Disability Benefits and Help in Tennessee

SSDI and SSI in Tennessee

Social Security disability works the same in every state: SSA takes your application, and a state agency makes the medical decision. In Tennessee, that agency is the Tennessee Disability Determination Services (Division of Rehabilitation Services, Department of Human Services). In 2026, SSI pays up to $994 a month for an individual before any state supplement, and work above $1,690 a month generally rules out disability benefits.

Start with how to apply, SSDI vs SSI and the eligibility screener. To visit an office, find Social Security offices in Tennessee on socialsecurityofficesnearme.com, the office finder from the same publisher.

Does Tennessee Add to SSI?

No. Tennessee doesn't pay an optional state supplement to SSI.

Source: SSA. See how SSI works and the SSI calculator.

Short-Term Disability in Tennessee

Tennessee has no state short-term disability insurance program and no state paid medical leave program for your own health condition.

Compare every state program in state disability insurance.

Medicaid for People With Disabilities in Tennessee

Tennessee's Medicaid program is run by the TennCare (Division of TennCare). The state has a 1634 agreement with SSA, so SSA makes the Medicaid decision for SSI recipients: when SSA approves your SSI, Medicaid generally follows. (SSA)

Home and Community Services in Tennessee

• CHOICES: Older adults (65+) and adults with physical disabilities (21+) who need long-term services and supports at home, in the community or in a nursing facility
• Employment and Community First CHOICES: People of all ages with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD)
• Statewide Waiver (1915(c)): People with intellectual disabilities; closed to new enrollment since July 1, 2016 with limited exceptions
• Comprehensive Aggregate Cap (CAC) Waiver (1915(c)): Specific groups of people with intellectual disabilities (former Arlington and Clover Bottom class members, certain Harold Jordan Center discharges, and some Statewide Waiver transfers)
• Self-Determination Waiver (1915(c)): People with intellectual disabilities; closed to new enrollment since July 1, 2016 with limited exceptions

More on Medicaid for people with disabilities and getting paid as a family caregiver.

Vocational Rehabilitation in Tennessee

Tennessee's vocational rehabilitation agency helps people with disabilities prepare for, find and keep jobs:

• Division of Rehabilitation Services (Tennessee Department of Human Services)

How it works: vocational rehabilitation.

Disability Rights Help in Tennessee

Disability Rights Tennessee is Tennessee's protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities.

Know your rights: the ADA, accommodations at work, IEPs and 504 plans.

ABLE Accounts in Tennessee

ABLE TN (Tennessee Achieving a Better Life Experience): A program of the Tennessee Department of Treasury. In 2026 you can contribute up to $20,000 a year, and the disability must have started before age 46.

Details: ABLE accounts.

Disability Parking Placards in Tennessee

Apply through the Tennessee Department of Revenue (apply through your county clerk) using Application for Disabled Person License Plate, Placard, Decal. Disabled placards expire after two years; temporary placards are valid for up to six months and can be reissued once.

How placards work everywhere: disability parking placards.

Tennessee Disability Help: Common Questions