Bri - I'm really not trying to argue, but Social Security is federal, and the state would have nothing to do with that. Now if you're talking some kind of state aid/disability, then that's a different matter, and maybe that's the way TN's requirements work. But either way, the longer she waits to do something about it, then the longer she will have to wait if/when she applies. I just hate to see people that are entitled to "something", just sit back and do nothing. Her situation is not going to get better by itself.
Anyway, I really wish both of you some solution before matters get any worse. I really do care............