Where to file and what you need before you start

You file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with the Social Security Administration, not with the state of Texas. Texas does not run its own disability program — it administers Medicaid and other benefits for people who are approved by Social Security, but the disability decision itself comes from SSA.

You can file in three ways: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or in person at your local Social Security office. The online route is fastest if you have a my Social Security account already set up. If you do not, you can create one during the filing process.

Before you file, gather: proof of age (birth certificate), proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or naturalization papers), a list of all doctors and hospitals that have treated you for your condition, dates you last worked, and names of employers from the past 15 years. If you are filing for SSI, you will also need proof of income, assets, and rent or mortgage payments.

Key Takeaways

  • File with the Social Security Administration directly, not with Texas — you can start online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local office.
  • Have medical records from your doctors ready before you file, because SSA will request them and the process moves faster if you know where they are.
  • SSDI is based on your work history; SSI is based on income and assets — you may be able to file for both at the same time.
  • Texas will determine Medicaid may be able to access after SSA approves you, and the rules differ between SSDI and SSI recipients.
  • The decision typically takes three to five months for an initial claim, longer if you have to appeal.

SSDI versus SSI: which one you might file for

SSDI requires that you or your spouse paid into Social Security through payroll taxes for a certain number of quarters (usually 40 quarters, or 10 years of work). You can file for SSDI at any age if you became disabled before age 22, or at any age if you have enough work credits. There is no income or asset limit for SSDI.

SSI does not require a work history. It is a needs-based program for people with disabilities who have limited income and assets. In Texas, the asset limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple (as of 2024, though this may change). Monthly income limits vary depending on whether you are living independently, with family, or in an institution.

You can file for both programs at the same time if you do not have enough work credits for SSDI but think you might may have access to for SSI. SSA will process both claims together. If you are approved for SSDI, you will not receive SSI, but you may be may be able to access for Medicaid under Texas's SSDI Medicaid rules.

The online filing process step by step

Go to ssa.gov and select "explore for Disability." You will need to create or log into a my Social Security account. The form takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete. You will enter your personal information, work history, medical conditions, and the names and addresses of doctors who have treated you.

SSA will ask you to list all conditions that prevent you from working, not just the main one. Include every diagnosis your doctors have documented — back pain, depression, diabetes, hearing loss, whatever applies. Do not minimize or leave things out; SSA uses the full picture to make a decision.

You will also be asked about your daily activities: can you lift, carry, sit, stand, walk, concentrate, remember instructions, get along with others. Answer honestly and specifically. If you cannot sit for more than 30 minutes, say that. If you have panic attacks that make it hard to be around people, say that. These answers matter more than the diagnosis itself.

After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down. SSA will mail you a notice within two weeks confirming they received your claim. From that point, a caseworker will request your medical records directly from your doctors.

What happens after you file

SSA sends requests for medical records to the doctors and hospitals you listed. This step usually takes four to eight weeks. If a doctor does not respond, SSA may contact them again or ask you to get the records yourself. You can speed this up by calling your doctors' offices and asking them to send records to SSA right away — give them your claim number.

Once SSA has your records, a disability examiner reviews them against the Blue Book, which lists conditions that automatically may have access to for disability. If your condition is in the Blue Book and your medical evidence matches it, approval is faster. If not, the examiner decides whether your condition is severe enough to prevent substantial work activity.

You will receive a decision letter in the mail. If approved, the letter will state your monthly benefit amount and when payments begin. If denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal. You have 60 days from the date on the letter to file an appeal.

Texas Medicaid rules for SSDI and SSI recipients

In Texas, SSDI recipients are automatically referred to Medicaid once SSA approves them. You do not have to file a separate process. Texas Health and Human Services will contact you with information about your Medicaid coverage. SSDI recipients in Texas have no resource limit for Medicaid and no monthly income limit — if you are approved for SSDI, you are approved for Medicaid.

SSI recipients in Texas are also automatically enrolled in Medicaid. Because SSI itself is a needs-based program, the income and asset limits are the same: $2,000 in resources for an individual. If your income or resources exceed the SSI limit, you lose both SSI and Medicaid at the same time.

If you move to Texas from another state after receiving SSDI or SSI, contact your local Social Security office to update your address. Your benefits do not change, but Texas will need to know you are in the state so it can process your Medicaid enrollment.

What to do if your claim is denied

A denial does not mean you cannot win on appeal. About one-third of initial claims are denied, and many of those are approved on appeal. You have four levels of appeal: reconsideration, hearing before an administrative law judge, Appeals Council review, and federal court.

The reconsideration stage is free and takes two to three months. SSA will assign a new examiner to review your case. You can submit new medical evidence at this stage — if you have seen a doctor since you filed, send those records. Many people are approved at reconsideration if they have new evidence showing their condition has worsened.

If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is the stage where most people win. You can represent yourself or hire a disability lawyer. Lawyers work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your back pay (usually 25 percent, capped at $6,000) only if you win. The hearing typically happens four to six months after you request it.

Work incentives and how they affect your benefits

If you are approved for SSDI, you can work and still receive benefits under work incentives that SSA offers. The most common is the Trial Work Period, which lets you work for nine months (not necessarily consecutive) and keep your full benefit check. After the Trial Work Period ends, SSA counts your earnings to see if you are doing substantial work activity. If you earn more than $1,550 per month (as of 2024), your benefits may stop, but you enter an Extended may be able to access period where you can still get Medicaid.

SSI has different work incentives. You can earn up to $65 per month plus half of remaining earnings before your SSI payment is reduced. This means you can work part-time and still receive most of your SSI check. Medicaid continues even if your earnings cause your SSI to stop.

Before you start working, contact your local Social Security office and ask about work incentives. SSA has work incentive planners who can show you exactly how much you can earn without losing benefits. This planning is free.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You file with Social Security, which is federal, not with Texas. Your state of residence does not matter for the SSDI or SSI decision. However, if you are approved, Texas will determine your Medicaid may be able to access based on Texas rules, which may differ from your previous state.

How long does it take to get approved?

Initial claims usually take three to five months. If you are denied and appeal, reconsideration takes two to three months, and a hearing before a judge takes four to six months after you request it. Some cases move faster if medical evidence is clear; others take longer if records are hard to obtain.

Do I need a lawyer to file?

No. You can file and represent yourself at every stage. However, if your claim is denied and you appeal to a hearing, a lawyer or non-lawyer representative can improve your chances. You only pay if you win, and the fee is capped at $6,000.

What if I am still working when I file?

You can file while working. SSA will look at your average monthly earnings over the past 15 years to decide if you have a substantial work history. Current earnings do not disqualify you from filing, but if you are earning more than $1,550 per month (as of 2024), SSA may question whether you are disabled. Be honest about your work and your limitations.

Will filing for disability affect my Social Security retirement benefits later?

If you are approved for SSDI before retirement age, your SSDI becomes a retirement benefit at age 66 or 67 (depending on your birth year) — the amount does not change, just the name. If you are denied for disability, it does not affect your retirement benefits when you reach retirement age.