Arthritis Benefits in Texas: 2025 Guide

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with arthritis, your condition must:

• Be medically documented by a doctor.
• Last or be expected to last at least 12 months, or result in death.
• Significantly limit your ability to do work you did before or adjust to other jobs.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a 5-step process to decide if you are disabled:

1. Are you working and earning more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit? In 2025, SGA is $1,620/month for non-blind people and $2,700/month for blind people.
2. Is your arthritis severe enough to interfere with basic work activities?
3. Does your arthritis match a condition listed in the SSA’s Blue Book?
4. Can you still do your past work?
5. Can you adjust to other work?

If you can’t do any of these, you may qualify for benefits[1][2][5][6].

Texas follows federal rules for SSDI and SSI eligibility, but the Texas Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews your medical records and makes the final decision. Arthritis is considered a qualifying disability if it meets federal criteria and is supported by medical evidence.

Texas also offers Medicaid waivers for people with physical disabilities, including arthritis, which can help pay for home care, therapy, and other supports. These waivers are managed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)[1][2].

If you are approved for SSI, you may also qualify for Medicaid in Texas. SSDI recipients usually get Medicare after 24 months of receiving benefits[1][2].

• Gather medical records showing your arthritis diagnosis and how it limits your daily activities.
• Check if you meet the SGA income limits ($1,620/month for non-blind, $2,700/month for blind in 2025).
• Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
• If denied, you can appeal within 60 days.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact Texas Health and Human Services[1][2][5].

• Step 1: Get medical records from your doctor that show your arthritis diagnosis, treatment, and how it affects your ability to work.
• Step 2: Review the SSA’s Blue Book to see if your arthritis matches a listed condition (Section 14.09 for inflammatory arthritis)[1][2].
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office[5][6].
• Step 4: If you are denied, you have 60 days to appeal. You can request a reconsideration, a hearing, or review by an administrative law judge[1][2].
• Step 5: If approved for SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid in Texas. For SSDI, Medicare starts after 24 months of benefits[1][2].
• Step 6: For extra support, apply for a Medicaid waiver through Texas Health and Human Services. These waivers can help with home care, therapy, and other services[1][2].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. In 2025, the average SSDI payment is about $1,500/month, with a maximum of $4,018/month[2][7].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Needs-based payments for people with limited income and resources. In 2025, the federal SSI rate is $967/month for individuals and $1,450/month for couples[2].
• Medicare: Health insurance for SSDI recipients after 24 months of benefits.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for SSI recipients and others with low income[2][6].

Texas offers several programs for people with arthritis and other physical disabilities:

• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): These waivers help pay for home care, therapy, and other supports for people with disabilities. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) manages these programs[1][2].
• Medicaid for SSI Recipients: If you get SSI, you usually qualify for Medicaid in Texas.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. You can save up to $100,000 without losing SSI benefits[2].
• Work Incentives: Programs that let you earn some income without losing benefits, including a trial work period for SSDI recipients[2].

Texas also has local agencies that can help with applications and provide support services[1][2].

ABLE accounts let Texans with arthritis save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $100,000 in an ABLE account and still get SSI. These accounts are tax-advantaged and can be used for things like medical care, housing, and education[2].

In 2025, the SGA limit for SSDI and SSI is $1,620/month for non-blind people and $2,700/month for blind people. For SSI, the resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Students can exclude up to $2,350/month in earned income, capped at $9,460 annually[2].

If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to the SSA. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Use the SSA’s online portal or call 1-800-772-1213 to report changes. For more details, see our guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes[2].

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday

  Website

  For SSDI and SSI applications and questions.
• Texas Health and Human Services Commission
  Phone: 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905

  Hours: 24/7

  Website

  For Medicaid waivers and other state benefits.

• Can I get disability benefits for arthritis in Texas?

  Yes, if your arthritis is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months and is supported by medical records, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI in Texas[1][2][5].

• What is the SGA limit for arthritis in 2025?

  In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620/month for non-blind people and $2,700/month for blind people. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI[2][4][6].

• How do I apply for disability benefits with arthritis in Texas?

  You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You’ll need medical records showing how arthritis affects your ability to work[5][6].

• What medical evidence do I need for arthritis disability?

  You need records from your doctor showing your arthritis diagnosis, treatment, and how it limits your daily activities. Lab tests, imaging, and treatment notes are helpful[1][2].

• Can I work while getting disability benefits for arthritis?

  Yes, you can earn some income without losing benefits. SSDI has a trial work period, and SSI has work incentives that let you earn more before benefits are reduced[2].

• What is the difference between SSDI and SSI for arthritis in Texas?

  SSDI is for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with limited income and resources. Both programs can help Texans with arthritis[7].