Residents of Tennessee with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI), Tennessee Medicaid (TennCare), Medicare, and other state assistance programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and extra support for work, housing, and daily living.
SSDI: You must have a medical condition (like Traumatic Brain Injury) that prevents you from working for at least 12 months, or is expected to result in death. You must also have worked long enough and recently enough to earn sufficient Social Security work credits. In 2025, most applicants need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled. If you are under age 24, you may need fewer credits if earned shortly before disability onset[1].
SSI: This program does not require work history but is based on financial need. You must have limited income and resources, and your Traumatic Brain Injury must prevent you from working for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death[3].
For both programs, the Social Security Administration (SSA) follows a 5-step process to determine if your TBI prevents you from working at a substantial gainful activity (SGA) level. In 2025, earning more than $1,550 per month (non-blind) generally disqualifies you, though some trial work periods and exceptions exist[1].
Supplemental Programs: Children with severe disabilities, including some TBI cases, may qualify for expedited SSI payments while their application is reviewed[5].
Tennessee does not have a state-administered short-term disability program—residents rely on federal SSI and SSDI, plus state Medicaid and other supports.
TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid): Offers health coverage if you meet income, household size, and disability criteria. TennCare covers nearly 1.5 million Tennesseans, including those with Traumatic Brain Injury. Eligibility depends on income, household size, and other factors reviewed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS). If your income is too high for SSI, you may still qualify for TennCare based on medical need and income under certain waiver programs[4].
Other Supports: Tennessee’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps with food costs, and the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) offers housing assistance. The TN State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free Medicare counseling to those eligible. For families, the Katie Beckett Part A waiver may be relevant for children with significant disabilities[4][7].
State-specific disability coalitions and advocacy groups can help navigate programs, especially for complex needs arising from TBI.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For people who have worked and paid into Social Security, SSDI provides monthly payments based on your earnings record. The maximum SSDI benefit in 2025 is $4,018 per month[3]. SSDI also offers Medicare after a 24-month waiting period.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): SSI is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources. The maximum federal SSI payment in 2025 is $967 per month for individuals, plus possible state supplements. SSI recipients in Tennessee may also qualify for Medicaid automatically[3].
Medicare: Available to SSDI recipients after a 24-month waiting period and to those 65 and over. Covers hospital care, medical services, and (with separate enrollment) prescription drugs.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Provides monthly benefits to buy food, based on income and household size[4].
Work Incentives: Both SSI and SSDI allow trial work periods and continued benefits during attempts to return to work, protecting your safety net as you test your ability to work with a Traumatic Brain Injury[1].
TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid): Provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families, including many with Traumatic Brain Injury. Eligibility is based on income, household size, and disability status. For some, TennCare offers additional services through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, which can cover therapies, home modifications, and personal care for those who might otherwise need institutional care[4].
SNAP (Food Assistance): TennCare and SSI recipients often qualify for SNAP to help with grocery costs. Apply through the Tennessee Department of Human Services[4].
Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA): Offers programs to help low-income residents, including those with disabilities, find affordable housing[4].
Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (TN SHIP): Free, unbiased counseling on Medicare for those who are eligible[4].
Katie Beckett Part A and Other Waivers: Special programs for children and some adults with high medical needs, including certain TBI cases, may be available. These waivers help families keep children at home rather than in institutions[7].
Tennesseans with Traumatic Brain Injury and other disabilities can open an ABLE account to save and invest money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. Funds in an ABLE account can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, and healthcare. ABLE accounts help build independence and a financial safety net.
Visit our guide on ABLE Accounts for more details.
SSI: Strict income limits apply—the 2025 federal maximum is $967/month for individuals, but countable income (including support from others) may reduce your payment. Tennessee does not add a state supplement, so SSI payments are the federal rate[3]. SSDI: No income limit to qualify, but you cannot earn above the SGA threshold ($1,550/month for non-blind applicants in 2025) after becoming disabled[1]. Tax credits, SNAP, and TennCare each have their own income guidelines—check each program for details.
If you receive more benefits than you’re owed (an overpayment), you must pay back the extra amount. You also must report any changes in income, living situation, or work activity promptly to avoid overpayments or penalties.
Visit our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for step-by-step instructions on what to report, how, and when.
If you are experiencing homelessness or an immediate crisis due to your Traumatic Brain Injury, call the Tennessee Housing Development Agency or your local Department of Human Services office right away for emergency housing and food assistance.
If your disability claim is denied, consider reaching out to a disability advocate or attorney. Many Tennesseans win benefits only after appealing a denial.
The SSA considers if your TBI prevents you from working any job for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. You must have medical proof, and for SSDI, enough recent work credits. If in doubt, apply—SSA will review all evidence and decide based on federal rules[1][3].
If you receive SSI, you typically qualify for TennCare automatically. If you get SSDI, you may still qualify for TennCare depending on your income and assets. Applying through the Tennessee Department of Human Services is the best way to find out[4].
Yes. If approved for SSDI, there is a 5-month waiting period before payments begin. Medicare coverage starts after you have received SSDI for 24 months[1].
You have the right to appeal. Many people are denied at first but win on appeal, especially with new medical evidence or help from an advocate. Start the appeals process quickly if you are denied[1].
Decisions can take several months, sometimes longer. For some severe conditions, the SSA may provide expedited SSI payments for up to 6 months while your case is reviewed[5].
Sometimes. The SSA allows trial work periods and certain incentives so you can try working without immediately losing benefits. However, earning over the SGA limit ($1,550/month in 2025 for non-blind) usually makes you ineligible for SSDI benefits[1].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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State-specific information is limited; start here:
There is no state-run short-term disability program in Tennessee—only SSI, SSDI, and private options if available[2].
You do not have to repay past benefits if you recover, but you must report when you return to work. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments that you must repay. See our guide on **Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes** for more details.
Children may qualify for SSI, TennCare, and special waivers like the Katie Beckett Part A program, which helps families care for children with significant disabilities at home. Some children with severe TBI may also get expedited SSI payments while their application is processed[5][7].
Yes. The Tennessee Housing Development Agency offers programs for low-income residents and people with disabilities. Apply directly with the THDA for more information on available options[4].
SSI has strict limits on countable resources. However, you can open an ABLE account, which lets you save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. Visit our guide on **ABLE Accounts** for details.
