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If a medical condition has made it impossible for you to work, Social Security Disability benefits may provide the financial support you need. At Zen Law Firm, we've helped thousands of Texans navigate this complex process and secure the benefits they deserve. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about qualifying for benefits, navigating the application process, and improving your chances of approval in Texas.
Understanding Texas Disability Programs
Texas residents have access to two federal disability programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA):
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly benefits to individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to a qualifying disability. Your benefit amount depends on your work history and earnings record. Most SSDI recipients also qualify for Medicare coverage after 24 months.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offers financial assistance to disabled individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSI provides lower monthly payments but includes immediate Medicaid eligibility. Many Texas residents qualify for both programs simultaneously.
Need help determining which program you qualify for? Contact us online or call (469) 361-8561 today to schedule an initial consultation with our experienced disability attorneys.
Qualifying for Disability Benefits: Medical and Technical Eligibility
Medical Eligibility Requirements
Your medical condition must prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity—essentially any work earning more than $1,550 per month in 2024. The SSA requires comprehensive medical evidence showing your condition will last at least 12 consecutive months or result in death.
Documentation from treating physicians is crucial. Your medical records should clearly describe your diagnosis, treatment history, functional limitations, and how your condition affects your ability to work. Certain severe conditions, including specific cancers and ALS, qualify for expedited review through the Compassionate Allowances program.
Technical Requirements for SSDI
SSDI requires sufficient work credits earned by paying Social Security taxes. Generally, you need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. You can review your work credit history by creating a my Social Security account on the SSA website.
Technical Requirements for SSI
Supplemental Security Income qualification focuses on financial need. Your monthly income must fall below approximately $900 for individuals, and your countable resources cannot exceed $2,000 for single applicants or $3,000 for married couples. Your primary residence and one vehicle typically don't count toward this limit.
Common Qualifying Conditions
While any condition preventing you from working for at least 12 months may qualify, certain diagnoses appear most frequently in approved Texas claims:
Musculoskeletal Disorders - The most commonly approved conditions, including chronic back problems, degenerative disc disease, and severe arthritis that limit physical functioning.
Cardiovascular Conditions - Heart-related conditions such as chronic heart failure that cause significant physical limitations and restrict the ability to work.
Mental Health Disorders - Conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD that substantially impair concentration, social interaction, and the ability to adapt to a work environment.
Neurological Disorders - Progressive conditions such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease that interfere with daily functioning and long-term work capacity.
The Application Process
Gathering Required Documentation
Before starting the application process, collect comprehensive medical records from all treating physicians, including laboratory results, imaging studies, and detailed treatment notes covering at least the past 12 months. You'll also need employment history for the past 15 years, personal identification documents, and bank account information.
Completing the Application
The SSA offers three application methods: online through their website, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Answer all questions thoroughly and consistently. Be specific when describing your symptoms and limitations—detailed descriptions of how your condition prevents you from working carry more weight than vague statements.
The Importance of Medical Evidence
The SSA requires objective medical findings, not just your subjective complaints, to support your claim. Regular treatment demonstrates the ongoing nature of your condition and provides the detailed records necessary for approval. Gaps in treatment raise questions about severity, so maintain consistent care with your doctors.
Ready to start your disability claim? Contact us online or call (469) 361-8561 to speak with our disability attorneys about building a strong application.
Timeline and Approval Rates
Initial disability decisions in Texas typically take six to seven months from the application date. Unfortunately, approximately 70% of initial applications are denied. If denied, you can request reconsideration, which adds another four to six months but has a similarly low approval rate.
The Appeals Process
Most claimants who are ultimately successful must request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). Hearing wait times in Texas range from 12 to 21 months, depending on location. Despite the extended wait, hearings offer significantly better approval odds—more than half of applicants who reach the hearing stage receive favorable decisions.
The opportunity to present your case in person, explain your limitations directly to a judge, and have your attorney question vocational experts dramatically improves your chances of approval.
Backpay Benefits
If approved, your first payment includes retroactive benefits for the months you waited. SSDI backpay extends up to 12 months before your application date, while SSI backpay begins the month after you applied. This lump sum can provide substantial financial relief after the long approval process.
How Attorneys Can Strengthen Your Claim
Disability attorneys understand what evidence the SSA needs to approve claims. We review your medical records to identify gaps in documentation, work with your doctors to obtain detailed supporting statements, and ensure your application presents your case persuasively using language that addresses the SSA's specific evaluation criteria.
During hearings, attorney representation becomes especially valuable. Your lawyer prepares you for the judge's questions, cross-examines vocational experts, and presents legal arguments about why you meet disability criteria. Statistics consistently show that represented claimants win their hearings at much higher rates.
Why Choose Zen Law Firm?
At Zen Law Firm, our disability attorneys bring extensive experience helping Texans navigate the Social Security system. We handle every aspect of your claim, from initial application through appeals and hearings, allowing you to focus on your health while we fight for your benefits. With offices in Plano, Fort Worth, and San Antonio, we serve disability claimants across Texas.
Need help with your disability claim? Contact Zen Law Firm today at (469) 361-8561 or reach out online to schedule your initial consultation.