What you need to do to receive SSDI or SSI in Texas

To receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Texas, you must file a claim with the Social Security Administration, provide medical evidence of your condition, and wait for a decision. The process is the same whether you live in Texas or anywhere else in the United States — Social Security does not have separate state programs. What differs in Texas is where you file, how long the wait typically is, and what additional support may be available to you while your claim is being reviewed.

Texas has 29 Social Security field offices where you can file in person, plus the option to file online or by phone. Most people file online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. The decision timeline in Texas averages 3 to 6 months for an initial claim, though cases involving medical conditions that Social Security recognizes quickly may be decided faster, and cases requiring a hearing can take 1 to 2 years.

Key Takeaways

  • You file your claim with the Social Security Administration directly, either online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Texas Social Security office.
  • You must provide medical records from your doctor or hospital that show your condition and why it prevents you from working — Social Security will not contact your doctor for you.
  • The initial decision usually comes within 3 to 6 months in Texas, but if Social Security denies your claim, you can request a reconsideration or a hearing before an administrative law judge.
  • While waiting for a decision, you may be able to receive expedited benefits if your condition is on Social Security's list of severe impairments, or you may may have access to for state information through Texas programs.
  • Texas offers Work Incentives Planning and information (WIPA) services free of charge to help you understand how work affects your benefits.

Where and how to file your claim in Texas

You have three ways to file: online, by phone, or in person. Filing online at ssa.gov is the fastest route and requires no appointment. You can start the process at any time and return to finish it later — Social Security saves your progress. The online form takes about 15 to 20 minutes if you have your documents ready.

If you prefer to file by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time. A representative will ask you questions and submit your process. You do not need to call a Texas-specific number; this is the national line.

To file in person, find your nearest Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call the national number above. Texas offices are located in major cities including Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and El Paso, as well as smaller towns. Walk-in hours vary by office, and some require an appointment. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, driver's license, or state ID).

What documents and medical records you must provide

Social Security will ask for your basic information — name, date of birth, address, and work history — during the process. You must also provide medical evidence that proves your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working. This is the most important part of your claim.

Gather records from every doctor, hospital, or mental health provider who has treated you for your condition. Include test results, imaging reports, therapy notes, and any diagnoses. If you have been hospitalized, ask for discharge summaries. If you take medication, bring a list of what you take and why. Social Security does not contact your doctors — you must provide the records yourself or authorize Social Security to request them from your providers.

If you do not have recent medical records, schedule an appointment with your doctor before filing. If cost is a barrier, look for free or low-cost clinics in your area through 211Texas.org or your local health department. Social Security will not move forward without medical evidence, so this step cannot be skipped.

The timeline from filing to a decision in Texas

After you file, Social Security sends your claim to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Texas, which reviews your medical records and makes the initial decision. This office handles all disability claims filed in Texas. The average wait for an initial decision is 3 to 6 months, though some cases move faster and others take longer depending on how quickly your doctors respond and how complex your medical history is.

If your condition is on Social Security's Compassionate Allowances list — a list of severe conditions like terminal cancer, ALS, or severe intellectual disability — your claim may be approved within days. You can see the full list at ssa.gov/compassionateallowances.

If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. You can request a reconsideration (another review of your file), which takes another 3 to 6 months. If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge, which typically takes 6 to 18 months depending on the judge's caseload in your area.

What happens if your claim is denied

A denial does not mean you cannot receive benefits — it means Social Security did not find enough medical evidence that your condition prevents you from working. The most common reason for denial is incomplete medical records. If this happens, you can gather more recent records and request a reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter.

Many people win on appeal. If you request a hearing, you can bring a representative — a lawyer, a non-lawyer advocate, or a family member — to argue your case in front of a judge. Some representatives work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your back pay only if you win. The judge will ask you questions about your condition and your work history, and may ask your doctors to provide written statements.

While you are waiting for an appeal decision, you may be able to receive benefits through other programs. Texas offers TANF (Temporary information for Needy Families) and SNAP (food information) based on income and household size. You can explore at your local HHSC office or online at yourtexasbenefits.com.

Benefits available while you wait for a decision

If you are waiting for your SSDI or SSI decision and have little or no income, you may be able to receive temporary information. Texas TANF provides cash payments to families with children. SNAP provides food information to individuals and families. Both programs have income limits that vary by household size.

You can explore for TANF and SNAP at yourtexasbenefits.com or at your local Health and Human Services office. The process takes about 30 minutes online. Decisions usually come within 30 days.

If you are receiving SSI while waiting for an SSDI decision, you will continue to receive SSI payments. If you are later approved for SSDI, Social Security will switch you to SSDI and may owe you back pay for the months you waited.

Work incentives and support services in Texas

If you are approved for SSDI or SSI and want to work, you do not have to lose your benefits when ready. Both programs have work incentives that let you earn money while still receiving some or all of your benefits. The rules are complex, and making a mistake can cost you thousands of dollars.

Texas has a free Work Incentives Planning and information (WIPA) project that helps you understand how work affects your benefits. WIPA counselors can tell you exactly how much you can earn, what deductions explore, and when your benefits will stop. You can find your local WIPA office at askjan.org or by calling 1-866-968-9472. There is no cost, and you do not have to be approved for benefits yet to use the service.

Texas also offers vocational rehabilitation services through the Texas Workforce Commission. If you are approved for SSDI or SSI, you may be able to receive training, education, or job placement help at no cost. Contact your local TWC office or visit twc.texas.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for disability in Texas if I just moved here?

Yes. Social Security does not require you to have lived in Texas for any length of time. You file the same way whether you are a new resident or have lived in Texas your whole life. Your claim goes to the Texas DDS office regardless of where you were living when your condition started.

What if I cannot afford a doctor to get medical records?

Look for free or low-cost clinics through 211Texas.org, your county health department, or community health centers. Many clinics offer sliding-scale fees based on income. If you have been treated at a hospital emergency room, you can request those records free of charge. Social Security will not approve your claim without medical evidence, so getting records is essential.

How much back pay will I receive if my claim is approved?

Back pay is the money Social Security owes you from the date you became disabled, not from the date you filed. For SSDI, you can receive back pay going back 12 months before you filed. For SSI, back pay usually starts from the month you filed. The exact amount depends on your work history and income. Social Security will calculate this in your approval letter.

Can I work while my disability claim is being decided?

Yes. Working does not hurt your SSDI claim, but it may affect an SSI claim if your earnings are high. If you earn more than $1,550 per month (as of 2024, though this amount changes yearly), SSI payments may be reduced. SSDI has no earnings limit while you are waiting for a decision. Once approved, both programs have work incentives that let you continue earning.

What if Social Security asks me to go to a medical exam?

Social Security may schedule you for a consultative examination (CE) with a doctor they choose. This exam is free and does not replace your own doctor's records — it is an additional evaluation. You must attend the exam or your claim may be denied. If you cannot make the appointment, call Social Security when ready to reschedule.