Where to start: the Social Security Administration, not the state

Tennessee does not run its own disability program. When you file for disability in Tennessee, you file with the Social Security Administration (SSA), a federal agency. This means the rules, the forms, and the decision-makers are the same whether you live in Memphis or Knoxville.

You have three ways to file: online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. Most people start online because you can do it on your own schedule, but the phone and office routes are faster if you need to ask questions as you go.

Tennessee has 47 Social Security field offices spread across the state. If you choose to file in person, you can find the office nearest you on the SSA website by entering your zip code. No appointment is required, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • You file with the federal Social Security Administration, not with Tennessee, using either the online form at ssa.gov, a phone call to 1-800-772-1213, or a visit to your local field office.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical records from your doctors, and a list of all jobs you have held in the past 15 years.
  • The SSA has two disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for people who have worked and paid into Social Security, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for people with low income and resources.
  • The decision process takes three to six months on average, though some cases take longer if the SSA needs more medical evidence.
  • If the SSA denies your claim, you can request reconsideration, and if that is denied, you can ask for a hearing before an administrative law judge.

SSDI versus SSI: which program you might file for

The SSA runs two separate disability programs, and which one you file for depends on your work history and income.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. You do not need to be working now, but you must have earned enough work credits — roughly one credit per year of work — within a certain time window before you became disabled. If you were born after 1929, you generally need 40 credits total, with at least 20 earned in the 10 years before you became disabled. The SSA will tell you whether you have enough credits when you file.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with low income and few resources, regardless of work history. You can have no more than $2,000 in countable resources (the limit varies slightly by state and changes yearly). SSI pays a smaller monthly amount than SSDI, but you may also become may be able to access for Medicaid. Many people file for both programs at the same time.

If you are unsure which program fits your situation, the SSA will sort this out when you file. You do not have to choose — you can file for both, and the SSA will determine which one you may have access to for.

Documents and information you will need before you file

Gather these items before you start your process. Having them ready speeds up the process and reduces the chance you will have to submit something later.

You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency (a passport, naturalization papers, or a state ID work). Bring your driver's license or state ID if you file in person.

Medical records are the most important part of your file. Collect records from every doctor, therapist, hospital, or clinic that has treated you for the condition that keeps you from working. Include test results, imaging reports, and notes from your visits. If you have not seen a doctor recently, the SSA may ask you to get a medical exam at their expense before they make a decision. Bring the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all your healthcare providers so the SSA can request records directly.

You will also need a list of all jobs you have held in the past 15 years, including the dates you worked, what you did, and how much you were paid. If you are filing for SSI, you will need to report your current income and resources — bank account balances, property, vehicles, and anything else of value.

Filing online at ssa.gov

The SSA's online process is called iClaim. You can start it anytime at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. You do not need to finish it in one sitting — you can save your progress and come back later.

The form asks about your medical condition, your work history, your family, and your living situation. It takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how much detail you have ready. When you finish, the SSA will send you a confirmation number. Write it down or save it.

After you submit, the SSA will mail you a list of things they need from you — usually medical records and a signed authorization form so they can request records from your doctors. You will have a important date to return these, usually 10 days. If you miss the important date, contact your local field office and ask for an extension.

Filing by phone or in person

To file by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. The wait can be long during peak hours, so early morning or late afternoon often moves faster. Have your documents nearby so you can answer questions about your medical history and work.

If you file in person, go to your local Social Security field office with the documents listed above. You do not need an appointment. Tell the receptionist you want to file for disability. A representative will take your process, which takes 30 to 60 minutes. You will receive a receipt with a case number.

Whether you file by phone or in person, the SSA will still mail you a list of documents they need. The process after that is the same as filing online.

What happens after you file

Once the SSA receives your complete process, they send it to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Tennessee. This is a state agency that works for the SSA. The DDS office reviews your medical records, may order additional tests or exams, and decides whether you meet the SSA's definition of disability.

The SSA defines disability as a condition that prevents you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. This is a strict definition — you must show that your condition keeps you from working, not just that it makes work harder.

The decision process usually takes three to six months. The SSA will mail you a letter with the decision. If you are approved, the letter will say when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you are denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal.

What to do if your claim is denied

If the SSA denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request reconsideration. This means the SSA will review your case again, usually with a different examiner.

To request reconsideration, fill out form SSA-561 and mail it to the address on your denial letter, or bring it to your local field office. Include any new medical records you have gathered since you first filed. Many people hire a disability lawyer or advocate at this stage because the appeal process is more formal.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is a real hearing where you can present evidence and testify. A lawyer can represent you at the hearing. If the judge denies you again, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, and after that, to federal court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for disability while I am still working?

Yes. The SSA allows you to earn up to $1,550 per month (the amount changes yearly) while you file. If you earn more than that, the SSA may decide you are doing substantial work and deny your claim. Tell the SSA about any income you have when you file.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Most decisions come within three to six months. Some cases take longer if the SSA needs more medical evidence or if your condition is complex. You can call your local field office to ask about the status of your case after 30 days.

Do I need a lawyer to file?

No. You can file on your own. Many people do. A lawyer or advocate can help if your claim is denied and you decide to appeal, and you only pay them if you win — usually 25 percent of your back pay, up to $6,000.

What if I do not have medical records from a doctor?

Tell the SSA when you file. They can order a medical exam at their expense and send you to a doctor they choose. This exam is free to you. The SSA uses it to gather evidence about your condition.

Can I file for my child?

Yes. Children can receive SSI based on their own disability, or they can receive benefits on a parent's work record if the parent is retired, disabled, or deceased. File at your local Social Security office or online, and the SSA will determine which program your child qualifies for.