Questions about Social Security Disability in Tennessee.

Most successful cases take 12-24 months total. Initial application decisions come in 3-6 months. If denied, reconsideration adds 3-6 months. An ALJ hearing currently averages 12-14 months from when you request it. Cases that don't need to reach hearing finish faster.

Most initial applications are denied. The next step is reconsideration — a second SSA review with additional medical evidence. If reconsideration is also denied, the case goes to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing, which is where most successful cases are won.

Not strictly required, but strongly recommended. Most initial applications and reconsiderations are denied. Success rates increase significantly with representation, particularly at the ALJ hearing stage. Lawyers don't get paid unless your case wins, so there's no financial barrier to representation.

60 days from the date of the denial notice. If you miss the deadline, you generally have to start the application process over from the beginning. This is one of the biggest avoidable mistakes — call us as soon as you receive a denial.

Nothing upfront. SSDI representation works on contingency — we only get paid if your case wins. Federal law caps attorney fees at 25% of back pay, with a federally set cap that's updated periodically. We never charge for losing cases.

You qualify if (1) you have a medical condition expected to last 12+ months or result in death, (2) the condition prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (currently $1,620/month earnings limit), and (3) you have sufficient work credits from past employment.

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work history — you must have earned sufficient work credits through FICA taxes. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is need-based and doesn't require work history but has strict income and asset limits.

It depends on your work history. SSDI benefits are calculated based on your average lifetime earnings covered by Social Security. Maximum monthly benefit in 2026 is around $4,018; average is closer to $1,580. We can help estimate your benefit during the case review.

Yes, usually. Back pay covers the period from your disability onset date forward, subject to a 5-month waiting period and 12-month retroactive limit. For most cases, back pay covers 12+ months by the time approval comes through.

Limited work is allowed. SSA's Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit in 2026 is $1,620/month for non-blind disabilities. Earning above that disqualifies you. SSA also has Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility rules that allow more flexibility — but they're complex. Always tell us before returning to work.

Medical records from all treating providers, including imaging studies, lab results, treatment notes, hospitalization records, and medication histories. SSA also values functional capacity statements from your treating physicians that translate medical findings into work-related limitations.

Consistent treatment is important for SSDI cases — gaps in care hurt claims. If cost is a barrier, talk to us. We can suggest resources, low-cost clinics, and community health centers. Going completely untreated is one of the most common reasons cases get denied.

Sometimes — it's called a consultative examination (CE). If SSA needs additional medical evidence beyond what's in your file, they schedule a CE with a SSA-paid doctor. We help you prepare for these exams, which are typically brief and focused on a specific medical question.

A functional capacity statement (sometimes called RFC statement) is a detailed assessment from your treating physician addressing specific work-related limitations — how long you can sit, stand, walk, how much you can lift, what you can't do, etc. Strong RFC statements often determine case outcomes.

Yes. Major depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, and other mental health conditions can qualify when severe enough to prevent substantial work. Mental health cases require consistent treatment with a qualified mental health provider — typically a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed therapist.

An Administrative Law Judge hears your case in a setting that's less formal than court but still official. You testify about your condition and limitations. A vocational expert often testifies about jobs in the economy. Most hearings last 30-60 minutes. You usually get the decision in writing 30-90 days later.

Most hearings since 2020 are conducted by phone or video. In-person hearings remain available on request. The format change has made hearings more accessible — you can typically participate from home with no travel required.

If your hearing is in person or video, dress neatly but comfortably — business casual is fine. Don't dress up artificially or try to look worse than you are. Be yourself. ALJs are experienced and can tell the difference between authentic presentation and performance.

Yes, but it's not as intimidating as it sounds. We prepare you carefully before the hearing — what questions to expect, how to describe your limitations accurately, what kinds of follow-ups the judge or vocational expert might ask. Most clients find their hearing less scary than they expected.

Tell us immediately. Hearings can be conducted by phone, by video, or with accommodations for physical limitations. We can request scheduling accommodations, reschedule if necessary, or arrange for assistance during the hearing itself.