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Tennessee • Neurodegenerative
If you or a loved one in Tennessee has Huntington’s Disease, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, plus state programs for healthcare, housing, and food. 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 or is expected to result in death. Huntington’s Disease is recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as a disabling condition. You must also have earned enough work credits through 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 limited income and resources, and meet the SSA’s definition of disability. Both programs require that your earnings do not exceed the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,550 per month in 2025 for non-blind individuals[1][2][3][8].
Tennessee does not offer a state-specific short-term or long-term disability program. However, residents with Huntington’s Disease may qualify for several state-administered programs that provide additional support. These include TennCare (Medicaid) for healthcare, SNAP for food assistance, and housing programs through the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA). Eligibility for these programs is based on income, household size, and disability status. You do not need to be on SSDI or SSI to qualify for some state benefits, but having a disability can help you meet eligibility requirements[4][6].
Get Medical Documentation: Collect all medical records, doctor’s notes, and test results that confirm your Huntington’s Disease diagnosis and its impact on your ability to work.
Check Work History: Review your employment history to see if you have enough work credits for SSDI. You can request a Social Security statement online or by calling the SSA.
Start Your Application: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at the SSA website, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide personal information, work history, and medical evidence.
Apply for State Benefits: If you have low income, apply for TennCare (Medicaid), SNAP, or housing assistance through the Tennessee Department of Human Services or THDA.
Open an ABLE Account: If you became disabled before age 26, consider opening a Tennessee ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits.
Follow Up: Respond promptly to any requests for more information from the SSA or state agencies. If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision[1][2][3][4][6].
Tennessee offers several programs to help people with disabilities, including Huntington’s Disease:
TennCare (Medicaid): Provides health coverage for low-income individuals and families, including those with disabilities. Eligibility is based on income, household size, and disability status. TennCare covers almost 1.5 million Tennesseans and offers a wide range of services[4][6].
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Helps low-income individuals and families buy nutritious food. Eligibility is based on income and household size[4].
Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA): Offers various housing assistance programs for low-income residents, including those with disabilities. These programs help secure safe and affordable housing throughout the state[4].
Tennessee ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities who became disabled before age 26. These accounts can be used for disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for means-tested benefits[4].
Medicare Counseling (TN SHIP): Free counseling for Tennessee residents on Medicare-related issues. You must be on Medicare to access these services[4].
Tennessee residents with Huntington’s Disease who became disabled before age 26 can open an ABLE account. These accounts let you save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other means-tested benefits. Contributions are tax-free, and earnings grow tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are also tax-free. You can open an account online through the Tennessee ABLE program[4].
For SSI in 2025, the maximum monthly payment is $967 for an individual. To qualify, your income and resources must be below specific limits set by the SSA. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but your earnings must not exceed the SGA limit ($1,550 per month in 2025 for non-blind individuals). For state programs like TennCare and SNAP, eligibility is based on income and household size[3][4].
If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you may have to repay the overpayment. It is important to report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to the SSA and state agencies. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties. For more information, see the guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes[4].
Contact your local Social Security office or a disability advocate for free help with your application. The Tennessee Disability Coalition and TN SHIP also offer resources and support for people with disabilities[4][7].
Yes, Huntington’s Disease is recognized as a disabling condition by the Social Security Administration. You may qualify for SSDI if you have enough work credits, or for SSI if you have limited income and resources. Tennessee also offers state programs like TennCare, SNAP, and housing assistance for people with disabilities[1][2][3][4][6].
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at the SSA website, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide personal information, work history, and medical evidence. The process can take several months, so it is important to apply as soon as possible[1][2][3][8].
You will need medical records, doctor’s notes, and test results that confirm your Huntington’s Disease diagnosis and its impact on your ability to work. The SSA may also ask you to attend a medical examination or test, which they will pay for[5][8].
Yes, there are work incentives that let you test returning to work without immediately losing benefits. If your earnings exceed the SGA limit ($1,550 per month in 2025 for non-blind individuals), you may lose benefits, but there are exceptions for trial work periods and unsuccessful work attempts[1][2][8].
Tennessee offers TennCare (Medicaid) for healthcare, SNAP for food assistance, and housing programs through THDA. You may also be eligible for Medicare counseling through TN SHIP and can open an ABLE account for disability savings[4].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
The maximum SSDI payment in 2025 is $4,018 per month, and the maximum SSI payment is $967 per month. Actual payments depend on your work history, income, and resources. State programs like SNAP and housing assistance provide additional support based on need[3][4].
No, you do not need to be on SSDI or SSI to qualify for TennCare. Eligibility is based on income, household size, and disability status. However, being on SSDI or SSI can help you meet eligibility requirements[4][6].
Yes, you can get free help from local Social Security offices, disability advocates, and nonprofit organizations. The Tennessee Disability Coalition and TN SHIP also offer resources and support for people with disabilities[4][7].
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities who became disabled before age 26. You can use it for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. Tennessee residents can open an ABLE account online through the state program[4].
The SSA may take 6 to 8 months to decide on your disability claim. For some medical conditions, immediate SSI payments may be made for up to 6 months while the state agency reviews your case[5][8].
