Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits are a lifeline for many families in Tennessee. These checks cover housing, food, medical care, and all the other essentials that keep life moving. If you receive any SSD benefits, you need to be aware of certain changes.
Recent changes to SSD regulations have included payment increases, tighter fraud protections, and updates to how medical records are reviewed. Here is what Tennesseans need to know.
Cost-of-Living Increases
Not all changes are bad news. For many recipients, the SSD benefits went up this year. Social Security issued a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025 to help offset rising prices.
For SSDI, the average monthly payment jumped to around $1,580. The maximum is now about $4,018.
While this is not a huge raise, every bit helps when juggling bills and healthcare costs.
Earn More Without Losing Benefits
If you are able to work part-time, you might have more flexibility. The SSA increased the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for 2025. That means you can earn a bit more before it affects your benefits. These limits are:
- $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals
- $2,700 per month for blind individuals
No More Paper Checks
As we move into the digital age, you can say goodbye to those paper checks from the SSA. Starting September 30, 2025, the SSA will discontinue paper checks for SSDI payments. Beneficiaries must switch to electronic payments. This can be via direct deposit or a Direct Express debit card.
Increased Security Around Your Benefits
Sadly, scammers keep finding new ways to target people on SSD. To fight back, the SSA has added extra layers of security. If you call to update things like your direct deposit information, you will have to verify your identity using two-factor authentication or visit a Social Security office in person.
While this change protects your benefits, it might mean you need to plan ahead for updates, especially if you live in rural Tennessee and your nearest SSA office is not nearby.
Faster Decisions
For many people, waiting for SSD decisions can feel like an eternity, especially when you need that money for basic needs. The SSA is trying to speed things up by expanding its Health IT system. This allows them to pull medical records directly from participating healthcare providers. If you’re applying for SSD, this could shave weeks or months off the process.
Be Prepared for More Reviews
The SSA is stepping up Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs). If your condition is expected to improve, you might have to prove your eligibility more often than in the past.
If you want to stay prepared, make sure to keep copies of your medical records, follow your treatment plans, and attend all your doctor’s appointments.
Some Hearings Are Going Virtual
For a while, many people were worried about whether offices would be closed due to federal government budget cuts. Fortunately, Tennessee’s local SSA offices are staying open for in-person visits. However, if you are heading into an appeals hearing, there is a chance it might be assigned as a virtual session instead of in-person.
This could be a positive change for many people. However, if technology is not your strong suit, you may need to reach out to your local office for assistance.
New Support for Family Caregivers in Tennessee
On the state level, there is an update. Tennessee passed a law that allows some family members caring for loved ones with disabilities to receive compensation under TennCare.
If you are a caregiver for someone on SSD, this could offer much-needed financial relief. While the details are still being worked out, you will want to see if this can apply to your family.
Need Help with the SSD Process in Tennessee?
If you receive benefits, you need to be aware of recent changes to SSD policies. While many of these changes are positive, you still need to be mindful of those that could jeopardize your benefits.
Whether applying for SSD, fighting through an appeal, or trying to keep your benefits in place, Easter & DeVore, Attorneys at Law, can help. We are always available to guide you through the complicated world of Social Security disability benefits. Schedule a consultation with us today.
