Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Benefits in Texas

To qualify for disability benefits with PTSD, your condition must:

• Be medically documented by a doctor or mental health professional.
• Last or be expected to last at least 12 months, or result in death.
• Significantly limit your ability to do work you did before or adjust to other jobs.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a 5-step process to decide if you are disabled:

1. Are you working and earning more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit? In 2025, this is $1,620/month for non-blind people and $2,700/month for blind people.
2. Is your condition severe enough to interfere with basic work activities?
3. Does your condition match a listing in SSA’s Blue Book? PTSD is listed under mental disorders.
4. Can you still do your past work?
5. Can you adjust to other work?

If you cannot do any of these, you may qualify for benefits[1][2][5][6][7].

In Texas, the Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews your application and medical records to decide if you meet federal disability rules. There are no separate state disability programs for PTSD, but Texas agencies can help with Medicaid, work incentives, and other supports.

Texas residents with PTSD may also qualify for Medicaid waivers, which provide extra services for people with disabilities. These waivers can help with therapy, counseling, and other needs related to PTSD.

The Texas ABLE Program lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits[4].

• Gather medical records that show your PTSD diagnosis and how it affects your daily life.
• Check if you meet the work history requirements for SSDI or the income/resource limits for SSI.
• Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
• Texas DDS will review your case and may ask for more information.
• Respond quickly to requests and keep copies of all documents[1][2][6].

• Step 1: Get medical records from your doctor or therapist that document your PTSD, treatment, and how it limits your ability to work.
• Step 2: Decide if you want to apply for SSDI (if you have a work history) or SSI (if you have limited income and resources).
• Step 3: Fill out the application online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You can also get help from a Texas disability advocate.
• Step 4: Texas DDS will review your application and medical records. They may ask for more information or schedule a consultative exam.
• Step 5: If your application is denied, you can appeal. Texas has a state-level appeals process.
• Step 6: If approved, you will start receiving benefits and may qualify for Medicaid or other supports[1][2][6].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people with a work history who are unable to work due to disability. In 2025, the maximum monthly benefit is $4,018[8].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Needs-based payments for people with limited income and resources. In 2025, the federal benefit rate is $967/month for individuals and $1,450/month for couples[2].
• Medicaid: Health care for people with low income and resources. Many SSDI and SSI recipients qualify for Medicaid in Texas.
• Medicare: Health care for SSDI recipients after 24 months of receiving benefits.

• Texas Medicaid Waivers: Programs that provide extra services for people with disabilities, including therapy and counseling for PTSD. These waivers can help with home and community-based services.
• Texas ABLE Program: A savings account for people with disabilities that lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You must have developed your disability before age 26[4].
• Texas Workforce Commission: Offers job training and support for people with disabilities who want to work.
• Texas Health and Human Services: Provides information and help with Medicaid, food stamps, and other benefits for people with disabilities.

The Texas ABLE Program lets you save up to $18,000 per year in a tax-advantaged account for disability-related expenses. Funds can be used for therapy, counseling, education, and other needs related to PTSD. You must have developed your disability before age 26. Learn more at TexasABLE.org[4].

• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than $1,620/month (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind) in 2025 without risking your benefits.
• SSI: In 2025, the federal benefit rate is $967/month for individuals and $1,450/month for couples. Resource limits are $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples[2].

You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Use the SSA’s online portal or call your local office to report changes[2].

• 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, get help with benefits.
• Texas Health and Human Services Commission
  Phone: 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905

  Hours: 24/7

  Website

  Get help with Medicaid, food stamps, and other benefits.

• Can PTSD qualify for disability benefits in Texas?

  Yes, PTSD can qualify for SSDI or SSI if it meets Social Security’s definition of disability. You must have a medically documented condition that lasts at least 12 months and limits your ability to work[1][2][5][6].

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

  You need records from your doctor or therapist that show your PTSD diagnosis, treatment, and how it affects your daily life and ability to work. These records should be recent and detailed[1][6].

• How much money can I get for PTSD disability in Texas?

  The amount depends on your work history and income. SSDI payments can be up to $4,018/month in 2025. SSI payments are $967/month for individuals and $1,450/month for couples[2][8].

• Can I work while getting PTSD disability benefits?

  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[2].

• What is the Texas ABLE Program and how can it help with PTSD?

  The Texas ABLE Program lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use funds for therapy, counseling, and other needs related to PTSD[4].

• Do I need to be a Texas resident to get disability benefits?

  You do not need to be a Texas resident to get SSDI or SSI, but you must live in the U.S. Texas residents can get extra help from state agencies and Medicaid waivers[1][4].