Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Benefits in Tennessee

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months and have earned enough work credits through jobs covered by Social Security taxes. In 2025, most adults need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before disability onset. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must meet Social Security’s definition. Both programs require that your condition is expected to last at least one year or result in death [1].

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a rare genetic disorder that can cause severe joint, skin, and connective tissue problems. If EDS limits your ability to work, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews each case based on medical evidence and how your condition affects daily life and work [2].

Tennessee residents with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome may qualify for additional state programs. The Family Support Program helps families with children or adults who have severe disabilities, including EDS. This program offers services like respite care, home modifications, equipment, and personal assistance. Eligibility depends on the severity of the disability and family resources. The program is not a substitute for Medicaid HCBS Waivers or TennCare, but it can help fill gaps in care [5].

Tennessee also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which can provide home and community-based services. These waivers may help with long-term care, therapy, and support services for those with EDS. Eligibility is based on income, disability, and need for services [6].

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Check if you meet SSDI work credit or SSI income limits.
• Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office.
• For state programs, contact the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities or your local Family Support Program office.
• Keep copies of all documents and follow up on your application status [1][5].

• Step 1: Collect medical records that show your Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work. Include doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment history.
• Step 2: Review SSDI work credit requirements. You can check your credits on your SSA.gov account. Most adults need 40 credits, with 20 in the last 10 years [1].
• Step 3: For SSI, check income and resource limits. In 2025, the maximum SSI payment is $967 per month for individuals [2].
• Step 4: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office. You can also apply for state programs through the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities or your local Family Support Program office [5].
• Step 5: Submit all required documents and follow up on your application. If denied, you can appeal the decision within 60 days [1].
• Step 6: If approved, you may also qualify for Medicaid, SNAP, or other state programs. Contact your local Department of Human Services for more information [6].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to disability. In 2025, the maximum SSDI payment is $4,018 per month [2].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. In 2025, the maximum SSI payment is $967 per month [2].
• Medicare: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities after 24 months of SSDI eligibility [6].
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage to low-income individuals with disabilities. Eligibility varies by state [6].

• Family Support Program: Helps families with children or adults who have severe disabilities, including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Services include respite care, home modifications, equipment, and personal assistance. The current benefit limit is $6,000 per individual, but services depend on local resources [5].
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. These waivers can help with long-term care, therapy, and support services for those with EDS. Eligibility is based on income, disability, and need for services [6].
• TennCare: Tennessee’s Medicaid program offers health coverage to low-income individuals and families with disabilities. Eligibility varies by income, household size, and specific needs [6].
• SNAP: Provides financial assistance to help individuals and families purchase nutritious food. Eligibility is based on income and household size [6].
• Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA): Offers housing assistance programs for low-income residents, including those with disabilities [6].

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. In Tennessee, you can open an ABLE account to pay for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation. Contributions are limited to $18,000 per year in 2025. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one in Tennessee [internal_link: /guides/able-accounts].

For SSI in 2025, the maximum monthly payment is $967 for individuals. Income and resource limits affect eligibility. SSDI payments vary based on work history and earnings. The maximum SSDI payment in 2025 is $4,018 per month. Income from work may affect your benefits, but Social Security offers work incentives to help you test your ability to work without losing benefits [1][2].

If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to repay the overpayment. Report any changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to Social Security. Failure to report changes can result in penalties or loss of benefits. Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes [internal_link: /guides/overpayments-and-reporting].

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  Apply for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or in person.
• Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  Phone: 1-800-522-8324

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  Contact for Family Support Program and other state disability services.

• Can Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome qualify for disability benefits in Tennessee?

  Yes, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can qualify for SSDI or SSI if it severely limits your ability to work for at least 12 months. You must provide medical evidence and meet work credit or income requirements [1][2].

• What is the Family Support Program in Tennessee?

  The Family Support Program helps families with children or adults who have severe disabilities, including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. It offers services like respite care, home modifications, and personal assistance. The benefit limit is $6,000 per individual [5].

• How do I apply for SSDI or SSI in Tennessee?

  You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office. Gather medical records and proof of income before applying [1].

• What are the income limits for SSI in Tennessee?

  In 2025, the maximum SSI payment is $967 per month for individuals. Income and resource limits affect eligibility. SSDI payments vary based on work history and earnings [2].

• What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

  SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to disability. SSI is for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older [2].

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits in Tennessee?

  Yes, Social Security offers work incentives and trial work periods to help you test your ability to work without losing benefits. Earnings above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold may affect your benefits [1].