Eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Texas

SSDI is available to individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. To qualify for SSDI in Texas, you must meet the following requirements:

• Work History: You must have worked a certain number of years and paid into Social Security through your employer or self-employment. Typically, you need 20 work credits earned in the last 10 years, but this number may vary depending on your age at the time of disability.
• Recent Work: The SSA looks at your recent work history, with more weight given to the work you’ve done in the past 5-10 years. If you have worked recently, it can improve your chances of qualifying for SSDI.
• Medical Condition: Your disability must prevent you from working for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. The SSA uses a Listing of Impairments to determine if your condition meets the necessary severity.
• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): If you are working and earning above a certain threshold (SGA), you may be disqualified from receiving SSDI benefits. The income limits for SGA are adjusted annually, so it’s important to stay updated on these limits.

Eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Texas

SSI is a needs-based program for individuals with limited income and resources. The eligibility for SSI in Texas is based on both financial need and the severity of your disability. Here's what you need to know:

• Income Limits: Your total household income must be below the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR), which changes annually. For an individual, the limit is typically around $1,000 per month, but this can vary based on your situation.
• Resource Limits: Your resources (such as bank accounts, property, and other assets) must be limited to $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.
• Age or Disability: SSI is available to individuals over the age of 65, or those who are blind or disabled, regardless of their work history. To qualify as disabled, you must meet the SSA’s definition of disability.
• Medical Condition: Like SSDI, your disability must prevent you from working for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. Documentation from your doctor and other medical providers will be essential for proving your disability.

The Social Security Administration’s Disability Criteria

To qualify for either SSDI or SSI, your disability must meet the SSA’s definition. The SSA uses a five-step evaluation process to determine eligibility:

• Step 1: Are You Working?: If you are earning above the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level, you may be disqualified.
• Step 2: Is Your Condition Severe?: The SSA will determine if your medical condition significantly limits your ability to perform basic work tasks.
• Step 3: Does Your Condition Meet or Equal a Listed Impairment?: If your condition is on the SSA’s list of impairments (such as cancer, heart disease, or mental health disorders), you may qualify automatically.
• Step 4: Can You Do Your Past Work?: The SSA will assess whether you are able to do any of your previous jobs.
• Step 5: Can You Do Any Other Type of Work?: If you cannot perform your past job, the SSA will determine if you can adjust to other types of work based on your skills, age, and education.