Where to Start Your SSDI process in Texas

You can start an SSDI process in three ways: online through Social Security's website, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. Most people in Texas begin online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability, which lets you fill out the form at your own pace and save your progress. You do not have to finish in one sitting.

If you prefer to explore by phone, call Social Security's national line at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). A representative will walk you through the questions and submit your process. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning on weekdays.

To explore in person, find your nearest Texas Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator. Enter your ZIP code and the site will show you office addresses, phone numbers, and hours. Walk-ins are accepted, but calling ahead to schedule an appointment usually means a shorter wait.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office, and online applications let you save your progress and explore at your own pace.
  • Social Security will ask for your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, medical records, work history, and tax returns or pay stubs to verify your earnings.
  • The process process takes 3 to 6 months on average in Texas, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical evidence.
  • If Social Security denies your claim, you have 60 days from the denial letter to file an appeal, and most people who appeal hire a disability lawyer to represent them.
  • You can work part-time while your process is pending without affecting your claim, as long as you report your earnings to Social Security.

Documents You Need Before You explore

Social Security will ask for several documents during your process. Gather these before you start so you do not have to stop and search for them later. You will need your original birth certificate or a certified copy (not a photocopy), proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency, and a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport.

You will also need your Social Security number and your spouse's Social Security number if you are married. Bring proof of any name changes — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — if your current name differs from the one on your birth certificate.

For your work history, have your most recent tax returns (Form 1040) or W-2s from the past year ready. If you are self-employed, bring your tax returns for the past two years. Social Security uses these to verify your earnings record, which affects how much you might receive if approved.

Medical records are critical. Gather records from every doctor, hospital, or mental health provider who has treated you for your condition. Include test results, imaging reports, medication lists, and any letters from your doctors describing your limitations. The more complete your medical file, the faster Social Security can make a decision.

What Information Social Security Will Ask For

The SSDI process form (called the Form SSA-16 online) asks detailed questions about your medical condition, your work history, and your daily activities. Social Security wants to know when your condition started, which doctors have treated you, what medications you take, and how your condition limits your ability to work.

You will answer questions about your past jobs — the job titles, the dates you worked, the tasks you performed, and why you stopped working. Social Security uses this information to understand what kind of work you did and whether your condition prevents you from doing that work or any other work.

The form also asks about your living situation, your family members, and whether you receive other benefits such as workers' compensation or unemployment insurance. Be honest and complete; incomplete applications slow down the review process.

How Long the process Takes in Texas

Most SSDI applications in Texas are decided within 3 to 6 months. The exact timeline depends on how complete your process is, how quickly your doctors respond to Social Security's requests for records, and how straightforward your medical condition is.

If Social Security needs more medical evidence — for example, if your condition is rare or if the records you submitted do not clearly show you cannot work — the review can take longer. Social Security may ask you to see a doctor for a consultative examination, which is a one-time appointment paid for by Social Security to gather additional medical information.

You can check the status of your process online at ssa.gov/myaccount if you create a my Social Security account. The site shows you when Social Security received your process and whether they have requested additional information from you or your doctors.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

After you submit your process, Social Security sends you a confirmation letter with your process number. Keep this letter; you will need the number if you call to check on your case or if you file an appeal later.

Social Security will then request your medical records from every provider you listed on your process. This process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. If a provider is slow to respond, Social Security may contact them again or ask you to help obtain the records.

A Social Security disability examiner will review your complete file — your process, your medical records, your work history, and any other evidence. The examiner decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability, which means you cannot do your past work and cannot do any other work that exists in the national economy.

You will receive a decision letter in the mail. The letter explains whether you were approved or denied, and if denied, it explains why and tells you how to appeal.

If Social Security Denies Your Claim

About 65 to 70 percent of first-time SSDI applications are denied. A denial does not mean you are not disabled; it means Social Security did not find enough medical evidence that your condition prevents you from working.

You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to file an appeal. Do not wait; if you miss this important date, you will have to start a new process. The appeal is called a Request for Reconsideration, and a different examiner will review your case.

Most people who appeal hire a disability lawyer to represent them. Lawyers who handle SSDI cases work on contingency, meaning they are paid only if you win, and their fee is capped by Social Security at 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from the date you became disabled to the date you were approved). You do not pay anything upfront.

If you are denied again after reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This hearing is more formal than the reconsideration review, and you can present evidence and testify. About 60 percent of people who go to a hearing are approved.

Working While Your process Is Pending

You can work part-time while your SSDI process is being reviewed. Earning money does not automatically disqualify you or delay your decision. However, you must report your earnings to Social Security, and if you earn more than a certain amount, Social Security may conclude you are able to work and deny your claim.

In 2024, the limit is roughly $1,550 per month (this amount changes each year). If you earn less than this, Social Security generally will not use your work as a reason to deny you. If you earn more, Social Security may decide your earnings show you can work and deny your process.

The key is to report your work honestly. Do not hide earnings or try to work under the table; Social Security cross-checks your process against your tax records and wage reports from employers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for SSDI if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You must be a U.S. citizen or have a valid work visa or green card to receive SSDI. If you are not a citizen, bring proof of your legal residency status — your green card, work permit, or visa. Social Security will verify your status with immigration records before approving your claim.

Do I need a lawyer to explore for SSDI?

You do not need a lawyer to explore. Many people explore on their own and are approved. However, if you are denied and decide to appeal, a lawyer can significantly improve your chances. Lawyers are especially helpful at the hearing stage, where about 60 percent of represented claimants are approved compared to roughly 35 percent of unrepresented claimants.

What if I do not have all my medical records?

Start your process anyway. Social Security will request your records directly from your doctors and hospitals. If you have gaps in your treatment history, ask your doctors to write a letter explaining your condition and limitations. A detailed letter from your treating doctor can sometimes substitute for missing records.

Can I explore for SSDI and SSI at the same time in Texas?

Yes. SSDI is based on your work history; SSI is based on financial need. If you have not worked enough to may have access to for SSDI, you may still may have access to for SSI. Social Security will evaluate you for both programs when you explore, and you can receive both if you meet the requirements for each.

What happens to my process if I move out of Texas?

Your process continues normally. Social Security is a federal program, so your case does not change if you move to another state. Your process number and all your records stay with Social Security, and you will receive your decision by mail wherever you live.