Hard of Hearing Benefits in Texas: 2025 Guide

• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), your hearing loss must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA) and must last or be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your hearing loss must cause marked and severe functional limitations.
• The SSA uses a 5-step process to decide if you are disabled, including checking if your condition is listed in the Blue Book, your ability to do past work, and your ability to adjust to other work.
• In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700/month for blind individuals. Earning above this may affect your eligibility.
• Children with hearing loss may qualify for SSI if their family’s income and resources are low and their condition causes marked and severe functional limitations.

Sources: SSA Disability Qualification, SSA SSI for Children

• In Texas, the Disability Determination Services (DDS) uses the same federal criteria to evaluate hearing loss for disability benefits.
• Texas residents may also qualify for Medicaid waivers, which can help pay for hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive devices.
• The Texas ABLE Program allows individuals who became disabled before age 26 to save money for disability-related expenses, including hearing aids and communication devices.
• Texas does not have a separate state disability program, so most benefits are federal, but state agencies can help with applications and provide additional support.
• Local vocational rehabilitation services may offer job training and assistive technology for people who are hard of hearing.

Sources: Texas Disability Determination Services, Texas ABLE Program, Texas Medicaid Waivers (state-specific information is limited; start here for more details)

• Gather medical records showing your hearing loss and how it affects your daily life.
• Check if you meet the income and resource limits for SSI or the work history requirements for SSDI.
• Apply online at the Social Security Administration website or visit a local Social Security office.
• If you are under 26, consider applying for a Texas ABLE account.
• Contact Texas Vocational Rehabilitation for additional support.

Sources: SSA Apply for Benefits, Texas ABLE Program

• Step 1: Get a medical evaluation from an audiologist or ENT specialist. Document your hearing loss and how it affects your ability to work and do daily activities.
• Step 2: Review the SSA’s Blue Book listing for hearing loss (Section 2.10) to see if your condition meets the criteria.
• Step 3: Check your income and resources. If you have limited income, you may qualify for SSI. If you have a work history, you may qualify for SSDI.
• Step 4: Apply online at the SSA website, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide personal information, medical records, and work history.
• Step 5: If your application is denied, you can appeal within 60 days. You may want to get help from a disability advocate or attorney.
• Step 6: If approved, you may also qualify for Medicaid, Medicaid waivers, or a Texas ABLE account. Apply for these programs separately.
• Step 7: Report any changes in your income, work, or medical condition to avoid overpayments.

Sources: SSA Disability Application, Texas ABLE Program, Texas Medicaid Waivers

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for disabled workers who have paid Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income individuals, including those with disabilities. Medicaid may cover hearing aids and cochlear implants.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people who receive SSDI for 24 months.
• Medicaid Waivers: Programs that help pay for services not covered by regular Medicaid, such as hearing aids and assistive technology.

Sources: SSA Disability Programs, Medicaid

• Texas ABLE Program: A savings account for Texans with disabilities who became disabled before age 26. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses, including hearing aids and communication devices.
• Texas Medicaid Waivers: Programs that help pay for services not covered by regular Medicaid, such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and assistive technology.
• Texas Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Offers job training, assistive technology, and other support for people with disabilities, including those who are hard of hearing.
• Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS): Provides resources and support for people with disabilities, including those who are hard of hearing.

Sources: Texas ABLE Program, Texas Medicaid Waivers, Texas Vocational Rehabilitation

• The Texas ABLE Program allows individuals who became disabled before age 26 to save up to $18,000 per year in a tax-advantaged account.
• Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, communication devices, and other assistive technology.
• The account does not affect eligibility for SSI or Medicaid as long as the balance is under $100,000.

Sources: Texas ABLE Program

• SSI: In 2025, the federal benefit rate is $967/month for individuals and $1,450/month for couples. The resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples.
• SSDI: There is no income limit, but you cannot earn more than $1,620/month (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind) from work without risking your benefits.
• Texas ABLE: You can save up to $18,000 per year, but the total account balance cannot exceed $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility.

Sources: SSA SSI Limits, Texas ABLE Program

• You must report any changes in your income, work, or medical condition to the Social Security Administration to avoid overpayments.
• If you receive an overpayment, you may have to repay it, but you can request a waiver if you cannot afford to pay.
• Keep records of all payments and changes to help avoid overpayments.

Sources: SSA Overpayments

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  Apply for SSDI or SSI benefits.
• Texas Vocational Rehabilitation Services
  Phone: 1-800-628-5115

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  Get help with job training and assistive technology.

• Can I get disability benefits if I am hard of hearing?

  Yes, if your hearing loss is severe enough to prevent you from working and meets the SSA’s definition of disability, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You must provide medical evidence of your hearing loss and how it affects your daily life.

• What is the SGA limit for 2025?

  In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning above this may affect your eligibility for disability benefits.

• Can children with hearing loss get SSI?

  Yes, children with hearing loss may qualify for SSI if their family’s income and resources are low and their condition causes marked and severe functional limitations. The child must not be working or earning more than $1,620/month (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind).

• What is the Texas ABLE Program?

  The Texas ABLE Program is a savings account for Texans with disabilities who became disabled before age 26. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses, including hearing aids and communication devices, without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility.

• What are Medicaid waivers in Texas?

  Medicaid waivers in Texas help pay for services not covered by regular Medicaid, such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and assistive technology. These programs are for people with disabilities who meet income and resource limits.

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Texas?

  You can apply online at the SSA website, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide medical records, personal information, and work history. Texas Vocational Rehabilitation can also help with the application process.