How to Apply for Disability in Tennessee

Tennessee disability determinations are handled by the Disability Determination Services (DDS) in conjunction with the Social Security Administration. All disability applications in Tennessee must be filed through the Social Security Administration who forwards the application to the local DDS office for review and determination of benefit eligibility. Tennessee residents can check the status of their application and file appeals with the DDS after filing with the Social Security Administration.

Instructions

• 1

  Open the "Social Security Disability" web page and click "Apply for disability benefits." (See Resources).

• 2

  Complete and submit the "Disability application."

• 3

  Click "Adult Disability report" and complete the associated form. This document provides the Social Security Administration your work and medical history.

• 4

  Click "Authorization to disclose information to the Social Security Administration" on the "Social Security Disability" web page. Print and submit the completed document to your Tennessee Department of Human Services office. The Tennessee Disability Determination Services will review your application, determine if you qualify for disability payments and notify you based on the information provided on your application.