The two paths to disability benefits in Texas

There are two separate disability programs you can pursue in Texas, and they come from different government sources. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program run by the Social Security Administration — it's based on your work history and the taxes you've paid into Social Security. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is also federal but focuses on people with very low income and resources, regardless of work history. Texas does not run its own disability program, so these two federal paths are what's available to you.

Which one you pursue depends on whether you've worked enough to have Social Security credits. If you have worked and paid Social Security taxes, SSDI is usually your first option. If you haven't worked much, or if your work history is very recent, SSI may be the route that works for you. Some people end up on both programs at the same time, though the way the payments work together is specific to your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • SSDI is based on your work history; SSI is based on your income and resources, and Texas has no state-run disability program.
  • You explore to both programs through the Social Security Administration — either online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
  • The Social Security Administration will ask for medical records, work history, and proof of your current income and living situation.
  • Processing times vary, but you should expect several months from process to a decision, and many people are denied on their first try.
  • If you are denied, you have the right to appeal, and many people succeed on appeal with the help of a disability representative.

What the Social Security Administration needs from you

When you explore for either SSDI or SSI, the Social Security Administration will ask for the same basic information: proof of your identity, your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and your Social Security number. Bring a photo ID if you explore in person. You'll also need to list your current address and phone number, and if you're explore for SSI, information about your income and any money or property you own.

The medical part is what takes the most time. You'll need to provide the names and addresses of every doctor, hospital, or mental health provider who has treated you for your condition. The Social Security Administration will contact them directly to request your medical records — you don't have to collect them yourself, though you can speed things up by gathering them first. Bring any test results, imaging reports, or medication lists you have. If you haven't seen a doctor recently, the Social Security Administration may ask you to get a medical exam at their expense before they make a decision.

For SSDI specifically, you'll also need to list your work history for the past 15 years: the names of employers, the dates you worked, and the type of work you did. The Social Security Administration will verify this against their records.

Where and how the process works in Texas

You have three ways to explore: online, by phone, or in person. The online process is at ssa.gov — go to the "explore for Disability" section and follow the form for either SSDI or SSI. You can save your progress and come back to it, which many people find helpful because the form is long.

If you prefer to explore by phone, call 1-800-772-1213. This is the national Social Security number, and it works from anywhere in Texas. You'll speak to someone who will walk you through the questions. The wait time varies by time of day and season, but calling early in the morning on a weekday usually means a shorter hold.

To explore in person, find your local Social Security office. You can search for the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator or by calling the number above. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait several hours. Many offices now let you make an appointment online or by phone, which is faster. Bring all your documents with you — your ID, birth certificate, proof of citizenship, medical records, and work history.

What happens after you explore

After you submit your process, the Social Security Administration sends it to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Texas. This is a separate state agency that works with Social Security to review medical evidence and make the initial decision. You will not hear from DDS directly in most cases — Social Security will contact you if they need more information.

The DDS office will request your medical records from the providers you listed. This can take several weeks. If your records don't show enough detail about your condition, the DDS office may schedule you for a consultative exam — a medical appointment paid for by Social Security, usually with a doctor you haven't seen before. This exam is to gather information for the decision, not to treat you.

The whole process from process to an initial decision usually takes 3 to 6 months, though it can be faster or slower depending on how quickly your medical records arrive and how complex your case is. You can check the status of your process online at ssa.gov if you created an account, or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Understanding the decision: approval, denial, or continuing disability review

When the DDS office makes a decision, the Social Security Administration will send you a letter explaining what they decided and why. If you are approved, the letter will tell you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. SSDI payments are based on your work history and earnings; SSI payments are a set federal amount, though Texas does not add extra state money on top of it.

If you are denied, the letter will explain which of the Social Security Administration's rules you did not meet. The most common reason for denial is that your medical condition is not severe enough to prevent you from working, or that your condition is not expected to last at least 12 months. A denial does not mean you cannot try again — you have the right to appeal.

If you are approved, you may be scheduled for a Continuing Disability Review (CDR) at some point in the future. This is when the Social Security Administration checks whether your condition has improved and whether you still meet the rules for disability. How often this happens depends on whether your condition is expected to improve, but it's typically every 1 to 3 years. You will receive a letter telling you when your review is scheduled.

What to do if you are denied

You have four levels of appeal if you are denied. The first is called Reconsideration, and you have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to request it. At this stage, a different person at the DDS office will review your case and the medical evidence. You can submit new medical records or a statement explaining why you disagree with the decision.

If you are denied again at Reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is a real hearing, and you can bring witnesses or have someone represent you. Many people hire a disability representative at this stage — someone who specializes in Social Security cases. The representative is paid only if you win, and the fee is set by Social Security (usually 25% of your back pay, up to $7,200). You have 60 days to request a hearing.

If the ALJ denies you, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, and if that is denied, you can file a lawsuit in federal court. These later stages are rare, and most people who pursue them have a lawyer. The important thing to know is that you are not stuck with the first decision — many people are denied initially and approved on appeal.

Work incentives and other support while waiting

If you are waiting for a decision or if you are approved but worried about working, Social Security has programs that let you earn money without losing your benefits. Under Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE), you can deduct certain costs related to your disability — like transportation to medical appointments or equipment you need to work — before Social Security counts your earnings. Under the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS), you can set aside income and resources for a specific work goal without affecting your SSI benefits.

These programs are complex, and the rules vary depending on your situation. If you think one might help you, ask about it when you call Social Security or visit your local office. You can also contact a Work Incentives Planning and information (WIPA) project — these are free counseling services in Texas that help people understand how work affects their benefits. To find a WIPA project near you, call 1-866-968-7842 or visit the national WIPA website.

Finding help with your process

You do not have to hire someone to help you explore — the process itself is free, and Social Security staff will answer questions if you call or visit an office. But if you want help understanding the process, organizing your medical records, or preparing for an appeal, there are free and low-cost options.

Legal aid organizations in Texas offer free help to people with low income. You can find one through the Texas RioGrande Legal Aid website or by calling 1-888-529-5277. Disability Rights Texas is a nonprofit that advocates for people with disabilities and can answer questions about the process. Vocational Rehabilitation is a state program that helps people with disabilities prepare for work, and they sometimes help with the process process as well — you can contact your local VR office through the Texas Workforce Commission.

If you decide to hire a disability representative, make sure they are authorized by Social Security. You can check this at ssa.gov/representation or by asking to see their authorization letter. Never pay someone upfront or pay more than the Social Security-approved fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will I receive if I'm approved?

SSDI payments depend on your work history and earnings — the more you earned and the longer you worked, the higher your payment. The average SSDI payment in 2024 is around $1,500 per month, but yours could be higher or lower. SSI payments are a set federal amount, currently $943 per month for an individual, though this changes each year. You can estimate your SSDI payment by creating an account at ssa.gov and viewing your earnings record.

Can I work while I'm waiting for a decision?

Yes. Working while you wait does not hurt your process, and it does not disqualify you from SSDI or SSI. However, if you earn more than a certain amount per month (called "substantial gainful activity"), Social Security may use that as a reason to deny you. The limit changes each year — in 2024 it's $1,550 per month. If you're close to that limit, talk to Social Security before you start working.

What if I don't have medical records from a doctor?

You should try to see a doctor before you explore, because Social Security needs medical evidence to approve you. If you cannot afford a doctor, look for a community health center in your area — many offer sliding-scale fees based on income. If you have already applied and don't have records, tell Social Security, and they may schedule a consultative exam at their expense.

How long does the whole process take from start to finish?

The initial decision usually takes 3 to 6 months. If you are denied and appeal, a Reconsideration decision takes another 3 to 6 months. A hearing before an ALJ can take 6 months to over a year, depending on how busy the hearing office is. If you are approved at any stage, you receive back pay for the months between when you applied and when you were approved.

What if my condition gets worse while I'm waiting?

Tell Social Security when ready. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office and ask to update your medical information. New medical records can strengthen your case, especially if they show your condition has worsened or if you've been hospitalized or started new treatment.