Where to start your process in Tennessee

You explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through Social Security itself, not through the state of Tennessee. Tennessee does not run its own disability program — you work with Social Security's national system no matter where you live in the state.

You have three ways to start: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or in person at a Social Security office. The online option is available 24 hours and lets you begin without waiting for an office to open. If you call or visit an office, you can speak to someone who can answer questions as you go through the process.

Tennessee has 26 Social Security field offices spread across the state. You can find the one nearest you by entering your zip code at ssa.gov/locator. Walk-in hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some offices take appointments; others serve people on a first-come basis. Calling ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment saves a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore through Social Security directly, not through Tennessee — the state has no separate disability program.
  • Start online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at one of Tennessee's 26 Social Security field offices.
  • You will need medical records, work history, and proof of citizenship or legal residency before you begin.
  • The decision process typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if Social Security requests more information.
  • If Social Security denies your claim, you can request reconsideration or appeal — most people who appeal with a lawyer or representative win on the second or third try.

What documents you need before you explore

Gather these documents before you start, whether you explore online or in person. Social Security will ask for them, and having them ready speeds up the process.

Proof of citizenship or legal residency: A birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your green card or visa. If you do not have these documents, Social Security can help you understand what alternatives they will accept.

Medical records: Bring or be ready to name the doctors, hospitals, and clinics that have treated you for the condition you say prevents you from working. Write down the dates you saw each provider and what they treated you for. Social Security will contact them directly to get your records, so you do not need to collect them yourself — but having the names and dates makes the process faster.

Work history: List the jobs you have held in the past 15 years, including the employer name, dates you worked there, and the type of work you did. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns or records showing your income.

Proof of income: Recent pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements showing your current income. If you receive other benefits (unemployment, workers' compensation, pension), bring documentation of those too.

The online process process

The online process at ssa.gov takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. You create an account, answer questions about your medical condition and work history, and upload or describe your medical providers. You do not upload documents — you name the doctors and hospitals, and Social Security requests the records from them.

After you submit, you receive a confirmation number. Write it down. Social Security will contact you by phone or mail within a few days to confirm information and may ask follow-up questions. Keep your phone number current so they can reach you.

The online process saves your progress if you need to stop and come back, though you must finish within 30 days or start over. If you get stuck, you can call 1-800-772-1213 and ask a representative to help you complete it over the phone instead.

explore by phone or in person in Tennessee

If you call 1-800-772-1213, a representative will walk you through the questions and submit your process. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Have your documents and notes nearby so you can answer questions about your medical history and work.

If you visit a Social Security office in Tennessee, bring the documents listed above or at least the names and dates of your medical providers. A representative will interview you, fill out the process, and answer questions about what happens next. Offices are busiest early in the week and early in the morning, so visiting on a Thursday or Friday afternoon may mean a shorter wait.

Whether you call or visit, you will receive a receipt showing your process was filed. Keep this receipt — it proves your filing date, which matters if your claim is approved because benefits can go back to the date you applied.

What happens after you explore

Social Security sends your process to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Nashville, which is the state agency that makes the medical decision. DDS requests your medical records from the doctors and hospitals you named, reviews them, and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability.

This process typically takes three to six months. Social Security will contact you if they need more information — for example, if your medical records are incomplete or if they want you to see a doctor for an examination. Respond quickly to any requests, because delays in providing information can slow down your case.

You will receive a letter in the mail telling you whether you were approved or denied. If you were approved, the letter explains when your benefits start and how much you will receive. If you were denied, the letter explains why and tells you how to appeal.

Understanding SSDI versus SSI in Tennessee

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work history. You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years. The amount you receive is based on your earnings record. There is no income or resource limit — you can have savings and still receive SSDI.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is based on financial need, not work history. You can receive SSI if you have little or no income and few resources (generally under $2,000 in countable assets). SSI amounts are the same for everyone in Tennessee, though the exact amount changes each year. You may also receive Medicaid along with SSI.

You can receive both SSDI and SSI at the same time if you meet the requirements for both. When you explore, Social Security determines which programs you may be may have access to to based on your work history and income. You do not choose — Social Security decides based on your situation.

What to do if your claim is denied

About 70 percent of first applications are denied. A denial does not mean you cannot receive benefits — it means Social Security decided your condition does not meet their medical standard at that moment. You have the right to appeal.

You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to request reconsideration. This is a free second review by a different examiner. You can submit new medical records or additional information about your condition. Many people win on reconsideration if they provide medical evidence they did not have the first time.

If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is where most people who eventually win their case succeed. At a hearing, you can present evidence, answer questions, and have a representative speak on your behalf. Many people hire a disability lawyer at this stage. Lawyers are paid only if you win, and they take a percentage of your back pay (usually 25 percent, capped at $6,000).

Tennessee has several organizations that offer free help with appeals if you cannot afford a lawyer. The Tennessee Disability Rights and Resources (TDRR) office in Nashville provides free representation and information. You can also contact your local legal aid office — most counties have one.

Resources specific to Tennessee

The Social Security Administration's Nashville office serves all of Tennessee and handles appeals and hearings. You can reach them at 1-800-772-1213.

Tennessee Disability Rights and Resources (TDRR) offers free help with SSDI and SSI claims and appeals. You can reach them at 615-523-1481 or visit their website.

Your local Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD) can connect you with local resources, work incentive programs, and support services. Every county in Tennessee has one. You can find yours by calling 1-800-458-2000 or searching online for "[your county] Area Agency on Aging and Disability."

If you are working or want to work while receiving disability benefits, ask Social Security about the Ticket to Work program. It lets you test your ability to work without when ready losing your benefits if work does not work out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for SSDI and SSI at the same time?

Yes. When you explore, you can ask to be considered for both programs. Social Security will determine which one you may have access to for based on your work history and income. You do not need to explore twice.

How long does it take to hear back after I explore in Tennessee?

Most decisions come within three to six months. Some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical records or wants you to see a doctor for an examination. You can call 1-800-772-1213 to check on your case status after 30 days.

What if I am still working when I explore?

You can explore while working. Social Security looks at whether your condition prevents you from doing substantial work, not whether you are currently working. If you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may assume you are not disabled, but you can still explore and explain your situation.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own for free. However, if your claim is denied and you appeal, having a representative (lawyer or non-lawyer advocate) significantly increases your chances of winning. Many people hire representation only at the appeal stage.

What if I move out of Tennessee after I explore?

Your process continues through Social Security's national system. You do not need to reapply or notify Tennessee. If you move, update your address with Social Security so they can reach you by mail.