Texas residents with epilepsy may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), state Medicaid waivers, and financial tools like ABLE accounts. This guide covers eligibility, application steps, and Texas-specific resources to help you access support.
To qualify for SSI or SSDI with epilepsy, you must meet the Social Security Administration (SSA) definition of disability. This means your epilepsy must be medically documented, last (or be expected to last) at least 12 months or result in death, and severely limit your ability to work. For SSDI, you also need enough work credits from jobs covered by Social Security[1][5]. For SSI, income and resources must be below strict limits—$2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples in 2025[2]. If you are working, your earnings must be under $1,620/month (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind) in 2025. The SSA uses a 5-step process to evaluate claims: checking work status, severity of condition, Blue Book listing, ability to do past work, and ability to adjust to other work[1]. If epilepsy causes frequent seizures despite treatment, and limits daily activities, it may qualify, especially if documented in medical records.
Texas follows all federal rules for SSI and SSDI but does not have a separate state disability program. The Texas Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews applications using the federal 5-step process[1]. For Medicaid, Texas offers several Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that may help people with epilepsy access in-home care, therapies, and supported employment. Eligibility for these waivers depends on medical need, income, and other state criteria. Texas also allows ABLE accounts for qualified disability-related expenses, which do not count against SSI resource limits. Always check for the most current income and resource limits, as these can change yearly. If you need help, contact Texas Health and Human Services or a local disability advocate.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly cash benefits for people who have worked and paid into Social Security, now unable to work due to disability. Maximum benefit is $4,018/month in 2025[7]. You must have a qualifying work history and a disability that meets SSA’s strict definition[5].
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash assistance for low-income individuals with disabilities, regardless of work history. Federal benefit rate is $967/month for individuals and $1,450/month for couples in 2025. Income and resource limits apply[2].
Medicare: After 24 months of SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare health coverage.
ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for qualified disability expenses, which do not count toward SSI resource limits[2].
Texas Medicaid: Provides health coverage for low-income residents, including those with disabilities. Epilepsy may qualify you for Medicaid directly if you meet income limits, or through a waiver if you need more care than Medicaid usually covers.
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Texas offers several Home and Community-Based Services waivers that can pay for in-home care, respite, therapies, and supported employment—helping people with epilepsy live more independently. Eligibility depends on medical need, income, and other state criteria.
Texas Health and Human Services: Runs Medicaid and waiver programs. Contact them for details, applications, and local support.
ABLE Accounts: Texas residents can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI eligibility.
State-specific information is limited; start here: Texas Health and Human Services and the SSA’s Texas Disability Determination Services.
ABLE accounts let Texans with disabilities save up to $18,000 per year (2025) for disability-related expenses. These funds do not count against SSI resource limits. You can use the money for education, housing, transportation, health, and more. To qualify, your disability must have begun before age 26.
For SSI in Texas (2025), income must be below $967/month (individual) or $1,450/month (couple), and resources under $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple). For SSDI, you can earn up to $1,620/month (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind) without losing benefits[2]. These amounts may change each year.
You must report any changes in income, resources, living situation, or work status to the SSA and Texas Health and Human Services to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in reduced benefits or repayment demands. For help, see our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Epilepsy must be well-documented with medical records showing frequency, severity, and impact on daily life. Always keep copies of your doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment history—these are critical for your application.
Most initial SSI/SSDI applications are denied. Don’t give up—request reconsideration, then a hearing if needed. Many people win benefits on appeal, especially with strong medical evidence and, if possible, help from a disability advocate.
Yes, if your epilepsy is severe, well-documented, and prevents you from working, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. Texas uses the federal evaluation process, so medical evidence is key[1][5].
Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or at a local office. Gather medical records and financial information first to speed up the process[5].
Epilepsy is included if seizures are frequent and uncontrolled despite treatment, and severely limit daily activities. Detailed medical records are required to prove eligibility[1].
You can earn up to $1,620/month (non-blind) in 2025 on SSDI during a trial work period. SSI allows some work, but income must stay below the limit—$967/month for individuals in 2025[2].
Many applications are denied at first. You have the right to appeal, starting with reconsideration, then a hearing, and further appeals if needed. Consider getting help from a disability advocate[5].
Texas offers several Medicaid HCBS waivers that may help with in-home care and therapies. Eligibility depends on medical need and income. Contact Texas Health and Human Services for details.
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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Open an ABLE account for disability-related expenses. ABLE funds do not count against SSI resource limits.
SSI limits are $967/month income and $2,000 in resources for individuals; $1,450/month income and $3,000 in resources for couples in 2025[2].
You do not need a lawyer, but many people find it helpful, especially if they are denied at first. Free help is available through Texas legal aid and disability organizations.
Processing times vary. Initial decisions can take 3-5 months, but many applications require appeals, which can take much longer.
