If you are Deaf in Texas, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, as well as state programs such as Medicaid and ABLE accounts. Eligibility depends on your work history, income, and how your Deafness affects your ability to work. This guide explains how to apply, what benefits you can get, and how to keep them.
To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that stops you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. You also need enough work credits from jobs covered by Social Security. For 2025, you can earn up to $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) before your benefits may be affected. SSDI is not based on your income or assets, but on your work history and how much you paid into Social Security[1].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources. For 2025, the federal benefit rate is $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples. The resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. SSI is not based on work history, but on financial need[1].
Both SSDI and SSI require that your Deafness is severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial gainful activity[1].
In Texas, eligibility for SSDI and SSI is the same as federal rules. However, Texas residents who get SSI automatically qualify for Medicaid, which covers health care costs[2]. Texas also offers the ABLE program, which lets Texans with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits, as long as the disability started before age 26[4].
Texas does not have a separate state disability program, so most benefits come from federal programs. If you are Deaf and need help with communication, Texas agencies can provide interpreters or other support during the application process[2].
If you are a child who is Deaf, your family's income and resources may be considered when deciding SSI eligibility[5].
Texas does not have a separate state disability program. Most benefits come from federal programs like SSDI and SSI. However, Texas residents with SSI get automatic Medicaid, which covers health care costs[2].
Texas also offers the ABLE program, which lets Texans with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits, as long as the disability started before age 26[4].
Texas agencies can provide interpreters or other support for people who are Deaf during the application process[2].
If you are a child who is Deaf, your family's income and resources may be considered when deciding SSI eligibility[5].
The Texas ABLE program lets Texans with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. To qualify, you must be a Texas resident and have developed your disability before age 26. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like education, housing, and health care[4].
For SSDI in 2025, you can earn up to $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) before benefits may be affected. For SSI, the federal benefit rate is $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples. The resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples[1].
You must report any changes in your income, work, or living situation to Social Security. If you do not, you may get an overpayment and have to pay it back. Reporting changes helps you keep your benefits and avoid problems[8].
If you need help with the application or have questions about your rights, contact a disability attorney or advocate. They can help you gather documents and appeal if needed.
Yes, Deafness can qualify for SSDI or SSI if it prevents you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. You must meet the medical and financial criteria for each program[1].
For SSDI, yes, you need enough work credits. For SSI, no, but you must have low income and resources[1].
SSDI payments depend on your work history, up to $4,018 per month in 2025. SSI pays up to $967 per month for individuals in 2025[2].
No, Texas does not have a separate state disability program. Most benefits come from federal programs like SSDI and SSI[2].
Yes, Texas residents who get SSI automatically qualify for Medicaid, which covers health care costs[2].
Yes, there are work incentives that let you earn some money without losing benefits. For SSDI, you can earn up to $1,620 per month in 2025 before benefits may be affected[1].
An ABLE account lets Texans with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You must have developed your disability before age 26[4].
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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You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records showing your Deafness[3].
You must report any changes in income, work, or living situation to Social Security. If you do not, you may get an overpayment and have to pay it back[8].
Yes, children who are Deaf may qualify for SSI if they meet the medical and financial criteria. Family income and resources may be considered[5].
