Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Benefits in Texas

To qualify for federal disability benefits in Texas, your Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means:

• Your condition is medically documented.
• It has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months, or result in death.
• It significantly limits your ability to work or do past work.

SSA uses a 5-step process to decide eligibility:

1. Are you working and earning above 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 condition severe enough to limit daily activities?
3. Does your condition match a listing in the SSA’s Blue Book? COPD is listed under respiratory disorders.
4. Can you still do your past work?
5. Can you adjust to other work?

If you cannot do any of these, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI[1][2][5][6].

In Texas, eligibility for disability benefits is determined by the federal SSA, but the Texas Disability Determination Services (DDS) handles the review. COPD is recognized as a qualifying condition if it meets federal criteria. Texas does not have a separate state disability program, but residents can access Medicaid waivers and support services through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. These programs help with home care, therapy, and other needs for people with chronic illnesses like COPD. You must apply for federal benefits first, then check for state programs[1][2][5].

• Gather medical records showing your COPD diagnosis and treatment.
• Check if you meet work history (SSDI) or income/resource (SSI) requirements.
• Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
• After applying, Texas DDS will review your case.
• Respond quickly to any requests for more information[1][2][5].

• Step 1: Get your medical records. Include doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment history for COPD.
• Step 2: Decide if you need SSDI (work history) or SSI (low income/resources). Use the SSI vs SSDI guide to help[internal_link].
• Step 3: Apply online at SSA.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit a local Social Security office. You can also apply in person at a Texas DDS office.
• Step 4: Texas DDS will review your application. They may ask for more medical evidence or schedule a consultative exam.
• Step 5: Wait for a decision. If denied, you can appeal within 60 days.
• Step 6: If approved, you may also qualify for Medicaid waivers or other state support. Check the Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) guide for details[internal_link].
• Step 7: Report any changes in income, work, or health to avoid overpayments[internal_link].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people with a qualifying disability and work history. In 2025, the maximum benefit is $4,018 per month.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources. In 2025, the federal benefit rate is $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples.
• Medicare: Health coverage for SSDI recipients after 24 months of receiving benefits.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for SSI recipients and some SSDI recipients with low income.
• Work Incentives: Programs that let you earn extra money without losing benefits, like the Trial Work Period[2][3][6].

Texas offers several programs for people with disabilities, including those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease:

• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): These programs provide home and community-based services, such as personal care, therapy, and respite care. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and need for services.
• Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC): Manages Medicaid, SNAP, and other support programs for people with disabilities.
• Texas Workforce Commission (TWC): Offers vocational rehabilitation and job training for people with disabilities.
• Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS): Provides counseling, training, and assistive devices.

To apply for state programs, start with federal disability benefits. Then, check the Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) guide for details on how to get extra support[1][2][5].

An ABLE account lets Texans with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for housing, education, health, and other needs. To open an account, you must have a qualifying disability and meet certain requirements. Learn more about Texas ABLE accounts and how to apply[internal_link].

• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than the SGA limit ($1,620/month for non-blind, $2,700/month for blind in 2025).
• SSI: Federal benefit rate is $967/month for individuals, $1,450/month for couples. Resource limits are $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples. Students can exclude up to $2,350/month in earned income, capped at $9,460 annually[2].

If your income, work, or health changes, you must report it to the SSA. Failing to report can lead to overpayments and penalties. Use the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for tips on what to report and how to avoid problems[internal_link].

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm

  Website

  Apply for SSDI or SSI online or by phone.
• Texas Disability Determination Services
  Phone: 1-800-252-9240

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

  Website

  Review and process disability applications for Texas.

• Can I get disability benefits for COPD in Texas?

  Yes, if your COPD is severe enough to prevent you from working and meets Social Security’s definition of disability. You must have a medically documented condition that lasts at least 12 months or is expected to result in death[1][2][5].

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

  SSDI is for people with a work history and enough work credits. SSI is for people with limited income and resources. Both can help if you have COPD and cannot work[1][2][7].

• How much can I earn and still get disability benefits in Texas?

  In 2025, you cannot earn more than $1,620/month (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind) from work and still get SSDI or SSI. There are work incentives that let you earn more during a trial work period[2][3].

• What medical evidence do I need for COPD disability in Texas?

  You need medical records showing your COPD diagnosis, treatment, and how it limits your ability to work. This includes doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment history[1][2][5].

• Can I get Medicaid with COPD in Texas?

  Yes, if you qualify for SSI or have low income and assets. Medicaid covers health care costs for people with disabilities, including those with COPD[1][2].

• What are Medicaid waivers for COPD in Texas?

  Medicaid waivers provide home and community-based services, such as personal care and therapy, for people with disabilities. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and need for services[1][2].