Your Guide to Disability Benefits in Texas (2025)

Quick Guide to Disability Benefits in Texas (2025): Eligibility, Appeals, and Assistance

With over 600,000 Texans receiving disability benefits, some may believe that applying for and getting approved for benefits is a smooth process. However, the reality is more complex. Securing benefits involves navigating strict eligibility rules, extensive paperwork, and often overcoming claim denials. For those with physical or mental conditions that make it hard to work, it’s essential to understand how the system works.

This guide provides a detailed exploration of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Texas, including eligibility requirements, the application journey, common mistakes that lead to claim denials, and practical strategies for appealing those denials.

Understanding Social Security Programs: SSDI and SSI in Texas

The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers two primary disability benefit programs:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Designed for individuals who have accumulated sufficient work credits through their employment history and paid into the Social Security system. Eligibility requires a disabling physical or mental condition that prevents engagement in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), defined as earning above a certain monthly amount.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): A need-based program for individuals with limited income and resources. Eligibility is based on financial need, regardless of work history. SSI benefits are available to adults, children, and those with little or no work history.

Qualifying for Disability in Texas: Criteria and the 5-Step Evaluation Process

To qualify for disability benefits, your condition must meet the SSA’s definition of disability, which is distinct from other definitions, such as those used in worker’s compensation cases. The SSA’s criteria require that your condition:

• Be medically documented.
• Last or be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• Significantly limit your ability to perform past work or engage in SGA.

The Texas Disability Determination Services (DDS) employs a 5-step evaluation process to determine eligibility:

1. Assessment of Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): The SSA first checks if you are working and earning above the SGA threshold: In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is of $1,620 per month for Non-blind people and $2,700 per month for Blind people.
2. Severity of Condition: Your impairment must significantly interfere with daily activities, including work. If it does, the evaluation moves to the next step.
3. Listed Impairment in the Blue Book: If your condition is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book and meets the criteria discussed therein, it automatically qualifies as a disability. The Blue Book is a comprehensive listing of severe medical conditions recognized by the SSA.
4. Residual Functional Capacity (RFC): If your condition is not listed or is not as severe as the criteria therein listed, DDS assesses whether you can still perform your past work.
5. Ability to Adapt to Other Work: If you cannot perform past work, DDS evaluates whether you can adjust to other jobs available in the national economy. If not, you are considered disabled and eligible for benefits.

Common Reasons for Disability Claim Denials in Texas

Despite following the application process, many claims are initially denied. Understanding common reasons for denials can help you avoid pitfalls:

• Incomplete Documentation: Missing or incomplete medical records, employment history, or other essential documentation can lead to a denial.
• Failure to Meet SSA Criteria: Claims can be denied if the SSA determines that the applicant’s condition does not meet its definition of disability.
• Inadequate Medical Evidence: Lack of comprehensive medical evidence to support the severity of your condition is a common reason for denial.
• Non-compliance with Treatment: If you fail to follow prescribed treatments, your claim may be negatively impacted.

If your claim has been denied, seeking professional assistance can help guide you through the appeals journey.

The Appeal Process: What to Do if Your Claim is Denied

Most claims are denied at the initial level. If your claim is denied, it’s important to know that you have the right to appeal. We have a special page on: How to Appeal a Denied Disability Claim if you want to learn more.

Work Incentives for SSDI and SSI Recipients in Texas (2025)

For those who wish to return to work, the SSA offers several work incentive programs to help you ease back into employment without immediately losing benefits:

1. Trial Work Period (TWP)

1. • SSDI recipients can test their ability to work for at least nine months while still receiving full benefits, regardless of earnings, as long as the work activity is reported.

1. Ticket to Work Program

1. • This voluntary program provides free employment services to SSDI and SSI recipients who want to enter or re-enter the workforce. Services include career counseling, job placement assistance, and training.

1. Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)

1. • After completing the TWP, SSDI recipients enter a 36-month period where they can receive benefits for any month their earnings fall below the SGA threshold.

1. Earned Income Exclusion (SSI Only)

1. • For SSI recipients, the SSA excludes the first $85 of earned income (and half of the remainder) when calculating benefit amounts, allowing you to work without losing all your SSI benefits.

State-Specific Assistance Programs in Texas

In addition to federal programs, Texas offers state-specific resources to support individuals with disabilities:

• Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)

• • Provides vocational rehabilitation services, including job training, placement, and workplace accommodations.

• • Visit the Texas Workforce Commission website for up-to-date information on available programs and eligibility.

• Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)

• • The HHSC offers Medicaid waiver programs for individuals with disabilities who require long-term care services.

• Centers for Independent Living (CILs)

• • CILs are nonprofit organizations assist Texans with disabilities in achieving greater independence through advocacy, skills training, and resource coordination.

How Trajector Disability Can Help

Navigating the disability benefits process can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with complex medical and legal criteria. Trajector has over two decades of experience assisting Texans in securing the benefits they deserve. Our services include:

• Application Assistance: We help ensure your application is well-organized and supported by the necessary documentation, maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.

• Appeals Support: If your initial claim is denied, we guide you through the appeals process, increasing your chances of securing the financial assistance you need.

Applying for disability benefits in Texas is a multi-step process that requires thorough preparation and an understanding of both federal and state-specific guidelines.

Following the tips and advice in this guide can improve your chances of a successful application or appeal. Whether you’re navigating the process alone or with the assistance of experts like Trajector Disability, having the right information and resources is key to securing the benefits you deserve.