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Tennessee • Chronic Illness
People in Tennessee with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state programs for home care, Medicaid waivers, and family support. Eligibility depends on medical severity, income, and work history.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Tennessee, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) rules. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need enough work credits—usually 40 total, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before disability starts. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), eligibility is based on low income and limited resources, not work history. Both programs require that your Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA), which in 2025 is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals. The SSA uses a five-step process to decide if your condition meets their definition of disability, including reviewing medical records and work history[1][2][9].
Tennessee does not have a state-specific short-term disability program, but residents with ME can access several state-funded supports. The Family Support Program helps families with children or adults with severe disabilities by providing services like respite care, home modifications, and personal assistance, up to $6,000 per person. The Katie Beckett program offers medical support for children under 18 with complex needs, even if parents’ income is too high for regular TennCare. Adults may qualify for Medicaid waivers such as CHOICES and ECF CHOICES, which provide home and community-based services for those with physical or developmental disabilities. These programs help people live independently and access employment support[3][4][5].
Federal programs for people with ME in Tennessee include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for those with a qualifying work history, while SSI is for those with limited income and resources. Both provide monthly payments and may include access to Medicare or Medicaid. The SSA also offers work incentives, allowing you to test returning to work without immediately losing benefits[1][2][9].
Tennessee offers several state programs for people with ME:
These programs are administered by the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) and local agencies[3][4][5].
Tennessee residents with ME can open an ABLE account to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. ABLE accounts allow up to $17,000 in annual contributions, and funds can be used for disability-related expenses like medical care, housing, and education. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to apply[internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual. Tennessee does not have a state supplement to SSI. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not earn more than $1,550 per month from work (SGA limit) to qualify. Family Support Program benefits are capped at $6,000 per person per year[1][3].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to the SSA to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you earn too much or fail to report changes. Learn how to report changes and avoid overpayments[internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Contact your local Social Security office or a disability advocate for free help with your application. Many nonprofits offer support for Tennessee residents.
Yes, if your ME is severe enough to prevent you from working, you may qualify for federal SSI or SSDI benefits. You must provide medical proof and meet income or work history requirements[1][2][9].
Tennessee offers the Family Support Program, Katie Beckett program for children, and Medicaid waivers like CHOICES and ECF CHOICES for home care and employment support[3][4][5].
You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You’ll need medical records and proof of income or work history[1][2][7].
The Family Support Program provides up to $6,000 per year for services like respite care, home modifications, and personal assistance for families with a member who has a severe disability[3].
Yes, children with ME may qualify for SSI or the Katie Beckett program, which offers medical support for children under 18 with complex needs[4][6].
The SGA limit in 2025 is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals. Earning above this may disqualify you from SSDI or SSI[1][2].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.
The SSA may take 6 to 8 months to decide on your application. Some conditions may qualify for immediate payments while waiting[6].
Yes, the SSA offers work incentives and trial work periods, allowing you to test returning to work without immediately losing benefits[1][2].
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Tennessee residents can open one to help with medical, housing, and education costs[internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
You don’t need a lawyer, but many people find it helpful to get advice from a disability advocate or attorney, especially if your application is denied[2].
