How Much Are Disability Benefits in Tennessee in 2026?
The Social Security Administration administers two programs that provide disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income. Exactly how much disability benefits pay Tennessee residents depends on the program and other factors.
Whether the disability benefits that you receive come from SSDI, SSI, or both, the disability attorneys at American Disability Action Group ensure that you receive the correct disability payment rates TN residents should receive. After reading this explanation of how much SSDI and SSI pay in Tennessee, contact our disability attorneys for additional information.
SSDI Payment Calculation Method
The SSDI program pays disability benefits to individuals who worked long enough at jobs and self-employment and paid Social Security taxes on the wages or income they earned. The age when a worker becomes disability and is unable to work can determine the length of the work record required to be covered by the program. A worker disabled at a young age generally needs a shorter work record than workers disabled later in life.
The Social Security Administration uses your average lifetime earnings as part of a formula to calculate the SSDI benefits that you receive each month. The formula takes into account changes in the cost of living over time. How much you receive each month as SSDI disability payments depends on your earnings, so the monthly benefits vary depending on the individual.
According to the Social Security Administration, the average disability benefits Tennessee through SSDI in 2026 is $1,630. Benefits are subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment, so last year’s average monthly SSDI benefit payment of $1,586 increase by a 2.8% COLA.
SSI Disability Benefits Calculation
The SSI program does not have a work history or payment of Social Security taxes requirement for approval of benefits. It also differs from SSDI by not basing monthly benefits on earnings. Instead, SSI is a needs-based program for individuals with limited resources and income.
The maximum monthly federal SSI benefit payment in 2026 is $994 for an individual and $1,491 for couples. Whether you receive the maximum monthly federal benefit payment depends on the income you have from other sources, such as money earned from working. A consultation with an American Disability Action Group attorney can determine how much you can receive if approved for the SSI program.
If the maximum amount of monthly SSI benefits seems low compared to SSDI benefits, keep in mind that SSI is a needs-based program. Its purpose is to help adults and children who are blind, disabled, and adults who are 65 years of age and older afford food, clothing, and shelter.
State Supplemental Payments to Recipients Of SSI
Most states pay individuals receiving federal SSI monthly benefits a state-funded supplemental benefit. The amounts and conditions vary depending on the state providing them.
Tennessee is one of only a few states that do not provide a supplemental payment to residents approved for SSI disability benefits. Residents of Tennessee approved for SSI benefits receive only their federal monthly payment. The SSDI program does not have a state-funded equivalent to the SSI supplemental payment.
How Much Does Concurrent Benefits Pay in Tennessee?
If you worked long enough to be approved for SSDI disability benefits, but you had low average lifetime earnings, you could also be approved for benefits through the SSI program. Receiving benefits through both programs at the same time is referred to as “concurrent benefits.”
When you fill out an application for disability benefits, it is for SSDI and SSI. The Social Security Administration determines whether you meet the approval requirements for both programs or only one, and you will be notified after completion of the application review process.
If you are approved for concurrent benefits, the SSDI benefits you receive will be based on your average lifetime earnings. However, the SSDI payment you receive each month counts as unearned income for the SSI program.
There is a $25 monthly exclusion that reduces the amount of your unearned income. The balance reduces the amount of your SSI disability payment. For example, if you receive an SSDI monthly benefit payment of $400, your SSI monthly benefits are reduced by $375. The disability benefits team at American Disability Action Group can assist in determining the Tennessee disability benefit amounts that you are entitled to receive, including concurrent benefit payments.
Consult A Disability Benefits Attorney for SSDI And SSI Representation In TN
The disability benefits team at American Disability Action Group provides skilled representation to individuals in Tennessee and nationwide. Whether you want to know how much disability pays TN, or you need representation to apply for benefits or appeal a denial of a claim, turn to the experienced disability attorneys at American Disability Action Group for an unsurpassed level of care and understanding when you need it the most. Contact us to get things started with a free consultation and case review.