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Tennessee • Chronic Illness
Tennesseans living with HIV/AIDS may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, plus state programs for healthcare, housing, and family support. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
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 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 disability starts. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your HIV/AIDS must be severe enough to stop you from working for at least a year. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a 5-step process to decide if you qualify, including checking if you are doing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), which in 2025 is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals [1].
HIV/AIDS is listed as a qualifying condition in the SSA’s Blue Book, meaning you may be approved faster if your symptoms match the criteria [3].
If you are blind, the SGA limit is higher ($2,590 per month in 2025) [1].
Tennessee does not have a state-specific short-term disability program, but residents with HIV/AIDS can access federal programs like SSI and SSDI. Tennessee also offers Medicaid (TennCare) for low-income individuals with disabilities, which covers healthcare costs for those with HIV/AIDS. The Family Support Program helps families with children or adults with severe disabilities, including HIV/AIDS, by providing respite care, home modifications, and other services. Eligibility for these programs depends on income, resources, and the severity of your disability. Local councils oversee the distribution of services, and families can request help based on their needs [4].
Tennessee residents may also qualify for food assistance (SNAP), housing help, and Medicare counseling through state agencies [5].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Tennessee residents with HIV/AIDS may qualify if their disability started before age 26. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other disability-related expenses. Learn more about opening an ABLE account in Tennessee [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
For SSI in 2025, the maximum monthly payment is $967. Income and resource limits apply. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not earn more than $1,550 per month (SGA) unless using work incentives. Work credits are required for SSDI. For TennCare, income limits vary by household size and disability status [3][5].
You must report changes in income, work, or health to the SSA and TennCare to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Learn how to report changes and avoid overpayments [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Contact your local Social Security office or the Tennessee Family Support Program for help with applications and eligibility questions.
Yes, HIV/AIDS is a qualifying condition for SSI and SSDI if it prevents you from working for at least 12 months. You must meet federal eligibility rules for work credits (SSDI) or income/resources (SSI) [1][3].
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 and income [3].
The Family Support Program helps families with children or adults with severe disabilities, including HIV/AIDS. It provides services like respite care, home modifications, and personal assistance. The benefit limit is $6,000 per individual per year [4].
No, but if you are blind, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is higher ($2,590 per month in 2025). This means you can earn more and still qualify for benefits [1].
Yes, children with HIV/AIDS may qualify for SSI if their condition is severe and meets SSA criteria. The state agency may make immediate payments for up to 6 months while reviewing the case [6].
You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need medical records and proof of income or work history. For state programs, contact your local office [1][2].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
SSI is for people with low income and resources, while SSDI is for those with enough work credits. Both require a qualifying disability like HIV/AIDS. SSI payments are lower, but SSDI may require a waiting period for Medicare [3].
Yes, Social Security offers work incentives and trial work periods. If you earn more than $1,550 per month, you may lose benefits, but special rules allow you to test work without losing benefits immediately [1].
Tennessee offers Medicaid (TennCare) for low-income individuals with disabilities, including those with HIV/AIDS. Medicare is available after a 24-month waiting period for SSDI recipients [5].
The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) provides housing assistance for low-income residents, including those with disabilities. You can also ask about housing help through the Family Support Program [5].
