The Basic Steps to explore in Texas

You explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through Social Security itself, not through the state of Texas. The process is the same whether you live in Houston, Dallas, or anywhere else in the country — Social Security handles all disability decisions federally. Texas does not run its own disability program or approve your case; Social Security does.

You have three ways to start: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. Most people begin online because you can do it at your own pace and save your work. If you call, Social Security will schedule an appointment or take information over the phone. If you go in person, you can walk into any Social Security field office in Texas without an appointment, though you may wait.

The process itself asks about your medical condition, your work history, your household income and resources, and who depends on you. You will need documents — birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, tax returns or pay stubs, and medical records. Social Security will tell you exactly what they need once you start.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security, not Texas, makes the disability decision, and you explore through ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at a local field office.
  • You will need your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, recent income documents, and medical records from your doctors.
  • SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes; SSI is for people with very low income and few resources, regardless of work history.
  • The decision typically takes three to six months, and most first applications are denied — you can ask for reconsideration or a hearing before a judge.
  • Texas has no state-specific disability program, but you may also be able to explore Medicaid or other state programs while your Social Security case is pending.

SSDI vs. SSI: Which Program You Might may have access to For

Social Security has two disability programs, and which one you might may have access to for depends on your work history and income. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years. You do not have to be poor to get SSDI — your income and savings do not matter. What matters is that you worked long enough and paid into the system.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is for people with very low income and very few resources — typically under $2,000 in savings and under a certain monthly income, though the exact limits change yearly. You do not need a work history to get SSI. If you have never worked much or worked a long time ago, SSI may be your path instead of SSDI.

Some people may have access to for both at the same time. When you explore, Social Security will look at both programs and tell you which one you might be may be able to access for. You do not choose; Social Security determines what you may have access to for based on your situation.

What Documents You Need Before You Start

Gather these documents before you explore, whether online or in person. You will need your birth certificate (original or certified copy), proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, naturalization papers, or green card), and a Social Security card or a record of your number. If you do not have your card, you can still explore — Social Security has your number on file.

You will also need recent pay stubs or tax returns to show your current income, and medical records from your doctors that describe your condition, when it started, and how it limits what you can do. Do not wait until you have every medical record — you can start the process and Social Security will request records directly from your doctors. But having at least one recent doctor's note speeds things up.

If you are explore for SSI, you will also need to show your income and resources — bank statements, proof of rent or mortgage, utility bills, and anything else that shows what you own and what comes in each month. Keep these documents handy; you may need to upload them or bring them to an office.

explore Online, by Phone, or In Person

Online at ssa.gov is usually fastest. Go to ssa.gov/applyfordisability, create or sign into your my Social Security account, and fill out the process. You can save your work and come back to it. Once you submit, Social Security sends you a confirmation number. This route takes the least time and you control when you do it.

By phone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time. Have your documents ready. Social Security will take your information over the phone and mail you a summary to sign and return, or they may schedule an in-person appointment at a local office. Phone lines are often busy; calling early in the week or early in the day usually means shorter waits.

In person at a Texas Social Security office means you walk in with your documents and speak to someone face-to-face. You do not need an appointment. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring originals or certified copies of your documents — Social Security will not accept photocopies for things like your birth certificate. In-person visits can take several hours, but you leave knowing your process is submitted.

What Happens After You explore

After you submit your process, Social Security sends you a notice with a case number and tells you what happens next. They will contact your doctors and ask for your medical records. This can take several weeks. You do not have to do anything at this stage unless Social Security asks you for more information — if they do, respond quickly, because delays can slow your case.

Social Security has a Disability information Services (DDS) office in Texas that reviews your medical evidence and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability. This office is part of the state but works for Social Security. The decision typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical evidence.

You will receive a written decision in the mail. If you are approved, Social Security tells you when your benefits start and how much you will receive. If you are denied, the letter explains why and tells you how to ask for reconsideration or request a hearing before a judge. Most first applications are denied; asking for reconsideration or a hearing is a normal next step, not a sign something went wrong.

If Your process Is Denied

A denial does not mean you cannot get benefits — it means Social Security did not find enough medical evidence that your condition meets their definition of disability at that moment. You have the right to challenge the decision. You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to ask for reconsideration, which means Social Security reviews your case again with any new medical evidence you have gathered.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is a formal hearing where you can present your case, bring witnesses, and have a lawyer or representative speak for you. Many people win at the hearing stage. The judge's decision takes weeks or months, but this is where many cases that were initially denied end up approved.

You do not have to hire a lawyer, but many people do. Lawyers who handle Social Security cases work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your back pay (usually 25 percent, capped at $6,000) only if you win. You pay nothing upfront. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you can ask for a hearing representative instead — they charge less or sometimes nothing.

Other Texas Programs That May Help While You Wait

While your Social Security case is pending, you may be able to get help from other programs. Texas Medicaid covers people with disabilities and low income, and you can explore for Medicaid while your Social Security case is open. If you are approved for SSI, you automatically may have access to for Medicaid in Texas. If you are approved for SSDI, you become may be able to access for Medicare after 24 months of receiving benefits.

SNAP (food information) and LIHEAP (help with heating and cooling bills) are federal programs run through Texas that you may be able to use while waiting. Your local Texas Health and Human Services office can tell you what you might may have access to for. You can also call 211 from any phone in Texas to be connected to local resources for food, housing, and medical help.

If you have a work history but are not yet approved for SSDI, you may be able to work part-time and still receive benefits under Social Security's Ticket to Work program, which lets you test your ability to work without losing your benefits when ready. This is something to ask Social Security about once your case is open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for disability in Texas if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) or have certain other legal immigration statuses. You will need to show proof of your legal residency status. Undocumented immigrants cannot get SSDI or SSI, but may be able to get emergency Medicaid in Texas. Ask Social Security directly about your specific status.

How much money can I have and still get SSI in Texas?

SSI limits change yearly, but generally you can have no more than about $2,000 in countable resources (savings, investments, property other than your home and car). Some things do not count — your home, one vehicle, household items, and life insurance up to $1,500. Social Security will explain what counts and what does not when you explore.

What if I am still working — can I explore for disability?

Yes. You can work part-time and still explore for SSDI or SSI. Social Security looks at whether your condition prevents you from doing substantial work, not whether you are currently working. If you earn over a certain amount (about $1,550 per month in 2024, but this changes yearly), it may affect your case, so tell Social Security about your income.

How long does it take to get a decision in Texas?

Most cases take three to six months from the date you explore. Some take longer if Social Security needs more medical records or if your case is complex. You can check the status of your case anytime by logging into your my Social Security account or calling 1-800-772-1213.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own and many people do. A lawyer becomes more useful if your case is denied and you are asking for a hearing. At that point, having someone who knows the process can improve your chances, but it is not required.