People with Dyscalculia in Tennessee may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state programs such as Medicaid waivers and family support. Eligibility depends on severity, income, and work history. This guide explains how to apply and what help is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Tennessee, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need enough work credits from jobs covered by Social Security taxes. 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, regardless of work history. Both programs require that your disability meets Social Security’s definition, which includes severe learning disorders like Dyscalculia if they significantly limit major life activities [1].
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for 2025 is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals. Earning above this amount usually disqualifies you from 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 state disability programs often depends on having a severe disability that affects daily living or education. Dyscalculia may qualify if it is severe enough to limit your ability to work, learn, or live independently. Tennessee’s Family Support Program helps families with children or adults who have severe disabilities, including learning disorders, by providing services like respite care, home modifications, and personal assistance. The Katie Beckett program is available for children under 18 with complex medical needs or severe disabilities, even if their parents’ income is too high for regular TennCare [3].
Tennessee’s Medicaid waivers, such as the Employment and Community First (ECF) Choices program, offer home and community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which can include severe learning disorders. Eligibility is based on functional limitations and income, not just diagnosis [4].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Tennessee, you can open an ABLE account if your disability started before age 26. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other disability-related expenses. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one in Tennessee [4].
For SSI in 2025, the maximum monthly payment is $967 for an individual. Income and resource limits apply. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not earn more than the SGA limit ($1,550 per month for non-blind individuals). Work incentives and trial periods allow you to test your ability to work without losing benefits right away [1].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you earn too much or don’t report changes. Learn how to avoid overpayments and what to do if you get one [4].
Contact your local Family Support Council or TennCare for help with applications and finding services. They can guide you through the process and answer your questions.
Yes, if Dyscalculia is severe enough to limit your ability to work or live independently, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You need medical documentation showing how it affects your daily life or education [1].
SSI is for people with low income and few resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is for those with enough work credits from jobs covered by Social Security taxes. Both can help with severe Dyscalculia [4].
Gather medical records and school reports, then apply online at ssa.gov or at a local Social Security office. For state programs, contact your local Family Support Council or TennCare [3].
Tennessee’s Family Support Program and Katie Beckett program offer services like respite care, home modifications, and help with medical costs for children and adults with severe disabilities [3].
Yes, children with severe Dyscalculia may qualify for SSI if their family has low income and few resources. You need medical and school records showing how it affects the child’s daily life [6].
The maximum SSI payment in 2025 is $967 per month for an individual. This amount may be less if you have other income or resources [2].
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, Social Security offers work incentives and trial periods that let you test your ability to work without losing benefits right away. This helps you see if you can return to work without risking your benefits [1].
Tennessee’s Housing Development Agency (THDA) offers housing assistance for low-income residents, including those with disabilities. You may also qualify for Medicaid waivers that help with housing costs [5].
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. In Tennessee, you can use it for education, housing, transportation, and other disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits [4].
Yes, you must report changes to Social Security to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you earn too much or don’t report changes. Learn how to avoid overpayments and what to do if you get one [4].
