Tennessee law

Social Security Disability Laws in Tennessee.

SSDI and SSI are federal programs administered by the Social Security Administration. State law does not affect eligibility or amounts. Tennessee claimants file through local SSA field offices and appeal through Disability Determination Services (DDS) reconsideration, then federal Administrative Law Judge hearings. SSA hearing offices serving Tennessee include Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Key Tennessee Statutes

SSDI Eligibility42 U.S.C. § 423

Requires sufficient work credits plus a medically determinable impairment expected to last 12 months or result in death.

SSI Eligibility42 U.S.C. § 1382

Needs-based program. 2026 federal benefit rate is $967/month individual, $1,450 couples.

Five-Step Sequential Evaluation20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920

SSA evaluates: (1) substantial gainful activity, (2) severe impairment, (3) listing of impairments, (4) past relevant work, (5) other work.

State law

Official Sources

Social Security Administration TN Department of Human Services — DDS

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.

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Social Security Disability Laws in Tennessee.

Key Tennessee Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

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