Tennessee Disability Resources
If you just got hurt on the job, received a diagnosis, or need to understand what Tennessee offers for people with disabilities, this page covers the major programs and how to access them.
Workers' Compensation
The Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation handles claims.
What to do if you're hurt at work:- Report the injury to your employer within 15 days.
- Seek medical treatment from the employer's panel of at least three physicians.
- File a Petition for Benefit Determination if benefits are denied.
- Notify your employer within 15 days (up to 30 days).
- File a formal claim within 1 year.
- Employers with 5+ employees must carry workers' compensation.
- Temporary total disability pays 66 2/3% of average weekly wage.
- Employer provides a panel of at least three physicians.
- Phone: 615-532-4812 / 1-800-332-2667
- Web: tn.gov/workforce/injuries-at-work
State Disability Programs
Tennessee does not have a state disability insurance program. Apply through federal SSDI/SSI.
Medicaid
Tennessee Medicaid is called TennCare.
How to apply:- Online at tenncareconnect.tn.gov
- By phone: 1-855-259-0701
Vocational Rehabilitation
The Tennessee Division of Rehabilitation Services helps people with disabilities find employment.
Contact:- Phone: 615-313-4891 / 1-800-270-1349
- Web: tn.gov/humanservices/ds/vocational-rehabilitation
Disability Rights
Disability Rights Tennessee is the state's federally designated Protection and Advocacy organization. Contact:- Phone: 615-298-1080 / 1-800-342-1660
- Web: disabilityrightstn.org
Veterans Services
The Tennessee Department of Veterans Services provides state-level assistance.
Contact:- Phone: 615-741-2931
- Web: tn.gov/veteran
State Employment Protections
Tennessee has the Tennessee Human Rights Act, which prohibits disability discrimination for employers with 8 or more employees.
Where to file a complaint:- Tennessee Human Rights Commission: 615-741-5825 / 1-800-251-3589
- Web: tn.gov/humanrights
Key Contacts
| Agency | Phone | Website | |--------|-------|---------| | Bureau of Workers' Compensation | 1-800-332-2667 | tn.gov/workforce | | TennCare (Medicaid) | 1-855-259-0701 | tenncareconnect.tn.gov | | Division of Rehabilitation Services | 1-800-270-1349 | tn.gov/humanservices | | Disability Rights Tennessee | 1-800-342-1660 | disabilityrightstn.org | | Human Rights Commission | 1-800-251-3589 | tn.gov/humanrights | | Social Security Administration | 1-800-772-1213 | ssa.gov |