Filing for Disability in Tennessee
When disability claims are medically reviewed in Tennessee, 38.2% are approved — above the national average of 36.7%. This rate measures how often claims are approved at medical review, not all applications filed.
Your Chances at the Initial Level
Medical approval rate = allowances / completed medical determinations at DDS.
Nat'l avg: 36.7%
Nat'l avg: 38.7%
Nat'l avg: 42.1%
Know Your Numbers
Tennessee approves 38.2% of initial disability claims. That’s 1.5 percentage points above the national average of 36.7%. Understanding your state’s data before you file helps you prepare.
Get your free personalized Approval Guide with your local approval data, condition context, and next-step guidance.
Get Your Free GuideWhat You Could Receive
National payment amounts by program. Individual amounts vary based on earnings history and state supplements.
Avg New SSDI Award
$1,821/mo
Max SSDI Benefit
$4,152/mo
SSI Individual Rate
$994/mo
SSI Couple Rate
$1,491/mo
SSDI amounts based on your earnings record. SSI is the 2026 federal rate; some states add a supplement. How benefits are calculated →
Medical Approval Rate Over Time
Monthly medical approval rates (allowances / determinations at DDS) for Tennessee vs. the national average. Data covers Feb 2021 – Feb 2026 (monthly).
Tennessee's medical approval rate has risen from 35.6% to 38.2% over this period.
At a Glance — February 2026
Monthly activity and current caseload at the state DDS office
Approval Rate
38.2%
Claims Filed
4,121
Determinations
3,511
Pending Claims
27,674
If Your Claim Is Denied
Reconsideration
If your initial claim is denied, you can request reconsideration — a new review by a different examiner. Is reconsideration worth it? →
Recon Approval Rate
14.8%
Recon Claims Pending
8,535
Hearing
If reconsideration is also denied, your case goes to a hearing. Hearing office assignment is based on your ZIP code, not state lines — some residents may be assigned to an office in a neighboring state.
Chattanooga
Hearing OfficeChattanooga · 8 judges · 7.0 months wait · 1,568 pending
approval
Franklin
Hearing OfficeFranklin · 9 judges · 6.5 months wait · 2,139 pending
approval
Kingsport
Hearing OfficeKingsport · 8 judges · 6.0 months wait · 1,881 pending
approval
Knoxville
Hearing OfficeKnoxville · 6 judges · 7.0 months wait · 1,141 pending
approval
Memphis
Hearing OfficeMemphis · 7 judges · 7.0 months wait · 1,809 pending
approval
Nashville
Hearing OfficeNashville · 5 judges · 7.0 months wait · 1,331 pending
approval
Detailed Breakdown
Initial Rates
- Concurrent
- 27.7%
- Disabled Child
- 48.1%
Reconsideration Rates
- Concurrent
- 14.0%
- Disabled Child
- 7.3%
SSDI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,442
- Approved
- 595
SSI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,246
- Approved
- 518
SSDI + SSI Combined
- Claims Reviewed
- 823
- Approved
- 228
Disabled Child (SSI)
- Claims Reviewed
- 619
- Approved
- 298
Recon Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 896
- Approved
- 133
What to Do Next
Review Tennessee's medical approval rates above to understand how your state compares.
Gather your medical records, treatment notes, and any test results that document your condition. See our evidence guide →
Consider getting a free case review from a disability advocate who knows your state's process.
Learn More
Filing for Disability in Tennessee?
Claimants who understand their state’s approval data and process are better prepared. Get a free, personalized Approval Guide with your state’s rates, local offices, and a documentation checklist.
Get Your Free Approval Guide