Where to start: the Social Security Administration, not the state

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are federal programs run by the Social Security Administration (SSA), not by Texas. You file with SSA, not with the state of Texas, even though you live here. Texas does not have a separate state disability program that runs parallel to federal SSDI or SSI.

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 file by phone or in person, SSA will schedule you for an appointment rather than process your claim on the spot.

Texas has 24 Social Security field offices where you can walk in or call ahead to book an appointment. Finding your nearest office is easiest through the office locator on ssa.gov — enter your ZIP code and the site shows hours, phone numbers, and whether that office takes walk-ins. Most offices now require an appointment, especially after 2 p.m.

Key Takeaways

  • File with the Social Security Administration directly, not with any Texas state agency — SSDI and SSI are federal programs with the same rules everywhere.
  • You can file online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office; online is usually fastest if you already have a my Social Security account.
  • Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical records, work history, and list of doctors and hospitals ready before you start the process.
  • The SSA will ask you to name a representative (a lawyer, accredited agent, or non-lawyer advocate) if you want one; you can add or change this later, but naming one early helps coordinate your case.
  • After you file, SSA sends your case to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Texas, which makes the medical decision; this step takes 30 to 90 days on average.

What documents and information you need before you file

Gather these items before you start your process, whether online or by phone. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and citizenship or immigration status. Have your birth certificate or passport available — SSA will ask to see it if you file in person.

Collect the names, addresses, and phone numbers of every doctor, hospital, clinic, and mental health provider who has treated you for your condition. Include dates you saw them, even if it was years ago. SSA will contact these providers directly to request your medical records, so accuracy here matters — a wrong phone number can delay your case by weeks.

Write down your work history for the past 15 years: the names of employers, dates you worked, and the type of work you did. If you are self-employed, note your business type and when you started. You will also need to list any medications you take, any surgeries or hospitalizations, and any other conditions that affect your ability to work, even if they are not the main reason you are filing.

Filing online: the fastest route if you have a my Social Security account

Go to ssa.gov and sign into your my Social Security account. If you do not have one, create it first — you will need your email address, a password, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or U.S. mailing address on file with SSA). Creating an account takes about 10 minutes.

Once logged in, look for the "explore for Disability" option. The online form walks you through your medical history, work history, and living situation. You can save your progress and come back to it — SSA keeps your answers for 30 days. The form itself usually takes 20 to 40 minutes to complete, depending on how complex your work history is.

After you submit, SSA sends you a confirmation number by email. Write this down — you will use it if you call SSA or visit an office later. You do not need to do anything else at this point. SSA will contact you if they need more information.

Filing by phone or in person in Texas

Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf or hard of hearing) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Tell the representative you want to file for SSDI or SSI, and they will schedule you for a phone appointment or direct you to your local office.

If you go in person, find your local Social Security office using the locator at ssa.gov. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate or passport, and a photo ID. Bring the list of doctors and employers you prepared earlier. The interview usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. A representative will ask you the same questions the online form covers, fill out the process on your behalf, and give you a receipt with your confirmation number.

If you cannot travel to an office or prefer not to, you can request a phone appointment when you call. SSA will call you at a time you choose. This is just as official as filing in person.

Naming a representative: when and why it matters

You can name a representative — a lawyer, accredited agent, or non-lawyer advocate — to help you with your case. This is optional, but many people find it useful, especially if their case is complex or if they have been denied before. Your representative can review your medical records, help gather evidence, and represent you at a hearing if your case goes that far.

You do not have to name a representative when you file. You can add one later, even after SSA denies your claim. If you do name one now, include their name and contact information on your process. SSA will send them copies of all letters and decisions.

Lawyers who handle SSDI cases work on contingency, meaning they take a fee only if you win — usually 25% of your back pay, capped at $7,200 by federal law. Non-lawyer advocates and accredited agents charge a fee you negotiate with them, or sometimes work for a nonprofit at no cost. Ask about fees before you hire anyone.

What happens after you file: the Disability information Services review

After you submit your process, SSA sends your case to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Texas. DDS is a state agency that works under contract with SSA to make the medical decision on your claim. This is not a second opinion — it is the official review that determines whether you meet SSA's definition of disability.

DDS will request your medical records from the doctors and hospitals you listed. This step usually takes 30 to 90 days, depending on how quickly those providers respond. If a provider is slow, DDS 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 DDS directly.

DDS may also schedule you for a consultative examination (CE) with a doctor they choose. This is a one-time appointment, usually free, where a doctor examines you or reviews your medical history. DDS uses this exam to fill gaps in your medical record. You will receive a letter telling you the date, time, and location of the exam.

After DDS finishes its review, it sends a decision to SSA, which sends the decision to you by mail. This whole process takes an average of 3 to 6 months, though some cases move faster and others take longer. You can check the status of your case anytime by logging into your my Social Security account or calling 1-800-772-1213.

If SSA denies your claim: the appeal process in Texas

If SSA denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. You must request an appeal within 60 days of the date on the denial letter. There are four levels of appeal: reconsideration, hearing before an administrative law judge, Appeals Council review, and federal court. Most people who appeal win at the hearing stage, which is why naming a representative early can help.

To request reconsideration (the first appeal), contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. Tell them you want to appeal and ask for Form SSA-561, the Request for Reconsideration. You can file this form online, by mail, or in person. Reconsideration takes another 3 to 6 months and is reviewed by a different DDS examiner.

If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This hearing is held in Texas, usually in person or by video, and you can bring a representative and witnesses. Hearings often take 6 to 12 months to schedule, but they are where most appeals succeed. The judge will review all your medical evidence and hear from you directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you have worked long enough to have SSDI coverage but do not have much income or savings, you may be able to receive both. File for both in the same process — SSA will determine which programs you may have access to for. The rules are different: SSDI is based on your work history, while SSI is based on income and resources.

What if I am still working? Can I still file for disability?

Yes. SSA does not require you to stop working to file. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), SSA may decide you are not disabled under its rules. You can earn up to that amount and still file, but be honest about your current work and income on the process.

How long does it take to hear back after I file in Texas?

Initial decisions usually take 3 to 6 months. Some cases are faster, especially if your medical evidence is clear and complete. If SSA needs more records or schedules a consultative exam, it may take longer. You can check your case status online or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Do I need a lawyer to file for disability in Texas?

No. You can file on your own and represent yourself throughout the process. However, if your case is denied and you appeal, a lawyer or representative can significantly improve your chances at a hearing. Many people file alone first, then hire a representative only if they need to appeal.

What is the difference between filing online and filing in person in Texas?

There is no difference in how SSA treats your claim. Online filing is usually faster because you can submit when ready and do not have to wait for an appointment. Filing in person or by phone takes longer to schedule but may be easier if you have questions during the process or do not have internet access.