If working is no longer possible because of a serious medical condition, applying for Social Security Disability benefits is often the next necessary step, but the process can feel confusing from the very start. Between choosing the right program, gathering the correct documents, and deciding whether to apply online, by phone, or in person, it is easy to feel like one wrong move could delay your benefits or lead to a denial.
Applying for disability benefits is difficult enough without also trying to figure out the process alone, and small mistakes on an application can lead to months of delay or an unnecessary denial. Givens Law Firm has helped Tennessee residents navigate this exact process, from the first application to a hearing before a judge, and we know how to put together a claim that gives you the strongest possible chance of approval. Call us today at (615) 248-8600 to talk through your specific situation before or after you apply.
SSDI vs. SSI: Which Disability Program Should You Apply For?
Most Tennessee applicants qualify for either Social Security Disability Insurance, known as SSDI, or Supplemental Security Income, known as SSI, and the right program depends primarily on your work history and financial situation.
SSDI is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you have paid over the years, making it available to people who have earned enough work credits through past employment. SSI, on the other hand, is a need-based program available to people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Some applicants qualify for both programs at once, known as concurrent benefits, if they meet both the work history requirements for SSDI and the financial limits for SSI.
Step 1: Confirm You Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, it is important to confirm you meet the basic requirements for the program you are pursuing, since eligibility rules differ significantly between SSDI and SSI.
Work Credits for SSDI
To qualify for SSDI, you generally need to have earned a certain number of work credits, which are based on your income and years of employment. Most applicants need 40 credits total, with 20 of those earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled, though younger applicants may qualify with fewer credits. You can check your work credit history through your Social Security account online.
Income and Resource Limits for SSI
SSI eligibility depends on strict income and resource limits set by the Social Security Administration. Applicants generally cannot have more than a limited amount in countable resources, and both earned and unearned income are factored into the eligibility determination. If you are married, your spouse's income can also affect your SSI eligibility, which is worth understanding before you apply.
You can learn more about how a spouse's income affects disability benefits in Tennessee in our related guide.
In addition to the financial requirements, both programs require that your medical condition meets the Social Security Administration's definition of disability, meaning it prevents you from performing substantial work and is expected to last at least a year or result in death. Certain conditions are recognized as automatically qualifying, and you can review the conditions that automatically qualify for disability in Tennessee to see if your diagnosis is included, along with the broader medical eligibility requirements that apply to every applicant.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents Before You Apply
Having your documents ready before you begin the application can make the process significantly smoother and help avoid unnecessary delays.
Tennessee Disability Application Checklist
- Social Security number and birth certificate
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of doctors, hospitals, and clinics you have visited
- Medical records, test results, and treatment history related to your condition
- Names and dosages of current medications
- Work history for the past 15 years, including job duties
- W-2 forms or self-employment tax records for the previous year
- Bank account information for direct deposit of benefits
- Marriage and divorce records, if applicable
Having this information organized ahead of time allows you to complete the application more accurately and reduces the chances of delays caused by missing information.
Step 3: Submit Your Application — Online, by Phone, or In Person
Tennessee applicants have three ways to submit a disability application, and each option has its own advantages depending on your comfort level and circumstances.
Applying Online at SSA.gov
Applying online through SSA.gov is often the most convenient option, allowing you to complete the application at your own pace and save your progress along the way. This option works well for applicants who are comfortable navigating an online system and have their documents readily available. SSDI applications can be completed fully online, while SSI applications typically require a follow-up phone call or appointment to finish the process.
Applying by Phone
Applicants who prefer speaking with someone directly can call the Social Security Administration to complete the application over the phone. This option allows you to ask questions as you go and can be helpful for those who find the online forms confusing or who have a more complex work or medical history to explain.
Applying at a Tennessee Social Security Field Office
Some applicants prefer to apply in person at a local Tennessee Social Security field office. This option allows for face-to-face assistance and can be particularly helpful for applicants who have questions about specific parts of the application or who need help understanding required documentation. Appointments are generally recommended to avoid long wait times.
Step 4: What Happens After You Apply
Once your application is submitted, it moves through a review process that can take several months before a decision is reached.
How Tennessee Disability Determination Services Reviews Your Claim
After your initial application is submitted, it is sent to Tennessee Disability Determination Services, a state agency that works with the Social Security Administration to evaluate the medical evidence in your case. This agency reviews your medical records, may request additional information from your doctors, and in some cases schedules a consultative examination with an independent physician if more information is needed to make a decision.
How Long the Process Takes for Tennessee Applicants
Processing times for Tennessee disability applications vary, but initial decisions often take several months from the date of application. Applications involving complex medical conditions, missing records, or the need for a consultative examination can take longer. Because timelines vary so much, it helps to check your application status periodically and respond quickly to any requests for additional information from Disability Determination Services.
Common Reasons Tennessee Disability Claims Are Denied
Many disability claims are denied on the first attempt, often for reasons that can potentially be avoided or addressed with the right preparation. Common reasons for denial include:
- Insufficient medical evidence supporting the severity of the condition
- Failure to follow prescribed treatment without a valid reason
- Income or resources exceeding the limits for SSI
- Lack of sufficient work credits for SSDI
- Failure to cooperate with requests for additional information or examinations
- Determination that the applicant can still perform some type of work
Understanding these common pitfalls before you apply can help you avoid some of the most frequent reasons Tennessee claims are turned down.
What to Do If Your Tennessee Disability Claim Is Denied
A denial is not the end of the road. Tennessee applicants have the right to appeal a denied claim, and many successful claims are approved only after going through part of the appeals process.
The Four Levels of Appeal
- Reconsideration, where your entire application is reviewed again by someone who was not involved in the initial decision
- A hearing before an administrative law judge, where you can present additional evidence and testimony
- Review by the Social Security Appeals Council, which can uphold, reverse, or send the decision back for further review
- Federal court review, which is available if all prior levels of appeal have been exhausted
Each level of appeal has strict deadlines, so it is important to act quickly after receiving a denial notice to preserve your right to appeal.
When to Involve a Tennessee Disability Attorney
While it is possible to apply for disability benefits without an attorney, many applicants find that having experienced legal representation improves their chances of success, especially if their initial application is denied. At Givens Law Firm, our team focuses specifically on Social Security Disability claims for Tennessee residents, which means we understand the kinds of medical evidence and documentation that tend to make the biggest difference with Tennessee Disability Determination Services and, if needed, before an administrative law judge.
One of our Tennessee Social Security Disability lawyer from our firm can help gather stronger medical evidence, prepare you for a hearing, and handle communications with the Social Security Administration on your behalf, so you are not left trying to interpret confusing letters and requests on your own.
Involving our firm early, even before you file your initial application, can also help make sure your claim is as strong as possible from the start, potentially reducing the chances of a denial altogether.
If you are struggling to navigate the disability application process in Tennessee, or if your claim has already been denied, you do not have to handle it alone. Contact Aubrey Givens & Associates at (615) 248-8600 for a free consultation and let us help you understand your options every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Applying for Disability in Tennessee
How Long Does It Take to Get Disability in Tennessee?
Initial disability decisions in Tennessee typically take several months, though the exact timeline depends on the complexity of your medical condition and whether additional information or a consultative examination is needed. Claims that go through the appeals process can take significantly longer.
Can I Apply for Disability Online in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee applicants can apply for SSDI benefits fully online through SSA.gov. SSI applications can be started online but typically require a follow-up phone call or appointment to complete the process.
What Happens if My Disability Application Is Denied?
If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal through a four-step process that begins with reconsideration and can proceed to a hearing before an administrative law judge, review by the Appeals Council, and ultimately federal court if necessary. Many claims that are initially denied are later approved during the appeals process, particularly with strong supporting medical evidence.
