What disability programs operate in Texas

Texas residents can access two main federal disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both are run by the Social Security Administration, not by the state, so the rules are the same whether you live in Houston or El Paso. Texas also runs the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Vocational Rehabilitation program, which helps people with disabilities return to work through training and job placement—this is separate from cash benefits but can run alongside SSDI or SSI.

SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes; you draw on your own work history or a family member's. SSI is for people with low income and few resources, regardless of work history. Both require that you have a medical condition that prevents substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration makes the medical decision; Texas has no separate state disability information process.

If you are already receiving SSDI or SSI, Texas also offers Medicaid under rules that differ slightly from other states. Understanding which program fits your situation—and how they interact—shapes what you need to do next.

Key Takeaways

  • SSDI and SSI are both federal programs run by Social Security, not by Texas, so you explore to Social Security directly, not to a state office.
  • SSDI requires a work history; SSI does not, but SSI has strict income and resource limits that vary slightly in Texas.
  • You must have a medical condition that prevents substantial work for at least 12 months to meet either program's definition of disability.
  • Texas Medicaid covers SSDI and SSI recipients under different rules, and understanding your Medicaid status is critical before you work.
  • The Social Security Administration has a field office in most Texas cities; you can start an process online, by phone, or in person.

How to start an SSDI or SSI process in Texas

You can begin an process three ways: online at ssa.gov, by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or by visiting a Social Security field office in person. The online process for SSDI is the fastest route if you have your medical records and work history ready. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency.

If you choose to explore online, you can save your process and return to it later—you do not have to finish in one sitting. If you call or visit an office, a representative will walk you through the questions and can answer questions about what documents you need. Texas has Social Security field offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and most other major cities; you can find the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator.

The process asks for your medical history, current symptoms, medications, doctors' names and addresses, and work history for the past 15 years. Have your medical records and doctor contact information ready before you start. If you do not have recent medical evidence, Social Security will request it from your doctors after you explore, but providing it upfront speeds the process.

Medical evidence and the disability information process in Texas

After you submit your process, the Social Security Administration sends your case to the Texas Disability information Services (DDS), a state agency that works under federal contract. DDS reviews your medical records, requests additional evidence from your doctors if needed, and makes the initial decision on whether you meet the medical definition of disability. This process typically takes 30 to 90 days, though complex cases take longer.

DDS will contact your doctors directly to obtain medical records, test results, and treatment notes. You can speed this up by providing your doctors' contact information and authorizing the release of records yourself. If DDS needs more information—such as a recent imaging study or lab work—they will ask your doctor to perform or order it. You are responsible for making sure your doctor responds; if your doctor does not reply within 30 days, DDS may make a decision based on incomplete information.

The medical standard is the same across all states: your condition must prevent you from doing substantial work (earning more than a set amount per month, which changes yearly) and must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. DDS also considers whether you can do any other work you have done in the past 15 years, even if you cannot do your usual job.

What happens if your process is denied

If DDS denies your process, you have the right to appeal. You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request reconsideration. In reconsideration, your case goes back to DDS with a request for a new review, often by a different examiner. About 10 to 15 percent of denials are reversed on reconsideration.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is the step where many people succeed; approval rates at the hearing level are significantly higher than at the initial or reconsideration stage. You can represent yourself or hire a disability lawyer. Lawyers typically work on contingency, meaning they take a fee only if you win, capped by federal law at 25 percent of your back pay or $7,200, whichever is less.

The hearing process takes several months. You will receive a notice with a date and location; most hearings in Texas are held by videoconference. You can present new medical evidence at the hearing and testify about your condition and daily activities. The ALJ will also question you and may have a medical informed or vocational informed testify.

SSDI work incentives and how work affects your benefits in Texas

If you are approved for SSDI, you can work and still receive benefits under work incentive rules that allow you to test your ability to work without losing coverage when ready. The most important rule is the Trial Work Period: you can earn any amount for nine months (not necessarily consecutive) without SSDI stopping. After the Trial Work Period ends, SSDI continues for an additional 36 months as long as your earnings stay below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level—$1,550 per month in 2024, though this amount changes yearly.

If you earn above SGA for a full month, SSDI stops that month. If you drop below SGA the next month, SSDI restarts without a new process. This on-and-off pattern can continue indefinitely. Many people use the Trial Work Period to test whether they can work full-time; if they cannot, they know SSDI will still be there.

SSI has different rules. SSI counts income against your benefit starting at $65 per month of unearned income or $20 per month of earned income. Earnings above that reduce your SSI dollar-for-dollar. However, SSI also has an Impairment Related Work Expense (IRWE) deduction: costs directly related to your disability and necessary for work—such as medications, therapy, or transportation—reduce the income counted against you.

Medicaid and Medicare for disability recipients in Texas

SSDI recipients become may be able to access for Medicare after 24 months of receiving SSDI benefits. Medicare is federal health insurance; it is the same in Texas as everywhere else. You do not explore separately—Social Security enrolls you automatically.

SSI recipients in Texas are automatically enrolled in Medicaid when they are approved for SSI. Texas Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, and mental health services. Unlike some states, Texas does not have a separate Medicaid program for working people with disabilities, so if you earn above the SSI income limit, you lose Medicaid unless you may have access to under another category (such as pregnancy or a child in the home).

SSDI recipients do not automatically get Medicaid in Texas. However, after you have been on SSDI for 24 months and Medicare starts, you can often may have access to for Medicaid as a Medicare recipient if your income is low enough. The income limit for this category is 100 percent of the federal poverty level, which is $1,385 per month for an individual in 2024. If your SSDI benefit is below that, you may may have access to. Contact the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to check your Medicaid status.

Texas Vocational Rehabilitation and return-to-work support

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program helps people with disabilities return to work through training, job coaching, assistive technology, and other services. VR is free and does not affect your SSDI or SSI benefits. You can be on VR and SSDI at the same time.

To work with VR, you must have a documented disability that creates a substantial barrier to work, and you must have a goal of returning to work. VR can pay for education, certification programs, equipment, transportation to training, and job placement services. You explore at your local Texas Workforce Solutions office. VR counselors work with you to develop a plan and connect you to training or employment.

VR can also help you understand how work will affect your SSDI or SSI benefits. Many VR counselors are familiar with work incentives and can help you plan a return to work without losing coverage. If you are interested in working but unsure whether you can afford to lose benefits, VR is a good starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for SSDI or SSI if I have never worked?

You cannot explore for SSDI without a work history—SSDI requires that you or a family member (parent or spouse) have paid Social Security taxes. You can explore for SSI regardless of work history if you have low income and few resources. SSI has no work requirement.

How long does it take to get approved for disability in Texas?

Initial decisions typically take 30 to 90 days. If you are denied and appeal, reconsideration takes another 30 to 90 days. A hearing before an Administrative Law Judge can take several months to schedule. Overall, the process from process to approval often takes 6 to 18 months, though some cases are faster and others slower.

What if I have a job but cannot work full-time because of my disability?

You can still explore for SSDI or SSI. The programs do not require that you be completely unable to work—only that your condition prevents substantial work (earning above the SGA level). Part-time work or work below SGA does not disqualify you.

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

You do not need a lawyer to explore initially. Many people are approved without legal representation. However, if you are denied and appeal to a hearing, a lawyer can significantly improve your chances. Disability lawyers work on contingency and are paid only if you win.

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI in Texas?

SSDI is based on your work history; SSI is based on low income and resources. SSDI leads to Medicare after 24 months; SSI leads to Medicaid when ready. SSDI has no income or resource limits; SSI has strict limits. Both require the same medical definition of disability.