Diabetes Benefits in Texas: 2025 Guide

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

• Be medically documented and expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• Significantly limit your ability to do past work or any other work.
• Prevent you from earning above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit: $1,620/month for non-blind people and $2,700/month for blind people in 2025[1][2][5].

SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for those with limited income and resources[2][3][6].

The Social Security Administration uses a 5-step process to decide if you are disabled. This includes checking your work activity, the severity of your condition, whether it matches a listed impairment, your ability to do past work, and whether you can adjust to other jobs[1][6].

Texas does not have a state-run disability benefits program for adults with diabetes. All disability benefits for Texans with diabetes come from federal programs: SSDI and SSI[3].

If your diabetes is severe enough to meet federal criteria, you can apply for SSDI or SSI through the Social Security Administration. Texas Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews your medical records and decides if you qualify[1].

Texas does offer Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including those with diabetes, to help with home and community-based services. These are not monthly cash benefits but can cover extra care needs[internal_link_1].

There are no special diabetes-only benefits in Texas, but you may qualify for other state programs based on your income and needs[3].

• Check if your diabetes meets the SSA’s definition of disability.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
• Respond quickly to any requests for more information.
• If denied, you can appeal within 60 days[1][3][6].

• Step 1: Review the SSA’s Blue Book listing for diabetes (Section 9.00) to see if your condition matches or equals a listed impairment. If not, your diabetes must still severely limit your ability to work[1][5].
• Step 2: Collect all medical records, including doctor’s notes, lab results, and treatment history. Include records showing how diabetes affects your daily activities and ability to work[1][6].
• 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. You can also apply at a Texas DDS office[1][3][6].
• Step 4: Wait for Texas DDS to review your application. They may ask for more information or schedule a consultative exam.
• Step 5: If denied, you have 60 days to appeal. Most claims are denied at first, so be ready to appeal and provide more evidence[3].
• Step 6: If approved, you will get monthly payments and may qualify for Medicaid or Medicare[2][3].

• SSDI: Monthly payments for disabled workers who have paid Social Security taxes. In 2025, the average SSDI payment is about $1,500/month, but it varies by work history[2][3].
• SSI: Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $967/month for individuals and $1,450/month for couples[2][3].
• Medicare: Most SSDI recipients get Medicare after 24 months of disability. SSI recipients may get Medicaid instead[internal_link_4].
• Medicaid: For low-income people with disabilities, including those with diabetes. Medicaid can cover doctor visits, hospital care, and some diabetes supplies[internal_link_1].

Texas does not offer a state disability cash benefit program. All disability income support for Texans with diabetes comes from federal SSDI and SSI programs[3].

Texas does offer Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including those with diabetes. These waivers can help pay for home care, personal care, and other services not covered by regular Medicaid[internal_link_1].

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) runs programs for people with disabilities, but these are not monthly cash benefits. They may help with food, housing, or job training if you qualify based on income and need[3].

ABLE accounts are available in Texas for people with disabilities. These tax-advantaged savings accounts let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits[internal_link_2].

ABLE accounts let Texans with diabetes save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $18,000 per year in 2025, and the first $100,000 is not counted against SSI resource limits[internal_link_2].

• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than $1,620/month (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind) in 2025 without losing benefits[2][5].
• SSI: Resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Income limits depend on your living situation and other factors[2][5].
• Work Incentives: SSDI and SSI have trial work periods and other rules that let you earn some income while keeping benefits[internal_link_5].

If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to the SSA. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties[internal_link_3].

If you get an overpayment, you can ask for a waiver or set up a repayment plan. Always keep records of your income and expenses[internal_link_3].

• 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 disability benefits questions and applications.
• Texas Disability Determination Services
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

  Website

  For medical review of disability claims.

• Can I get disability benefits for diabetes in Texas?

  Yes, if your diabetes is severe enough to meet federal disability criteria. You must show that it prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months[1][6].

• What is the SGA limit for diabetes in 2025?

  In 2025, you cannot earn more than $1,620/month (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind) and still qualify for disability benefits[2][5].

• Does Texas have a state disability program for diabetes?

  No, Texas does not have a state disability cash benefit program. All disability income support comes from federal SSDI and SSI programs[3].

• How do I apply for disability benefits for diabetes in Texas?

  You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need medical records and work history[1][3][6].

• What medical records do I need for a diabetes disability claim?

  You need doctor’s notes, lab results, treatment history, and records showing how diabetes affects your daily life and ability to work[1][6].

• Can I work while getting disability for diabetes?

  Yes, but only up to the SGA limit. SSDI and SSI have work incentives that let you earn some income without losing benefits[2][internal_link_5].

• What is the difference between SSDI and SSI for diabetes?

  SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for those with limited income and resources. Both require a severe disability[2][internal_link_0].