Steps to Apply for Social Security Disability for Asthma in Tennessee

Step 1: Determine if You Meet the Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for SSDI or SSI for asthma, you must meet the SSA’s basic eligibility criteria:

• Work History (for SSDI): If you are applying for SSDI, you must have worked for a certain number of years and paid into the Social Security system. Generally, you need to have worked 5 out of the last 10 years before your disability began.
• Income and Resources (for SSI): If you are applying for SSI, you need to have limited income and resources. SSI is for individuals with financial need, regardless of work history.
• Severity of the Condition: The SSA will assess whether your asthma is severe enough to keep you from working. To qualify, your asthma must be disabling and meet the SSA’s definition of disability.

Step 2: Meet the SSA’s Medical Criteria for Asthma

The SSA recognizes asthma as a potentially disabling condition, but it must be severe enough to meet their Listing of Impairments (Blue Book). Asthma may qualify for SSDI if:

• Frequent Asthma Attacks: Your asthma attacks must be frequent and severe, requiring urgent or emergency care at least once every two months.
• Pulmonary Function Tests: The SSA may require results from pulmonary function tests (PFTs) that show severe limitations in your lung function. These tests are used to evaluate the severity of your asthma and whether it meets the SSA’s specific criteria.
• Inability to Perform Basic Work Activities: If your asthma significantly limits your ability to perform basic work activities (such as sitting, standing, or walking), you may be eligible for SSDI or SSI.

The SSA evaluates asthma based on whether you experience serious and prolonged attacks or have chronic respiratory limitations that prevent you from doing any work.

Step 3: Gather Detailed Medical Evidence

For your asthma claim to be successful, you will need to provide thorough medical documentation. This includes:

• Medical Records: Submit records from your doctor showing that you have been diagnosed with asthma and receiving ongoing treatment.
• Pulmonary Function Tests: If you’ve had any spirometry or other pulmonary function tests, include those results as they will help demonstrate the severity of your asthma.
• Emergency Room Visits: If your asthma attacks require emergency care or hospitalization, provide records of these visits.
• Doctor’s Statements: A letter from your treating physician can be highly beneficial. Your doctor should explain how your asthma affects your ability to work, including any limitations on physical activities, the frequency of attacks, and how your condition impacts your daily life.

Step 4: Apply for SSDI or SSI

Once you have determined that you meet the SSA’s criteria for asthma and have gathered the necessary medical records, you can apply for Social Security Disability benefits in Tennessee. Here’s how:

• Online Application: The easiest way to apply is online through the SSA website at www.ssa.gov. Create an account, fill out the application, and submit your medical records.
• Phone or In-Person Application: If you prefer, you can apply over the phone by calling 1-800-772-1213, or you can visit your local SSA office in Tennessee to apply in person. Use the SSA Office Locator to find your nearest office.

Make sure your application is complete and accurate, as any missing information could lead to delays or denials.

Step 5: Understand the SSA’s Evaluation Process

The SSA uses a five-step evaluation process to determine whether you qualify for SSDI benefits. The five steps are:

• Step 1: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): If you are working and earning above the SGA threshold, you will not qualify for SSDI benefits. For 2025, the SGA is $1,470 per month ($2,460 for blind individuals).
• Step 2: Severe Condition: Your asthma must be severe enough to limit your ability to perform basic work tasks.
• Step 3: Listed Impairment: If your asthma matches the SSA’s listing for asthma, you will be presumed disabled.
• Step 4: Past Work: The SSA will determine if you can perform any of your past jobs with your asthma.
• Step 5: Other Work: If you can’t perform your previous job, the SSA will determine if you can do any other type of work given your skills, education, and age.

Step 6: Be Prepared for a Possible Denial

It’s common for SSDI claims to be denied, especially during the initial review. If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision by following these steps:

• Request Reconsideration: If your claim is denied, you can request a reconsideration where the SSA will review your case again.
• Request a Hearing: If your reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is your opportunity to present your case in person.

During the appeal, you may want to gather additional medical evidence to support your claim and demonstrate how your asthma continues to prevent you from working.

Step 7: Consider Getting Help if Needed

While you can apply for SSDI benefits on your own, asthma claims can be complex, and many people find it helpful to work with a disability lawyer or advocate. A disability lawyer can:

• Help you understand the SSA’s requirements and make sure you meet all the criteria.
• Assist with gathering medical evidence and ensuring your application is complete.
• Represent you during the appeals process if your claim is denied.