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Texas • Physical/Mobility
People with Muscular Dystrophy in Texas can qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, plus state programs such as Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts. Eligibility depends on medical severity, work history, and financial need. This guide explains how to apply, what benefits are available, and how to keep them.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that prevents you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA) and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You also need enough work credits based on your age and recent employment. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet the medical definition of disability. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. The resource limit for SSI is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Both programs require that your disability is severe enough to stop you from working and is expected to last at least a year or result in death [1].
In Texas, eligibility for disability benefits follows federal rules, but state agencies help with Medicaid waivers and other support programs. For Medicaid waivers, you must be a Texas resident, meet financial limits, and have a qualifying disability like Muscular Dystrophy. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) manages these waivers, which can cover services such as home care, therapy, and assistive devices. Texas also offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities, allowing tax-free savings for disability-related expenses. State-specific rules may apply for Medicaid and waiver programs, so check with HHSC for the latest details [2].
Texas ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. You can contribute up to $18,000 per year, and the account grows tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free. To open an account, visit the Texas ABLE website and follow the application process.
For SSI in 2025, the federal benefit rate is $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 for couples. The resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. For SSDI, there is no resource limit, but your income must be below the SGA limit of $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Students can exclude up to $2,350 per month in earned income, capped at $9,460 annually.
If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you must report it and may have to repay the overpayment. Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security or HHSC as soon as possible. Failure to report changes can result in penalties or loss of benefits. For help with overpayments and reporting, see the SSA’s guide on avoiding overpayments.
Consider working with a disability attorney or advocate. They can help you gather documents, fill out forms, and appeal denials. Many offer free consultations.
The SGA limit in 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI.
Yes, you can work during a trial work period without losing benefits. In 2025, you can earn over $1,160 in any month during a nine-month trial work period. After that, your benefits may be affected if you exceed the SGA limit.
Medicaid waivers in Texas provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. These can include personal care, therapy, and assistive devices. You must meet financial and medical eligibility to qualify.
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 to provide medical records, proof of income, and work history.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. In Texas, you can save up to $18,000 per year for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid.
The resource limit for SSI in Texas is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Resources include cash, bank accounts, and other assets.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Yes, children with Muscular Dystrophy may qualify for SSI if they meet the medical and financial criteria. They must have marked and severe functional limitations and limited family income and resources.
The approval process can take several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of your case and the backlog at Social Security. Providing complete documentation can help speed up the process.
If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. You have 60 days to file an appeal. Consider working with a disability attorney or advocate for help with the appeal process.
Yes, there are work incentives that allow you to earn more without immediately losing benefits. These include the trial work period and student income exclusions. Check with Social Security for details.
