is denied, you have 60 days to appeal. You can request a reconsideration, a hearing, or further review. Many people get benefits after appealing.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
You can try to work, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit ($1,620 per month in 2025). Social Security offers work incentives and trial work periods to help you test your ability to work.
Tennessee offers the Family Support Program, Medicaid HCBS Waiver, SNAP, TennCare, and housing assistance. These programs can help with daily living, health care, and financial needs.
Report changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to the SSA as soon as possible. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits accurate.
Yes, children with Bipolar Disorder may qualify for SSI if their condition is severe and meets SSA criteria. The process is similar to adults, but uses different rules for children.
