If chronic pain keeps you from working, you may qualify for Social Security Disability (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and Texas ABLE accounts. This guide explains federal and Texas-specific benefits and how to apply for help with medical costs, daily living, and saving for the future.
You may qualify for benefits if your chronic pain causes severe enough disability to stop work and earn very little for at least one year or is expected to result in death. SSDI requires a work history paying into Social Security and total disability, not partial or short-term. SSI is needs-based—your income and resources must be very low, and disability rules are similar to SSDI[6][7]. For adults to receive SSDI, you typically need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began[7].
Texas residents with chronic pain rely solely on federal SSDI, SSI, Medicaid, and Medicare for disability benefits—the state does not offer its own program[2]. For SSI, the monthly payment is up to $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples in 2025[1][2]. Texas ABLE accounts, open to those with a qualifying disability onset before age 26, let you save for the future without jeopardizing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid[4]. Texas Medicaid waivers and Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) offer additional support for daily care, medical equipment, and therapy, especially if chronic pain limits your independence—visit Texas Medicaid or HHSC for details.
1. Check eligibility: See if your chronic pain meets Social Security’s strict definition and meets income/work history rules[6][7]. 2. Gather documents: Medical records, work history, income, and resource information. 3. Apply online, by phone, or in person: Start your SSDI or SSI application at SSA.gov or call your local Social Security office. 4. Wait for a decision: Most applications are denied at first—prepare to appeal if needed[2].
Step 1: Understand your options. If you worked and paid Social Security taxes, apply for SSDI; if your income and resources are very low, apply for SSI—some people can get both[6]. Step 2: Collect your records. Get medical evidence showing your chronic pain severely limits your ability to work. Gather employer contact info, W-2s, and tax returns for work credits. Step 3: Start your application. Apply online at SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can also visit a local Social Security office in Texas. Step 4: Respond to requests. The Social Security Administration may ask for more information or a medical exam. Step 5: Track your application. Check your status online or by phone. If denied, you can appeal—most Texans are approved after appeal, not the first try[2]. Step 6: If approved, report changes. Notify SSA about changes in income, living situation, or improvement in your condition[2][6].
For Medicaid, apply online via YourTexasBenefits or contact Texas Health and Human Services. For Texas ABLE accounts, enroll online at TexasABLE.org[4].
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for adults with a qualifying work history and a medical condition (like chronic pain) severe enough to prevent work for at least a year[6][7]. Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Needs-based payments for adults and children with limited income/resources and severe disability[5]. Medicare: After SSDI approval, you’ll qualify for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period. Medicaid: Low-income individuals with disabilities may also qualify for Medicaid, which covers doctor visits, prescriptions, and sometimes home care.
Texas does not offer state disability payments—SSDI, SSI, and Medicaid are your key options[2]. Texas Medicaid waivers (HCBS): Texans with disabilities can apply for additional support through Medicaid waivers, which help pay for personal care, medical equipment, therapy, and modifications for greater independence. Texas ABLE® Program: A tax-advantaged savings account for eligible Texans with disabilities (onset before age 26)—funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like medical care, housing, and education[4]. Contact Texas Health and Human Services for details on Medicaid waivers and local support options.
For daily living, some community and nonprofit organizations may offer additional help—check with United Way, disability advocacy groups, or local Aging and Disability Resource Centers.
The Texas ABLE Program lets Texans with a qualifying disability (onset before age 26) save up to $100,000 without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility[4]. Funds can be used for many disability-related expenses, including medical care, housing, transportation, and education. Multiple investment options are available, and contributions are not tax-deductible in Texas. Visit TexasABLE.org to learn more and open an account[4].
SSI in 2025 sets strict income and resource limits: $967 per month (individual), $1,450 (couple), with $2,000 in resources for individuals and $3,000 for couples[1][2]. SSDI lets you earn up to $1,620/month (non-blind) and $2,700/month (blind) in 2025 before benefits are affected[1]. Student income exclusion for SSI: Up to $2,350/month in earned income and $9,460/year can be excluded for students under age 22[1]. Always report changes to avoid overpayments.
If you earn too much, income changes, or you receive in-kind support, your benefits could be reduced or cut off—always report changes promptly[1]. If Social Security overpays, you must repay the amount. For help with overpayments, see our guide Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Texas has no state disability payment program. If you can’t work due to chronic pain, your main options are federal SSDI, SSI, Medicaid, and Texas ABLE accounts[2]. Most applicants are denied at first—don’t give up. Appeals are common, and many Texans are approved on the second try.
If you need help with daily activities, medical equipment, or home modifications, Texas Medicaid waivers (HCBS) may offer extra support. Ask about waivers when you apply for Medicaid—they help many Texans with chronic pain live more independently.
Texas ABLE accounts let you save up to $100,000 for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. You must qualify by age of onset—visit TexasABLE.org to see if you’re eligible and what you can pay for with ABLE funds[4].
You may qualify if your chronic pain is medically documented, prevents you from working for at least one year, and you meet Social Security’s strict medical and work history requirements[6][7]. SSA does not pay for partial or short-term disability.
You can earn up to $1,620/month (non-blind) in 2025 before SSDI benefits are affected; SSI payments are reduced if your income exceeds limits[1]. Work incentives let you try working for 9 months without losing SSDI benefits[1].
SSDI is based on your work history and tax payments; SSI is for those with low income/resources and little or no work history[6]. Visit our **SSI vs SSDI** guide for a full comparison.
Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. Have medical records, work history, and financial information ready[2].
Many SSI recipients qualify for Medicaid automatically. SSDI recipients may qualify for Medicaid if they have low income and resources, or after a 24-month waiting period for Medicare. See our **Medicaid vs Medicare** guide for details.
SSI pays up to $967/month for individuals and $1,450/month for couples in 2025[1][2]. The actual amount depends on income, resources, and living situation.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Texas ABLE lets people with disabilities (onset before age 26) save for future needs without losing SSI or Medicaid[4]. Funds can be used for medical care, housing, transportation, and education.
No, Texas does not have a state-run disability payments program. The main programs are federal SSDI, SSI, Medicaid, and Medicare[2].
Most first-time applicants are denied. You can appeal—many Texans are approved after appeal[2]. Get help from a disability advocate or lawyer.
Report changes to Social Security immediately to avoid overpayments and loss of benefits. Use the SSA website, phone, or visit your local office. See **Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes** for more.
