Medical Conditions That May Qualify You for Disability in Texas

Applying for disability benefits in Texas can feel overwhelming when you’re already dealing with a serious medical condition that prevents you from working. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two main programs to help: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Understanding how to properly apply for these benefits can make the difference between approval and denial of your claim.

At American Disability Action Group, we’ve helped Texans from every corner of the state secure the disability benefits they deserve. Our experienced team understands exactly what the SSA looks for in successful applications and how to present your case with the strongest chance for approval.

What Are the Basic Requirements for Disability Benefits in Texas?

To qualify for SSDI in Texas, you must have worked long enough and recently enough to earn sufficient work credits. Generally, you need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits. One work credit is earned per quarter, or by earning a minimum income each year. Only four credits can be earned per year.

For SSI, the requirements focus on financial need rather than work history. In 2025, an individual’s monthly income must be below $1,620, or $2,700 for couples. Your countable resources cannot exceed $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples.

Both SSDI and SSI require that your medical condition be severe enough to prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

How Do You Start Your Disability Application in Texas?

You can file your disability claim in three ways: online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local SSA office in person. The online application is available 24/7 and allows you to save your progress and return later if needed.

While self-filing is possible, working with an experienced disability attorney significantly improves your chances of approval. Social Security disability law involves complex regulations governing which claims are eligible and self-filers often submit incomplete applications that lead to unnecessary denials.

What Medical Evidence Do You Need for Your Texas Disability Claim?

Your medical evidence forms the foundation of your disability claim. You’ll need comprehensive medical records from all treating physicians, specialists, hospitals, and clinics. This includes doctor’s notes, test results, imaging studies, treatment records, and medication lists.

The SSA particularly focuses on the objective medical evidence like X-rays, MRI scans, blood tests, and other diagnostic studies that support your symptoms. Mental health claims are typically more demanding and require detailed treatment records from psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists.

Many self-filers make the mistake of submitting incomplete medical records or failing to obtain records from all their treating healthcare providers. These incomplete filings result in the SSA requesting additional information that delays processing by months or lead to denials.

What Work History Information Must You Provide?

You’ll need detailed information about your work history for the past 5 years, including job titles, dates of employment, hours worked per week, rate of pay, and specific job duties. The SSA uses this information to determine if you can return to your previous work or adjust to other types of work. Until 2024, the rule required claimants to detail the past 15 years of work history.

Be specific when describing your job duties. Instead of writing “office work,” describe tasks like “typed reports for 6 hours daily, lifted files weighing up to 25 pounds, and stood for presentations lasting 2 hours.”

How Long Does the Disability Application Process Take in Texas?

Initial disability applications typically take 3 to 5 months to process in Texas. However, this timeline can vary based on the complexity of your case and how quickly you provide requested information.

If your initial claim is denied, the reconsideration process takes another 2 to 4 months. Then, if your request for reconsideration of the initial denial is also denied, an appeal to an Administrative Law Judge can take from 12 to 18 months or longer.

American Disability Action Group’s thorough preparation speeds the process by ensuring all necessary documentation is submitted correctly from the start, reducing delays caused by requests for additional information.

What Happens If Your Initial Disability Claim Gets Denied?

Don’t panic if your initial claim is denied. In 2024, 62% of initial applications were denied, even for people with legitimate disabilities. This high denial rate often results from incomplete applications, insufficient medical evidence, or failure to properly explain how your condition affects your ability to work.

You have 60 days from receiving your denial notice to file a request for reconsideration. This involves a complete review of your case by someone who wasn’t involved in the initial decision.

If reconsideration also results in denial, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is where having experienced legal representation is especially important and can make the difference between success and failure. Disability attorneys know how to present compelling testimony and evidence at hearings.

Why Should You Consider Working with a Disability Attorney?

While you can file a disability claim on your own, attorney-prepared applications have significantly higher approval rates. Experienced disability lawyers understand the specific medical and vocational evidence the SSA requires and know how to present your case effectively.

Attorneys also study the material intensively to ensure the correct disability onset date is set. Many self-filers misidentify the date on which their disability began because they don’t understand the criteria. This can cost thousands of dollars in additional back pay. Disability lawyers understand which medical conditions qualify under the SSA’s listings and how to demonstrate that your symptoms prevent you from working.

Bing prepare for your Administrative Law Judge hearing is essential. But how can someone who has never participated in an ALJ appeal hearing know what to expect? They can’t. That’s why experienced Social Security disability attorneys can prepare their clients for which questions to expect, how best to respond, and what information to include as well as what not to volunteer.  Knowing how to testify about your own limitations may seem basic. But many unrepresented clients simply do not have the knowledge about what symptoms and limitations the ALJ wants to learn about. Attorneys also know how to cross-examine vocational experts and challenge unfavorable testimony.

What Medical Conditions Qualify for Disability Benefits in Texas?

The SSA maintains a list of medical conditions that automatically qualify for benefits if they meet specific criteria. It’s called the Blue Book of Listed Impairments. The government also has a short list of disabilities that are fast-tracked for approval, like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), certain cancers, end-stage renal disease, and severe mental disorders.

However, you don’t need a listed condition to qualify for benefits. Many people receive approval for conditions not specifically listed, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or combinations of multiple conditions that together prevent them from working.

The key is demonstrating how your condition limits your ability to perform work activities like standing, walking, lifting, concentrating, or interacting with others.

Take Action on Your Texas Disability Claim Today

Don’t let a serious medical condition leave you struggling financially. The disability application process requires careful attention to detail and thorough documentation that many people find challenging to handle alone.

American Disability Action Group’s experienced disability attorneys have the knowledge and resources to maximize your chances of approval. We handle all aspects of your claim, from initial application through appeals, and we don’t get paid unless you win your case. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your disability claim and learn how we can help you secure the benefits you deserve.