If you are deaf in Tennessee, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state programs for support and services. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available in 2025.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Tennessee, you must have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration's definition of disability. For deafness, this means a severe hearing loss that prevents you from working at a substantial level for at least 12 months. The two main programs are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI requires a work history and enough work credits earned through Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs have strict income and asset limits. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning above these amounts generally disqualifies you from benefits, but there are work incentives and trial periods that allow you to test your ability to work without losing benefits immediately. Family members may also be eligible for dependent benefits if you qualify for SSDI.
For children, the Social Security Administration may make immediate SSI payments if the child has total deafness, while the full application is reviewed. This can provide critical support during the waiting period.
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 Source: SSA.gov, 2025
In Tennessee, people who are deaf may also qualify for state-specific programs and services. The Family Support Program provides up to $6,000 per year for individuals with severe disabilities, including deafness, to help families stay together and access needed services like respite care, home modifications, and personal assistance. This program is not a substitute for Medicaid or other comprehensive services but can fill gaps in support. Eligibility is based on the severity of the disability and family need. Local councils oversee the distribution of services, and families are encouraged to participate in planning.
Tennessee also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which can provide additional services such as home health care, assistive technology, and transportation. These waivers are limited and may have waiting lists, so it's important to apply early. The state's Medicaid program, TennCare, covers health care for eligible residents, including those with disabilities. Eligibility for TennCare is based on income, household size, and specific needs.
Source: TN.gov, 2025 [Medicaid Waivers]
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 [Medicaid Waivers]
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 Source: SSA.gov, 2025
Source: TN.gov, 2025 Source: TN.gov, 2025 [Medicaid Waivers]
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid. In Tennessee, you can open an ABLE account through the state's ABLE program. Contributions are limited to $18,000 per year, and the account can be used for expenses such as education, housing, transportation, and personal support services. Earnings in the account grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed.
For SSI in 2025, the maximum monthly payment is $967 for an individual. The income limit is based on countable income, which is your total income minus certain exclusions. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit of $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earnings above these amounts generally disqualify you from benefits, but there are work incentives and trial periods that allow you to test your ability to work without losing benefits immediately.
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 Source: SSA.gov, 2025
It is important to report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to the Social Security Administration to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands and may affect your eligibility for benefits. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. If you receive an overpayment notice, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan.
Children with total deafness may qualify for immediate SSI payments while their full application is reviewed. This can provide critical support during the waiting period.
The Family Support Program provides up to $6,000 per year for individuals with severe disabilities, including deafness, to help families access services like respite care, home modifications, and personal assistance.
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for non-blind individuals in 2025 is $1,620 per month. If you are deaf but not blind, earning above this amount generally disqualifies you from SSDI and SSI benefits. There are work incentives and trial periods that allow you to test your ability to work without losing benefits immediately.
Yes, children with total deafness may qualify for immediate SSI payments while their full application is reviewed. This can provide critical support during the waiting period. The state agency may make these payments for up to 6 months.
The Family Support Program provides up to $6,000 per year for individuals with severe disabilities, including deafness, to help families access services like respite care, home modifications, and personal assistance. Services are flexible and tailored to family needs.
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at the Social Security Administration website, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide medical records, work history, and information about your income and resources.
SSDI is for people with a qualifying work history and enough work credits. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs have strict income and asset limits and provide monthly payments to people with disabilities.
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 maximum SSI payment in 2025 is $967 per month for an individual. The actual payment may be lower based on your income and resources.
Yes, there are work incentives and trial periods that allow you to test your ability to work without losing benefits immediately. Earnings above the SGA limit generally disqualify you from benefits, but you can earn up to $1,620 per month without losing SSDI or SSI.
An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid. In Tennessee, you can open an ABLE account through the state's ABLE program.
There is a 5-month waiting period for SSDI benefits in Tennessee. Payments start in the sixth month after the date your disability began. For SSI, payments can start sooner, especially for children with total deafness.
You can report changes in your income or resources to the Social Security Administration online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. It is important to report changes to avoid overpayments and maintain your eligibility for benefits.
