Start with the Social Security Administration, not the state

Disability benefits in Texas come from the federal Social Security Administration (SSA), not from a Texas state office. You cannot explore through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission or any state agency. The SSA runs two programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is based on your work history, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is based on financial need. Both programs use the same process process and the same medical standards, but they pay different amounts and have different rules about how much money you can have.

You explore directly to the SSA. You can do this 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 process is the fastest route if you have a Social Security number and can upload documents. The phone line has wait times but works if you cannot get to an office. In-person appointments at a local office take longer to schedule but let you ask questions as you go.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore to the federal Social Security Administration, not to any Texas state agency, using either the online form at ssa.gov, the phone line 1-800-772-1213, or your local Social Security office.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and medical records showing your condition and how it limits your work.
  • The SSA will ask about your work history, your current medical treatment, and whether you have tried to work since your condition started.
  • The decision process takes three to six months on average, and most first applications are denied; you can appeal within 60 days of the denial letter.
  • Texas has no separate state disability program that runs parallel to Social Security, so there is no second process to file.

What documents you need before you start

Gather these documents before you begin the process. You will need your Social Security number, which the SSA already has on file. You will also need proof of your date of birth — a birth certificate, passport, or driver's license. If you were not born in the United States, bring proof of citizenship or legal residency — a green card, visa, naturalization papers, or passport.

The most important documents are your medical records. These should show your diagnosis, when it started, what treatment you have had, and what your doctor says about your ability to work. Bring records from every doctor, hospital, or clinic that has treated you for your condition. Include test results, imaging reports, and notes from visits. If you have not seen a doctor recently, schedule an appointment before you explore — the SSA will not move forward without current medical evidence.

You will also need information about your work history for the past 15 years. Write down the names of employers, the dates you worked, and the type of work you did. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns or profit-and-loss statements. The SSA uses this to figure out whether you paid enough into Social Security to be covered under SSDI, and to understand what kind of work you have done.

explore online at ssa.gov

Go to ssa.gov and look for "explore for Disability" in the main menu. You will be taken to a form that asks for your personal information, medical history, and work history. The form saves your progress, so you can stop and come back later. It takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete if you have your documents ready.

The online form asks you to upload documents. Use a scanner or phone camera to photograph your birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and any medical records you have. The SSA accepts PDF, JPG, and PNG files. If you cannot upload documents right away, you can submit them later by mail or in person — the SSA will send you instructions after you submit the form.

After you submit, you will get a confirmation number. Write this down. The SSA will contact you within 3 to 5 business days to schedule a phone interview. During the interview, a claims specialist will ask detailed questions about your medical condition, your treatment, and your work history. This call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

explore by phone or in person

To explore by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Wait times vary; calling early in the week or early in the morning usually means shorter waits. Tell the representative you want to explore for disability. They will take your information over the phone and schedule a follow-up interview. You will need to mail or upload your documents within 10 days.

To explore in person, find your local Social Security office by going to ssa.gov/locator or calling the main number above. You can schedule an appointment online or by phone. Bring all your documents with you. The office staff will help you fill out the form and answer questions about your medical history and work. This takes 45 minutes to an hour. You will leave with a confirmation number and a timeline for the next steps.

What happens after you submit your process

After you submit, the SSA sends your file to a Disability information Services (DDS) office. In Texas, this is the Texas DDS, which is part of the state's Health and Human Services system but works under SSA rules. The DDS office reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets the SSA's definition of disability.

The DDS may ask your doctors for more information. They may also ask you to see a doctor they choose, at no cost to you. This is called a Consultative Examination (CE). If the DDS orders a CE, they will send you a letter with the doctor's name, address, and appointment date. You must go to this appointment; missing it can delay your case or result in a denial.

The decision process takes three to six months on average. You will receive a letter in the mail explaining the decision. If you are approved, the letter will tell you how much you will receive each month and when payments start. If you are denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal.

Understanding SSDI versus SSI in Texas

SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. You must have worked long enough and recently enough to be "insured" under Social Security. The amount you receive is based on your earnings record, not on how much money you have now. There is no limit to how much money or property you can own. Once approved, you can work part-time and earn up to a certain amount without losing benefits.

SSI is for people with low income and few assets, regardless of work history. You can have no more than $2,000 in countable resources (this includes cash, bank accounts, and some other assets; your home and one car do not count). Your monthly income must be below a certain limit, which changes each year. In 2024, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month, but Texas does not add a state supplement on top of this.

Many people are denied for SSDI but approved for SSI, or vice versa. The SSA will consider you for both programs in a single process. If you do not have enough work history for SSDI, you may still may have access to for SSI if your income and assets are low enough.

What to do if your process is denied

Most first applications are denied. This does not mean you cannot receive benefits — it means you need to appeal. You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal. Do not wait; if you miss the 60-day window, you have to start over with a new process.

There are four levels of appeal. The first is a Reconsideration, where a different DDS examiner reviews your file and any new medical evidence you submit. This takes two to three months. If you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is where most people win their cases. The hearing can take six months to a year to schedule, but you can work with a representative to prepare.

You can represent yourself at any stage, but many people hire a disability representative or attorney. These representatives work on contingency, meaning they are paid only if you win, and only from your back pay. The fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay or $7,200, whichever is less. If you cannot afford a representative, the SSA can refer you to free legal aid in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my process is being reviewed?

Yes. You can work and earn money while waiting for a decision. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), the SSA may decide you are not disabled. Keep your earnings low and tell the SSA about any work you do when they ask during your interview.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore and appeal on your own. A representative is most helpful at the hearing stage, where the rules are stricter and the stakes are higher. For the initial process, you can handle it yourself if you have good medical records and can explain your condition clearly.

What if I do not have medical records yet?

Schedule a doctor's appointment before you explore. The SSA will not move forward without current medical evidence. If you cannot afford a doctor, look for a community health center or free clinic in your area. You can search for these on the HRSA website or by calling 211.

How much will I receive each month if I am approved?

SSDI payments depend on your earnings record and range from about $600 to $3,800 per month. SSI payments are the same for everyone in Texas: $943 per month in 2024. The SSA will tell you the exact amount in your approval letter.

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

Yes. The SSA considers you for both programs in a single process. You do not need to file twice. The SSA will determine which program you may have access to for based on your work history and income.