Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before applying for disability benefits in Tennessee, ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for either SSDI or SSI:

• SSDI: To qualify, you must have a work history and have paid Social Security taxes through your job. SSDI is for individuals who have worked long enough and recently enough to qualify.
• SSI: SSI is need-based, so if you don’t have a sufficient work history, you may still qualify if your income and resources are below the federal poverty level. SSI is for individuals with limited financial resources, and it is typically used for people who are disabled, blind, or aged.

Additionally, both programs require that you have a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.

Step 2: Gather Your Medical Records

One of the most important steps in applying for disability benefits is proving that you have a severe disability that prevents you from working. To do this, you need to provide medical documentation. Here's what you need:

• Visit your doctor regularly: Consistent visits to your doctor will help build a thorough medical record.
• Collect your medical records: Ensure your medical records are up-to-date and include information about your diagnoses, treatments, and any relevant test results.
• Get a letter from your doctor: Ask your doctor to provide a statement describing how your condition impacts your ability to work. The more detailed and specific, the better.
• Include specialist records: If you see any specialists for your condition, include their records as well.

Step 3: Apply Online or In-Person

The Social Security Administration offers a couple of ways to apply for disability in Tennessee:

• Apply online: The fastest and easiest way to apply for SSDI or SSI is to visit the SSA website at www.ssa.gov and fill out the online application. Ensure that you answer each question carefully and provide accurate information. The SSA also has a disability starter kit that can help you gather the necessary information before you begin.
• Apply in-person: If you prefer not to apply online, you can visit your local Social Security office in Tennessee to apply. The SSA has several office locations throughout the state, so check online to find the nearest one. Call ahead to schedule an appointment and ensure you bring all the necessary documents.
• Apply by phone: If you are unable to apply online or in-person, you can also apply by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. They can assist you with starting the application process over the phone.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form Accurately

The application form will ask for detailed information about your medical condition, work history, and daily activities. Be sure to:

• Answer all questions thoroughly: Include as much detail as possible about how your condition affects your ability to work, perform daily activities, and take care of yourself.
• Be honest and accurate: Falsifying information or failing to disclose relevant details can hurt your chances of being approved for benefits.
• Submit all required documents: Make sure to provide all the medical records, financial documents, and other information requested by the SSA. Missing documents can cause delays or denials.

Step 5: Know the SSA’s Five-Step Evaluation Process

The Social Security Administration uses a five-step process to determine whether you qualify for disability benefits. Here’s a breakdown of those steps:

• Step 1: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): If you are earning more than a certain amount each month, the SSA may determine that you are not disabled. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals.
• Step 2: Severe Condition: Your condition must be severe enough to significantly limit your ability to perform basic work functions.
• Step 3: Listed Impairment: If your condition is included in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments and meets the required criteria, you may automatically qualify.
• Step 4: Past Work: The SSA will evaluate if you can still perform your previous work.
• Step 5: Other Work: If you cannot do your past work, the SSA will evaluate whether you can perform any other kind of work based on your skills, education, and age.

Ensure that you provide sufficient medical evidence to meet the SSA’s definition of disability at each of these steps.

Step 6: Wait for the Decision

After you submit your application, it can take several months for the SSA to review and process your claim. During this time, you may receive a request for additional information, so it’s important to stay responsive and organized.

• Track your application: Create an SSA online account to track the status of your application. You can check if there are any updates or additional documents needed.
• Stay patient: The SSA can take several months to make a decision, but you will receive a notification once a determination has been made.

Step 7: Be Prepared for a Denial

Many disability claims are denied initially. However, you have the right to appeal. If your claim is denied, you can follow these steps:

• Request reconsideration: The first step is to request that the SSA review your case again.
• Request a hearing: If your reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is a crucial step, as the ALJ will listen to your case and make a decision.