How Much Does Disability Pay in Texas?
Atticus offers free, high-quality disability advice for Americans who can't work. Our team of Stanford and Harvard-trained lawyers has a combined 15+ years of legal experience and has helped over 50,000 Americans apply for disability benefits.
Around 580,000 Texas residents receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration each year. These are people who cannot work due to an injury or medical condition. Federal programs like Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income provide monthly payments and health insurance coverage. If you are unable to work because of an impairment, you might be eligible to apply for these benefits programs.
Continue reading to learn how the process works and how much money you can get for disability benefits in Texas.
How much are Social Security disability benefits in Texas?
In 2024, the maximum disability payment you can receive (regardless of the state where you live) is $3,822 per month for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or $943 per month for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). For couples, the maximum SSI payment is $1,415.
The average monthly SSDI payment for Texans is $1,702. SSI recipients in Texas get an average of $583.
In addition to monthly payments, the federal government provides health care coverage. SSDI benefits include Medicare coverage, and SSI beneficiaries can get Medicaid.
How is Social Security Disability Insurance calculated in Texas?
The amount of money you can receive on SSDI in Texas depends on a few different factors. Once you’ve applied for disability and your claim is approved, the SSA calculates your payment amount by using two metrics known as your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) and your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA).
Basically, your AIME looks at how much money you earned when you worked (adjusted for the current cost of living). Then, the SSA breaks down your AIME to determine your PIA to get your monthly payment. Learn more about how SSDI payments are calculated by reading our comprehensive guide.
If you’re wondering how much money you might get from SSDI, create an account on the SSA’s website to see an estimate.
How is Supplemental Security Income calculated in Texas?
To determine SSI payments, the SSA considers your level of need — not your work history. The SSA starts with a federal benefit rate ($943 in 2024). Next, they subtract your countable income plus any other benefits you receive (such as food stamps) from that number. If your countable income is less than the benefit rate, you’ll likely get the full amount of $943 per month. If you receive other benefits, however, the SSA will subtract those benefits from your disability payment.
For more information, check out our guide, How Is SSI Calculated?
SSA offices in Texas
From Houston to Fort Worth, Dallas to San Antonio, there are 66 SSA offices throughout Texas. Visit your local field office to learn more about the application process and to apply for benefits.
Abilene 1202 E South 11Th St Abilene, TX 79602 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (877) 607-9525 Fax Number: (833) 902-2586 | Alice 1000 Medical Ctr Blvd Alice, TX 78332 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (888) 388-8744 Fax Number: (833) 950-3019 | Amarillo 4750 Canyon Dr Amarillo, TX 79109 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (877) 803-6318 Fax Number: (833) 519-3209 |
Angleton 2921 N Valderas St Angleton, TX 77515 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 338-2940 Fax Number: (833) 902-2570 | Austin 1029 Camino La Costa Austin, TX 78752 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 627-6991 Fax Number: (833) 515-0511 | Austin 5508 Hwy 290 West Bldg B Austin, TX 78735 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (855) 221-3523 Fax Number: (833) 950-2398 |
Balch Springs 2300 Dunson Dr Balch Springs, TX 75180 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (855) 531-1683 Fax Number: (833) 950-2387 | Beaumont 8455 Dishman Rd Ste A Beaumont, TX 77713 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 613-2864 Fax Number: (833) 515-0524 |
Get help with your disability application
Before you can receive disability benefits in Texas, you have to submit an application for the SSA to review and approve. Most people get denied the first time they apply for disability and have to appeal the SSA’s decision.
A lawyer can help you with each step of your disability application process. They’ll explain what to expect, help you gather medical evidence to prove your disability, and represent you at a disability hearing if needed.
Find a good disability lawyer by working with us here at Atticus. We offer legal advice to disability applicants and can connect you with a verified lawyer at no cost. Get started by taking our 2-minute disability quiz.
Atticus lawyers in Texas
Here are a few Atticus law firms in the Lone Star State:
Morgan and Weisbrod 11551 Forest Central Dr., Suite 300, Dallas, Texas 75243 | Kristi Ward Stephens Disability Law 5315-B Cypress Creek Pkwy., Ste. 156, Houston, Texas 77069 | Packard Law 1100 NW Loop, 410 Suite, San Antonio, Texas 78213 |
Frequently asked questions about Texas disability benefits
What qualifies you for disability in Texas?
To qualify for disability you need to have a condition that prevents you from working for at least a year. You’ll also need to meet certain work history requirements (for SSDI) or be within certain income limits (for SSI). For more on these requirements, read our full write-up here.
What conditions qualify for disability in Texas?
Any condition that will prevent you from working for a year or more can qualify for disability benefits. Some of the most common conditions include musculoskeletal disorders, mental disorders, nervous system diseases, and circulatory system diseases. See our full list of conditions that qualify here.
How long does it take to get approved for disability in Texas?
It takes an average of 7 months to get an initial disability decision in Texas. Most people who apply are initially rejected, and need to appeal this decision. If you appeal and go to a hearing, the process takes just over two years on average. Read more: How Long It Takes to Get Approved for Disability Benefits
How much does disability pay in Texas?
The average SSDI payment in Texas is $1,702 per month. The average SSI payment is $583. What you’ll earn depends on your income, or the amount you’ve historically paid into the Social Security program. Read more on what amount you can expect.
How should I prepare my disability application in Texas?
Answer the application questions truthfully, consistently, and succinctly. You should also ensure that you gather and submit all your medical records with your application. The SSA paperwork can be complicated, so our legal team has written a full guide to the application here.
Does Texas have a state disability program?
No, Texas doesn't have its own state disability program. Only five states have a state program (California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island). Residents of Texas can apply for federal disability programs (SSDI and SSI). Read more about SSDI and SSI here.
Related resources:
How to Qualify for Disability Benefits in Texas
Texas Resources for People With Disabilities
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