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Tennessee • Physical/Mobility
If you have a spinal cord injury in Tennessee, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, plus state programs for home care, Medicaid waivers, and family support. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what help is available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that stops you from working for at least 12 months and have paid enough Social Security taxes through work. Most adults need 40 work 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, and your disability must last at least 12 months[1].
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a list of conditions, including spinal cord injuries, to decide if you qualify. If your injury is severe enough to stop you from working, you may be eligible for benefits[2].
In Tennessee, people with spinal cord injuries can get extra help through state programs. The Family Support Program helps families with children or adults who have severe disabilities stay together at home. This program can pay for things like home care, equipment, and transportation[3].
Tennessee also has Medicaid waivers, like the Employment and Community First (ECF) Choices program, which helps people with disabilities live in the community and find jobs[4]. If you have a child with a spinal cord injury, the Katie Beckett program may help pay for medical care if your family income is too high for regular TennCare[4].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Tennessee residents can open an ABLE account to pay for disability-related expenses[4].
For SSI in 2025, the maximum monthly payment is $967 for an individual. SSDI payments depend on your work history, up to $4,018 per month[2]. Income limits for SSI and Medicaid vary by household size and resources[2].
If your income, work, or health changes, you must report it to Social Security. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Use the SSA’s online portal or call your local office to report changes[1].
Contact your local Social Security office or a disability advocate for help with your application. Many nonprofits in Tennessee offer free help.
Yes, if your spinal cord injury stops you from working for at least 12 months and you have enough work credits. SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes paid[1].
SSI is for people with low income and few resources. SSDI is for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both can help with spinal cord injury[2].
You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. For SSI, you can also apply at your local Department of Human Services office[1].
Tennessee offers the Family Support Program, ECF Choices Medicaid waiver, and Katie Beckett program for children. These can help with home care, jobs, and medical bills[3][4].
Yes, Social Security has work incentives. You can test jobs without losing benefits right away. If you earn above the SGA limit ($1,550/month in 2025), benefits may stop[1].
SSI pays up to $967/month in 2025. SSDI pays based on your work history, up to $4,018/month. State programs have their own limits[2].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
You can appeal within 60 days. You may need to go to a hearing. Get help from a disability advocate or lawyer if needed[1].
Yes, children can get SSI if they meet the rules. The Katie Beckett program may help pay for medical care if family income is too high for regular TennCare[4].
It’s a state program that helps families with children or adults with severe disabilities stay together at home. It can pay for home care, equipment, and more[3].
Report changes in income, work, or health to Social Security. Use the SSA’s online portal or call your local office to avoid overpayments[1].
