How to Get Disability Benefits in Texas

Adults across Texas can receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if they have a disability that prevents them from being able to work.

Applicants for Social Security disability benefits typically must have paid into Social Security by working enough hours over the years. Financial compensation is based on the amount you’ve earned. This benefit may also apply to your spouse or child.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may also be available for disabled, low-income Texas residents. SSI is an income-based disability service that assists disabled adults and children with cash payments.

SSDI and SSI can help recipients in Texas pay for health, personal care, and daily living expenses.

Texas Programs

According to the CDC, Texas disability is the same as the national average, with 25.6% of adults in the state having disability issues. In total, Texas had 644,093 SSI recipients in 2019. The CDC also reports that 4.3% of Texans have difficulty completing self-care tasks, like bathing and dressing, while 13.3% have severe mobility challenges.

Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and SSI are both available to any Texas resident who qualifies. However, these are federal disability services from the Social Security Administration (SSA), unlike state-run programs like Texas unemployment benefits and Texas Medicaid.

How To Qualify for SSDI in Texas

SSDI is a federal program, though each state manages its applications through a state agency. In Texas, SSDI benefits are managed through the Disability Determination Services (DDS), a part of the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.

To qualify for SSDI benefits in Texas, a person must meet all of the following eligibility guidelines:

• Disability—A qualifying person needs to meet the SSA definition of having a disability. In most cases, as detailed int he Code of Federal Regulations, Title 20, Chapter III, § 404.1505. Basic definition of disability issues. It states, “The law defines disability as the inability to do any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death, or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.” If someone meets these requirements, they are entitled to reasonable accommodations based on their situation.
• Paying In—Individuals must pay into the Social Security system through their taxes. This is part of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax for employed individuals. Employees pay half of the tax, while the employer pays the other half. Self-employed individuals pay both portions of the FICA tax.
• Work Credits—An individual must earn work credits to qualify for Texas disability benefits. The number of credits you earn depends on your income, and you can get up to four credits per year. Most individuals need at least 40 credits to qualify for SSDI benefits.

How To Apply for SSDI in Texas

To apply for SSDI in Texas, you can fill out an online application, visit one of 66 Texas SSA field offices for a paper application, or call the SSA to apply over the phone. Take note that it can take several weeks for a determination, and SSDI benefits will not begin until five months after the SSA determines when you first became disabled.

Before you fill out the application, be sure to have your Social Security number, your spouse’s Social Security number, and detailed information about your disability handy. Applicants can download a Disability Starter Kit to learn more about the application process and prepare to complete the application properly.

How To Appeal a Denial in Texas

Texas residents can choose to appeal a denial if they receive one from the SSA. If your initial claim has been denied, you’ll receive a letter in the mail that includes information about filing an appeal. You’ll usually have 60 days from receiving the notice to file your appeal.

In most cases, you can file an SSDI appeal online or have a disability lawyer do it for you. The first step in the process is reconsideration, followed by a hearing by an administrative law judge. The hearing will take place at your nearest Texas SSA Office of Hearing Operations, as noted below. You can also request one of these hearings online through the SSA website.

Further appeals move to the Appeals Council, followed by a review by the federal court, the final decision-maker for appeals.

More Texas Benefits

Texas offers other benefits to individuals who may need assistance paying for their bills, health care costs, and basic needs.

Apply for SSI in Texas

SSI can be paid to qualifying adults or children in Texas who have a disability and are considered low-income. The program also pays out to individuals 65 and older who aren’t disabled but meet the income guidelines for reasonable accommodations. This aspect of the program is designed to maintain independent living while still using social security taxes wisely.

The applications for each program are similar, but not the same. However, you can apply for both programs simultaneously if you’d like. In Texas, SSA automatically checks if an individual qualifies for SSI if they apply for SSDI.

Texas Medicaid

Texas Medicaid provides low-income recipients with medical coverage. Children can also qualify for Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in Texas. To qualify for Medicaid, individuals must meet income guidelines and be:

• Disabled or have a house member with a disability
• 65 or older
• Responsible for a child 18 years or younger
• Pregnant

Learn more about Texas Medicaid and its benefits.

Texas Unemployment

Texas pays individuals who are out of work cash payments to supplement their loss of income until they find a new job or are no longer laid off. The Texas Workforce Commission manages these benefits. Beginning June 27th, 2021, the weekly unemployment maximum rate will be $535.

Is Property 100% Tax-Free for Veterans in Texas?

For 100% disabled veterans, Texas law provides 100% tax-free to the veteran’s residence homestead and not to any other properties they may own.

Veterans with a disability rating of 70% or higher may be eligible for a 10-20% exemption on Texas discounted veteran taxes. The specific amounts and eligibility requirements can vary based on the veteran’s circumstances and residence.

Is There a Limit on the Amount of Property Tax-free in Texas?

Texas has no limit on the amount of property tax-free for disabled veterans. The full exemption, as stated above, only applies to the veteran’s residence homestead and not to any other properties they may own.

What Qualifies You for Disability in Texas?

To qualify for disability compensation from the VA, a veteran must meet the following criteria:

• Must have served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training.
• Have a current disability that occurred during their military armed forces service.
• Must have a disability rating assigned by the VA.
• Must have the VA certificate of eligibility.

These are the main factors the VA uses to determine the amount of compensation they are eligible to receive.

How Do You Apply for Property Tax Exemption?

To apply for a residence homestead exemption for disabled veterans and their surviving spouse in Texas, you will need to follow these steps:

• Step 1: Obtain the application form and contact information from a county tax assessor-collector’s office or a veterans’ appraisal district, or download it from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts website.
• Step 2: Fill out the application form with your armed forces military service, disability status, and other relevant information.
• Step 3: Give supporting documents for the property tax break exemption, including proof of your military service and disability status.
• Step 4: Apply supporting documentation to your local county tax assessor collector’s office.
• Step 5: Wait for approval by the appraisal district.

The application process can be complex, and the requirements and eligibility criteria may vary based on your circumstances.

If you’re interested in applying for SSI benefits or SSDI benefits in Texas, you can visit the Social Security field office nearest you (listed below). Visit SSA.gov to check your application status. If you’re a disabled veteran, be sure to apply for VA disability benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Texas Social Security Offices

Texas Hearing and Appeal Offices

Texas is in Region 6 (Dallas), which services Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.