If you or a loved one in Tennessee has cerebral palsy, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state programs such as Medicaid waivers, Family Support, and the Katie Beckett program. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Tennessee, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least one year or is expected to result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) runs two main programs:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): You must have paid enough Social Security taxes through work. Most adults need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled. The amount you can earn while disabled is limited to $1,550 per month in 2025 for non-blind individuals.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This is for people with low income and few resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require that your condition meets SSA’s definition of disability, which includes conditions like cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy is listed as a qualifying condition, and children with cerebral palsy may get immediate SSI payments while their case is reviewed[6].
In Tennessee, people with cerebral palsy can access additional state programs beyond federal benefits. The Family Support Program helps families with children or adults with severe disabilities stay together at home, offering services like respite care, home modifications, and personal assistance. The program has a benefit limit of $6,000 per individual, but availability depends on local resources[3].
Tennessee’s Katie Beckett program is for children under 18 with disabilities or complex medical needs who do not qualify for TennCare due to their parents’ income or assets. This program covers medical care not paid by private insurance[4].
Tennessee also offers Medicaid waivers, such as the Employment and Community First (ECF) Choices program, which provides home and community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including cerebral palsy[4].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Tennessee residents with cerebral palsy can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one[internal_link_3].
For SSI in 2025, the maximum monthly payment is $967 for an individual. SSDI payments vary based on work history, with a maximum of $4,018 per month. Income limits for SSI are strict, but some work is allowed under special rules. Use the SSI Income Estimator to see how much you might get[internal_link_4].
If your income, work, or medical status changes, you must report it to the Social Security Administration to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits. Learn how to report changes and avoid overpayments[internal_link_5].
Contact your local Family Support Council or a disability advocate for help with applications and appeals. You can also call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
You may qualify for SSI or SSDI, which provide monthly payments if you meet income or work history requirements. Medicare and Medicaid may also be available for health coverage.
Yes, children with cerebral palsy may get immediate SSI payments while their case is reviewed. This is for up to 6 months and is available for certain qualifying conditions[6].
Tennessee offers the Family Support Program, Katie Beckett program, and Medicaid waivers like ECF Choices. These programs provide services, financial help, and support for families with children or adults with cerebral palsy[3][4].
Gather medical records, decide if you need SSI or SSDI, and apply online, by phone, or in person at SSA.gov. For state programs, contact your local Family Support Council or TennCare[3][4].
SSI is for people with low income and few resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is for people who have paid enough Social Security taxes through work. Both can help people with cerebral palsy[2][4].
Yes, Social Security offers work incentives and trial work periods. You can test your ability to work without immediately losing benefits, but there are limits on how much you can earn[1].
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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The Family Support Program helps families with children or adults with severe disabilities, including cerebral palsy, stay together at home. Services include respite care, home modifications, and personal assistance[3].
The Katie Beckett program is for children under 18 with disabilities or complex medical needs who do not qualify for TennCare due to their parents’ income or assets. It covers medical care not paid by private insurance[4].
Apply through TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid program. Medicaid waivers like ECF Choices provide home and community-based services for people with cerebral palsy[4][5].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Tennessee residents with cerebral palsy can open an ABLE account for disability-related expenses[internal_link_3].
