Where to start your process in Texas

You can explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through Social Security's national system—not through a Texas state office. Social Security handles both programs the same way no matter where you live. You have three ways to start: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.

The online process at ssa.gov/applyfordisability is usually the fastest route. You can fill it out at your own pace, save your work, and come back to it. If you prefer to talk to someone, calling 1-800-772-1213 connects you to Social Security's national line—they can walk you through the questions over the phone. If you want to explore face-to-face, find your nearest Texas Social Security office by entering your zip code at ssa.gov/locator.

Texas does not run its own disability program, so there is no separate state process. However, Texas has a State Disability information Services office in Austin that will review your medical evidence after you explore—but you do not contact them directly. Social Security sends your case to them automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore to Social Security, not to Texas, by going online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability, calling 1-800-772-1213, or visiting a local Social Security office.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical records, and work history before you start.
  • The process asks about your medical condition, when it started, which doctors have treated you, and what work you have done in the past 15 years.
  • After you submit, Social Security sends your case to Texas's Disability information Services office, which takes two to three months to make a decision.
  • If you are denied, you can appeal, and most people who appeal with a lawyer or representative win on the second or third try.

What documents and information you need before explore

Gather these items before you start, whether you explore online, by phone, or in person. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a copy of your birth certificate. Have your driver's license or state ID ready. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your immigration documents.

Collect the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all doctors, hospitals, and mental health providers who have treated you for your condition. Include dates you saw them and what they treated you for. Write down the names of any medications you take and when you started each one. If you have recent test results, imaging reports, or hospital discharge papers, gather those too—you can upload them during the online process or bring them to an office visit.

List every job you have held in the past 15 years, including the job title, employer name, dates you worked there, and what your main duties were. If you are self-employed, note your business type and income. Social Security uses this work history to decide whether your condition prevents you from working and to calculate your benefit amount if you are approved.

What the process form asks you

The online process at ssa.gov/applyfordisability walks you through questions in sections. First, it asks for your personal information: name, address, phone number, and email. Then it moves to your medical history—when your condition started, which body parts or systems are affected, and what symptoms limit you most.

You will describe how your condition affects daily activities: can you walk, stand, sit for long periods, lift things, remember instructions, concentrate, or get along with others? Be specific about what you cannot do, not just the diagnosis. For example, instead of "back pain," write "I cannot sit for more than 20 minutes without severe pain" or "I cannot lift anything heavier than 5 pounds."

The form asks about your work history in detail: job titles, dates, hours per week, and what you actually did each day. It asks whether you have worked since your condition started and, if so, how much you earned. Social Security uses this to determine whether you are still working at a substantial level—currently defined as earning more than $1,550 per month in 2024, though this amount changes yearly.

how the process works online step by step

Go to ssa.gov/applyfordisability and click "explore Now." You will create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. You will enter your email address, create a password, and verify your identity by answering security questions or uploading a photo ID.

Once logged in, start the disability process. The form is divided into sections you can complete over multiple sessions—you do not have to finish it all at once. Fill in your personal information first, then move through medical history, work history, and living situation. As you go, you can upload documents: medical records, test results, or anything that shows your condition and how it affects you.

When you reach the end, review your answers for accuracy. Social Security will contact you if they need more information. Submit the process, and you will see a confirmation number on screen and receive an email confirmation. Write down the confirmation number—you will need it to check your case status or call Social Security about your process.

What happens after you submit your process

Social Security sends your process to Texas Disability information Services (DDS) in Austin. This office reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability. The review typically takes two to three months, though it can take longer if they need more medical evidence.

During this time, Social Security or DDS may contact you to request additional medical records from your doctors. They may also schedule you for a consultative exam—a free medical examination paid for by Social Security to gather information they do not already have. If they schedule one, they will tell you the date, time, and location. You do not pay for this exam.

You can check your process status online at ssa.gov/myaccount by logging into your my Social Security account. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 and give them your confirmation number. Social Security will mail you a decision letter when DDS finishes their review. The letter will say whether you are approved, denied, or approved for a different program (like SSI instead of SSDI).

What to do if you are denied

If Social Security denies your process, you have the right to appeal. You must request an appeal within 60 days of the date on your denial letter. You can request an appeal online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or by mail.

The first level of appeal is called reconsideration. A different examiner at DDS reviews your case and any new medical evidence you provide. This takes another two to three months. If you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is where most people who eventually win their case succeed—studies show that people represented by a lawyer or non-lawyer representative win about 60 percent of hearings, compared to about 35 percent of people who represent themselves.

You can hire a lawyer or representative to help with your appeal. They typically charge a fee only if you win, and Social Security limits that fee to 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from when you became disabled). Many lawyers in Texas work on disability cases and offer free consultations. You can find representatives through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (nosscr.org) or ask your local legal aid office.

Texas-specific resources and offices

Texas has 26 Social Security field offices where you can explore in person or get help with your case. Major offices are in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and Fort Worth, but smaller offices exist in most counties. Find the office nearest you at ssa.gov/locator by entering your city or zip code.

If you need help understanding the process or filling out your process, contact Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Texas Disability Rights, or your local legal services office. Many offer free help to people with low income. You can also call 2-1-1 Texas (dial 211) to find local resources, including disability advocates and benefits counselors.

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) runs a program called Vocational Rehabilitation that helps people with disabilities return to work. If you are approved for SSDI or SSI, you can ask about TWC services. They offer job training, assistive technology, and job placement help at no cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my process is being reviewed?

Yes. You can work and earn money while Social Security reviews your case. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may deny your process because they consider that substantial work. Keep records of your earnings and tell Social Security about any work you do during the review.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own without a lawyer. However, having a representative helps if your case is denied and you appeal. Most people do not hire a representative until after a denial, when the appeal process begins.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Initial decisions usually take two to three months after you submit your process. If you appeal, reconsideration takes another two to three months. A hearing before a judge can take six months to two years, depending on how busy the court is in your area.

What if I do not have all my medical records?

Start your process anyway. You can upload records as you gather them, and Social Security can request records directly from your doctors. Tell Social Security which providers have treated you, and they will contact those providers for you.

Can I explore for both SSDI and SSI at the same time?

Yes. If you have not worked enough to may have access to for SSDI, you may still may have access to for SSI based on your income and resources. Social Security will review you for both programs when you explore, and the process covers both.