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Tennessee • Rare/Genetic
Tennessee residents with Williams Syndrome may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI, SSDI), Medicaid (TennCare), and state support programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key financial tools like ABLE accounts, plus answers to common questions for families and individuals.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with Williams Syndrome, you must meet Social Security’s strict definition of disability. Your condition must prevent you from working for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. The number of credits depends on your age when you became disabled—most adults need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years[1][9]. For SSI, there’s no work history requirement, but you must have limited income and resources. Both programs require detailed medical evidence showing your disability severely limits your ability to work. Children with disabilities may qualify for SSI based on family income and the severity of their condition[6].
Tennessee follows federal guidelines for SSI and SSDI, but state-administered programs like TennCare (Medicaid) and the Family Support Program offer additional help. TennCare covers low-income individuals with disabilities, including children with Williams Syndrome, and eligibility is based on income, household size, and disability status[4]. The Family Support Program assists families caring for a child or adult with a severe disability at home, providing services like respite care, equipment, and home modifications, but funding is limited and not guaranteed for everyone[3]. While Williams Syndrome is a qualifying diagnosis if it causes significant functional limitations, approval depends on medical documentation and meeting program-specific criteria.
Start by gathering medical records, work history (for SSDI), and financial information. Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. For TennCare, apply online at the Tennessee Department of Human Services website or by mail. Contact your local Family Support Program office for state-specific assistance[1][4]. Consider using the SSI Income Estimator to see if you might qualify[internal link].
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides monthly cash benefits to children and adults with disabilities and limited income/resources, regardless of work history. In 2025, the maximum federal SSI payment is $967 per month[2]. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Pays benefits to adults who have worked and paid Social Security taxes, with a maximum monthly benefit of $4,018 in 2025[2]. After 24 months on SSDI, you qualify for Medicare. Medicaid: Offers health coverage through TennCare in Tennessee for eligible individuals with disabilities and low income[4]. Apply even if you’re not sure you qualify—some eligibility rules have exceptions for children and people with significant needs.
TennCare: Tennessee’s Medicaid program covers medical care, therapies, and sometimes supports not covered by Medicare. Apply through the Tennessee Department of Human Services—eligibility is based on income, household size, and disability status[4]. Family Support Program: This state-funded program helps families caring for a child or adult with a severe disability at home. Services include respite care, equipment, home modifications, and more, but funding is limited and not an entitlement[3]. SNAP (Food Assistance): Available to low-income households, including those receiving disability benefits[4]. Tennessee Housing Development Agency: Offers housing assistance for people with disabilities and low income[4]. For more help, visit the Tennessee Disability Coalition or contact your local Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities office. State-specific programs may change, and waiting lists can exist, so apply early and ask about all options.
Tennessee residents with Williams Syndrome can open an ABLE account, a tax-advantaged savings account for disability-related expenses. ABLE accounts allow you to save without affecting eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other means-tested programs. Earnings grow tax-free, and funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, health, and more. Learn more in our ABLE Accounts guide.
For SSI, your income and resources must stay below federal limits—in 2025, the income limit is generally $1,620/month for individuals, but some income is not counted. For SSDI, there’s no income limit after approval, but you must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit during the application process ($1,550/month for non-blind, $2,590 for blind in 2025)[1][2]. TennCare also has income and asset limits—check current guidelines when you apply[4].
You must report changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to the Social Security Administration and TennCare to avoid overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Learn how to report changes and avoid mistakes in our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.
If your child with Williams Syndrome has a condition like severe intellectual disability, you may qualify for immediate SSI payments while your application is being reviewed by Social Security[6]. Ask your caseworker about this option.
The Family Support Program helps families care for loved ones with severe disabilities at home, offering services like respite, equipment, and home modifications. Funding is limited—apply early and ask about all available services[3].
Yes, if the child’s condition severely limits their ability to function and the family’s income and resources are low enough, they may qualify for SSI and TennCare. Medical documentation is required, and the process usually takes several months[6].
SSI is based on financial need and does not require work history. SSDI requires a work history and payment of Social Security taxes. Both programs require medical proof of disability, but SSDI may provide higher monthly benefits[2]. See our SSI vs SSDI guide for details.
TennCare may cover doctor visits, therapies, medications, and some home supports if medically necessary and you meet income and disability criteria. Coverage details can vary—check with TennCare or your provider[4].
SSI and SSDI applications often take 3–5 months for an initial decision, but severe cases (including some genetic conditions) may be processed faster. Appeals can take much longer—prepare for delays and keep copies of all documents[6].
You can appeal the decision. Many applicants are denied at first but win on appeal, especially with strong medical evidence. Consider getting help from a disability advocate or attorney.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information and is not legal advice. Refer to official government and agency sources for current, individualized guidance. Program rules and eligibility may change.
Yes, but there are limits. SSI and SSDI have work incentives that let you earn some income without losing benefits right away. Always report earnings to avoid overpayments—see our SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide.
This state program helps families caring for a child or adult with a severe disability at home. It offers services like respite care and equipment but has limited funding. Contact your local office to apply—services vary by county[3].
No, ABLE accounts are designed so that savings (up to a certain amount) do not count against SSI and Medicaid resource limits. This makes them a helpful tool for people with disabilities in Tennessee.
Report changes like new income, a move, or improvement in your condition to Social Security and TennCare right away. Failing to report can lead to overpayments or loss of benefits—see our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.
Contact your local Social Security office, the Tennessee Disability Coalition, or a legal aid organization. Many nonprofits and advocacy groups offer free or low-cost help with applications and appeals.
