The Basic Steps to explore in Texas

To explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for your child in Texas, you will file through Social Security, not through the state. You can start the process online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Texas has 149 Social Security field offices, and staff there can walk you through the process over the phone or face-to-face.

The process itself asks for your child's medical records, school records, work history (if your child is a teenager), and information about your household income and resources. Social Security will contact your child's doctors directly to request medical evidence, so you do not need to gather every document yourself before you start. The process typically takes three to six months from the day you file until you receive a decision.

Texas does not run its own disability program for children—Social Security handles all determinations. However, if your child is found to have a disability, they may also become may be able to access for Medicaid through the state, which is a separate benefit that covers medical care.

Key Takeaways

  • You file for child disability benefits through Social Security (federal), not through Texas state programs, by calling 1-800-772-1213, visiting ssa.gov, or going to a local field office.
  • Social Security will request medical records directly from your child's doctors, so you do not need to collect everything before you explore.
  • The decision process usually takes three to six months, and Social Security will contact you by mail with the result.
  • If your child is approved for disability, they may also become may be able to access for Texas Medicaid to cover medical expenses.
  • You can check the status of your process anytime by creating a my Social Security account at ssa.gov or by calling the same number you used to explore.

What Medical Conditions Social Security Considers a Disability for Children

Social Security has a list called the Compassionate Allowances (CAL) conditions that includes severe illnesses and disabilities that almost always result in approval. These include conditions like cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and certain cancers. If your child has one of these conditions, the approval process may be faster—sometimes just a few weeks instead of several months.

For other conditions, Social Security looks at whether your child's condition severely limits their ability to function in age-appropriate activities. For a young child, this might mean difficulty eating, walking, communicating, or learning. For a teenager, it might mean an inability to work or attend school. Social Security compares your child's condition to a detailed set of criteria for each body system—nervous system, respiratory system, digestive system, and so on.

The key question is not whether your child has a diagnosis, but whether the condition causes severe functional limitations that are expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. A child with asthma, for example, would need to show that the asthma is so severe it prevents them from doing things other children their age can do, not straightforward that they have asthma.

Documents You Will Need to Gather

Before you explore, collect these documents so you can provide them or reference them during your process:

  • Your child's birth certificate or proof of citizenship (passport, Social Security card, or state ID)
  • Your own Social Security number and proof of citizenship
  • Medical records from your child's doctors, hospitals, and therapists—names and addresses of these providers
  • School records or evaluation reports if your child receives special education services
  • If your child has worked: W-2 forms or pay stubs from the past year
  • Proof of your household income: recent tax returns, pay stubs, or benefit statements (if you receive unemployment, TANF, or other information)
  • Bank statements or proof of savings and resources if your child has any money in their name

You do not need to have all of these before you call or visit. Social Security will tell you which ones are missing after you file, and you can send them later. However, having medical provider names and addresses ready will speed up the process, because Social Security uses this information to request records on your behalf.

The Difference Between SSDI and SSI for Children in Texas

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance for children) is based on a parent's work history. If you or your spouse has worked and paid Social Security taxes, your child may be may be able to access for SSDI on that parent's record. Your income and resources do not affect whether your child receives SSDI, and there is no limit to how much money your child can have. SSDI payments are usually higher than SSI payments.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program. Your household income and resources directly affect whether your child qualifies and how much they receive. In Texas, the SSI payment amount for a child in 2024 is lower than SSDI, and your income above a certain threshold will reduce or eliminate the payment. However, SSI also makes your child may be able to access for Medicaid in Texas, which is a major benefit because it covers medical care, therapy, and prescriptions.

Many children may have access to for both programs at the same time. Social Security will determine which one your child is may be able to access for based on your work history and household finances. If you are unsure which applies to your situation, the Social Security representative who takes your process can explain it.

What Happens After You File: The Timeline and What to Expect

After you submit your process, Social Security will send you a notice with your child's case number and the name of the person handling the case. Keep this notice. You can use the case number to check your status online at ssa.gov (if you create a my Social Security account) or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Social Security will contact your child's doctors and ask them to send medical records and answer questions about your child's condition. This usually takes two to four weeks. During this time, you may receive a request for additional information—for example, school records or clarification about your income. Respond to these requests as quickly as you can, because delays in providing information can slow down the decision.

Once Social Security has all the medical evidence, a disability examiner will review the case and make a decision. If your child is approved, you will receive a letter in the mail explaining the payment amount and when payments will start. If your child is denied, the letter will explain the reason and tell you how to request reconsideration (a second review by a different examiner) or file an appeal.

What to Do If Your Child's process Is Denied

If Social Security denies your child's process, you have the right to request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter. This means a different examiner will review the case from the beginning. You can submit new medical evidence at this stage—for example, recent test results or a letter from a new doctor—that might not have been available when you first applied.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is a formal process where you can present evidence and testimony about your child's condition. Many families hire a disability representative or attorney at this stage, and many representatives work on contingency (they are paid only if you win). The hearing process usually takes several months.

You can also reapply at any time if your child's condition has worsened or if you have new medical evidence. There is no penalty for reapplying, and you do not have to wait for the 60-day reconsideration window to close before you file a new process.

How Texas Medicaid Works With Child Disability Benefits

If your child is approved for SSI, they automatically become may be able to access for Texas Medicaid (called CHIP or STAR Kids depending on your income level). This is one of the most valuable parts of receiving SSI, because Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescription medications, therapy, and medical equipment—things that can be very expensive.

If your child is approved for SSDI only (not SSI), Medicaid may be able to access depends on your household income. Some children on SSDI may have access to for Medicaid; others do not. Social Security will tell you whether your child qualifies when they send the approval letter. If your child does not may have access to automatically, you can explore for Medicaid directly through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) by visiting yourtexasbenefits.com or calling 2-1-1.

Keep in mind that Medicaid and Social Security benefits are separate. Losing Medicaid does not mean you lose your disability payment, and losing your disability payment does not automatically end Medicaid. However, changes in your income or household can affect both, so report any major changes to both Social Security and HHSC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for my child if they are still in school?

Yes. School attendance does not prevent your child from receiving disability benefits. Social Security will consider your child's ability to function at school—whether they need special education services, whether they can keep up with peers, and whether they have significant limitations—as part of the evaluation.

What if my child has already been denied once?

You can request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter, and a different examiner will review the case. If you have new medical evidence—recent test results, a new diagnosis, or a letter from a doctor—include it with your reconsideration request. Many families also win on appeal before an Administrative Law Judge.

Do I have to report my child's disability to the school?

No. Your child's Social Security disability status and school special education status are separate. However, if your child has a disability that affects learning, the school may be required to provide services under Section 504 or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) regardless of Social Security's decision. Talk to your child's school about what services they offer.

What happens to my child's benefits when they turn 18?

When your child turns 18, Social Security will do a new evaluation to see if they still meet the adult disability criteria. The rules are slightly different for adults than for children. Your child will receive a notice explaining the new rules and whether their benefits will continue. If benefits stop, you have the right to appeal.

Can I work while my child receives disability benefits?

Yes. Your work does not affect your child's SSDI or SSI payments. However, if your child is receiving SSI, your income above a certain amount will reduce their payment. If your child is receiving SSDI, your income does not affect their payment at all. A Social Security representative can explain how your specific income situation affects your child's benefits.