What disability programs does Tennessee offer?

Tennessee runs two main disability programs for people who cannot work due to a medical condition. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that pays cash to people with disabilities who have very little income or savings. Temporary information for Needy Families (TANF) is a state program that can help people with disabilities pay for basic needs like food and housing while they look for work or pursue other goals.

Both programs are separate from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is a federal program based on your own work history or your parent's work history. Tennessee also administers Medicaid, which covers medical care for people with low income, including many people receiving SSI or TANF.

The program you may be able to use depends on your income, savings, work history, and family situation. Each has different rules about how much money you can have, what counts as income, and how long you can receive help.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee offers SSI (a federal cash program), TANF (a state cash program), and Medicaid (health coverage) for people with disabilities who have low income.
  • SSI has strict limits on how much money and savings you can have — currently $2,000 for an individual — but does not require a work history.
  • TANF provides temporary cash help and is designed for people working toward self-sufficiency, with a 60-month lifetime limit in most cases.
  • Medicaid in Tennessee covers doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions for people with disabilities and low income, regardless of work history.
  • You explore for SSI and Medicaid through the Social Security Administration; you explore for TANF through the Tennessee Department of Human Services.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Tennessee

SSI is a federal cash program run by the Social Security Administration. It pays a monthly amount to people with disabilities, blindness, or who are age 65 or older, as long as they have very limited income and resources. In Tennessee, the federal SSI payment for an individual is set by Social Security each year; your actual payment may be higher or lower depending on other income you receive.

To receive SSI, you must have less than $2,000 in countable resources (savings, bank accounts, and certain other assets). Income limits are also strict — generally, if you earn more than a small amount each month, your SSI payment goes down. Some income does not count, such as the first $65 of wages you earn each month, plus half of any wages above that.

You do not need a work history to receive SSI. Social Security will review your medical records to decide whether your condition prevents you from working. The process usually takes three to six months, though it can take longer if Social Security needs more information from your doctors.

Temporary information for Needy Families (TANF) in Tennessee

TANF is Tennessee's state cash information program. It provides monthly payments to families and individuals with low income who are working toward self-sufficiency or facing a temporary crisis. People with disabilities can receive TANF while they work part-time, pursue education or training, or care for a family member.

The amount you receive depends on your household size and income. Tennessee sets its own payment rates, which are lower than SSI in most cases. TANF has a 60-month lifetime limit in Tennessee — meaning you can receive benefits for a total of 60 months over your lifetime, though extensions may be possible in some situations.

To receive TANF, you must meet income and resource limits set by Tennessee. You also must participate in work activities unless you are exempt due to a disability, age, or caregiving responsibility. Work activities can include paid employment, job training, education, or community service.

Medicaid coverage for people with disabilities in Tennessee

Tennessee Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, emergency services, prescription medications, mental health treatment, and other medical services for people with disabilities and low income. You do not need to have a work history or be receiving cash benefits to receive Medicaid — you only need to meet the income and resource limits.

Tennessee has expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, which means more working-age adults with disabilities may be covered. If you are receiving SSI, you are usually covered by Medicaid automatically. If you are receiving TANF, you may also be covered, depending on your income.

You can explore for Medicaid at the same time you explore for SSI through Social Security, or you can explore directly through the Tennessee Department of Human Services. Medicaid coverage usually begins the month after you are approved.

how the process works for disability programs in Tennessee

To explore for SSI, contact the Social Security Administration by phone at 1-800-772-1213, visit your local Social Security office, or explore online at ssa.gov. You will need to provide proof of your identity, birth certificate, medical records showing your disability, and information about your income and resources. Social Security will schedule a time to interview you and may ask your doctors for more details about your condition.

To explore for TANF, contact the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) online at tn.gov/humanservices or call your local DHS office. You can also explore in person at your county DHS office. You will need to provide proof of identity, proof of income, proof of resources, and information about your household.

You can explore for Medicaid through Social Security when you explore for SSI, or you can explore through Tennessee DHS. If you are already receiving SSI or TANF, you may be covered automatically — contact your local DHS office to confirm your coverage status.

Work incentives and how they affect your benefits

If you receive SSI or TANF and want to work, both programs have rules that allow you to keep some of your earnings without losing all your benefits. SSI allows you to earn $65 per month without any reduction, and then you lose $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above that. This means you can work part-time and still receive some SSI payment.

TANF also allows work and may provide additional support like child care help or transportation information while you are working. However, TANF has the 60-month lifetime limit, so the longer you receive benefits, the closer you get to losing them.

Both SSI and TANF have special work incentive programs that can help you transition to work. These programs may cover things like work training, job coaching, or help paying for transportation. Ask your Social Security office or DHS caseworker about work incentive programs available to you.

Other resources and support in Tennessee

Tennessee has additional programs that may help people with disabilities beyond cash and Medicaid. The Tennessee Division of Rehabilitation Services (TDRS) offers vocational rehabilitation — job training and support to help people with disabilities find and keep employment. TDRS services are free and do not depend on income.

The Tennessee Protection and Advocacy System (TPA) is an independent organization that helps people with disabilities understand their rights and resolve problems with benefits programs. You can contact TPA if you believe you have been treated unfairly by Social Security, DHS, or another agency.

Local community action agencies and nonprofit organizations throughout Tennessee also offer help with housing, food, utilities, and other needs for people with low income. Your local DHS office can refer you to these resources in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive both SSI and TANF at the same time?

In most cases, no. If you are receiving SSI, you usually cannot also receive TANF cash benefits. However, you may be able to receive other TANF services like job training or child care help. Contact your local DHS office to ask what TANF services you may be able to use while receiving SSI.

What happens to my benefits if I inherit money or receive a settlement?

If you receive money from an inheritance or legal settlement, it counts as a resource for SSI purposes. If your total resources go over $2,000, you will lose SSI benefits. Some types of payments, like certain personal injury settlements, may not count — ask Social Security before you accept any money.

How long does it take to be approved for SSI or TANF?

SSI decisions usually take three to six months, though complex cases can take longer. TANF decisions are usually made within 30 days. You can ask for an expedited decision if you are in a crisis situation. Both programs will tell you the status of your case if you call or visit in person.

Do I lose my Medicaid if I start working?

Not automatically. If you are receiving Medicaid through SSI and you start earning money, your SSI payment may go down, but you can continue receiving Medicaid even if your SSI stops. Tennessee also has work incentive programs that help people keep Medicaid while they work. Ask Social Security about Medicaid continuation when you report your work income.

What should I do if my process is denied?

You have the right to appeal any denial. For SSI, you can request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter. For TANF, you can request a hearing within 30 days. Both programs will explain your appeal rights in the denial letter. You can also contact a legal aid organization or the Tennessee Protection and Advocacy System for help with your appeal.