Texas • Rare/Genetic

Rett Syndrome Benefits in Texas: 2025 Guide

People with Rett Syndrome in Texas may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, plus state-specific Medicaid waivers and support programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources for families.

Rett Syndrome often meets SSA’s definition of disability due to severe functional limitations.
SSI is for those with limited income and resources; SSDI is for those with work history.
Texas offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services.
Work incentives allow some to earn income without losing benefits.
ABLE accounts help save for disability-related expenses tax-free.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-06

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Eligibility

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working and have paid into Social Security through work credits. For 2025, you need 40 credits (20 in the last 10 years) and must not earn more than $1,620/month (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind) in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) [2].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for those with limited income and resources. In 2025, the resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. The federal benefit rate is $967/month for individuals and $1,450/month for couples [2].
Your condition must be medically documented, last at least 12 months, and severely limit your ability to work or perform daily activities [1].
Children with Rett Syndrome may qualify for SSI if their condition causes marked and severe functional limitations [4].

In Texas, the Disability Determination Services (DDS) uses a 5-step process to decide if you qualify for disability benefits. This includes checking if you are working above the SGA limit, the severity of your condition, whether it matches a listed impairment, your ability to do past work, and your ability to adjust to other work [1].
Rett Syndrome is often considered a listed impairment under the SSA’s Blue Book, which can speed up approval [1].
Texas also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, such as the Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) waiver, which can provide home and community-based services [7].
Families should also explore state-specific programs like the Texas Medicaid Buy-In for Working People with Disabilities, which allows some to earn income while keeping Medicaid coverage [7].

How to apply in Texas

Gather medical records showing your Rett Syndrome diagnosis and functional limitations.
Check if you meet SSI or SSDI income and resource limits.
Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
For Medicaid waivers, contact the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
Consider applying for an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses.

Step 1: Collect all medical records, including diagnosis, treatment history, and documentation of how Rett Syndrome affects daily activities.
Step 2: Determine if you meet SSI or SSDI eligibility. For SSI, check income and resource limits. For SSDI, check work credits and SGA limits [2].
Step 3: Apply for Social Security benefits online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You can also apply for Medicaid waivers through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission [7].
Step 4: If applying for Medicaid waivers, complete the required forms and provide proof of disability and financial need.
Step 5: For ABLE accounts, visit the Texas ABLE Program website to open an account and start saving for disability-related expenses.
Step 6: Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments and ensure continued eligibility [2].

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. In 2025, the maximum benefit is $4,018/month [7].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for those 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 coverage for low-income individuals with disabilities. Eligibility is based on income and resources [4].
Medicare: Health coverage for those who receive SSDI for 24 months [6].

Medicaid Waivers: Texas offers several Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including the Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) waiver, which provides home and community-based services [7].
Texas Medicaid Buy-In for Working People with Disabilities: Allows some to earn income while keeping Medicaid coverage [7].
Texas ABLE Program: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for disability-related expenses [7].
Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS): Provides vocational rehabilitation and other support services [7].

Money & Banking

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save up to $17,000/year (2025) without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like education, housing, and transportation [7].

SSI: $967/month for individuals, $1,450/month for couples (2025). Resource limits: $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples [2].
SSDI: No resource limits, but earnings must be below SGA ($1,620/month non-blind, $2,700/month blind) [2].
Medicaid Buy-In: Income limits vary; check with Texas Health and Human Services for current thresholds [7].

Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment or benefit suspension [2].

Tips & Gotchas

Need Help Applying?

Contact your local Social Security office or Texas Health and Human Services for help with applications and questions.

Contacts

Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Website
For disability benefits questions and applications.
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Phone: 1-877-541-7905
Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Website
For Medicaid waivers and state disability programs.

FAQs

Can children with Rett Syndrome get SSI in Texas?
Yes, children with Rett Syndrome may qualify for SSI if their condition causes marked and severe functional limitations. The child’s income and resources, and those of family members, are considered in eligibility [4].
What is the SGA limit for Rett Syndrome in Texas?
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 eligibility for SSDI or SSI [2].
How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in Texas?
Contact the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to apply for Medicaid waivers. You’ll need to provide proof of disability and financial need [7].
Can I work and still get disability benefits in Texas?
Yes, work incentives allow some to earn income without losing benefits. The trial work period lets SSDI recipients earn over $1,160/month for nine months without losing benefits [2].
What is an ABLE account and how can it help?
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for disability-related expenses. In Texas, you can save up to $17,000/year without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility [7].
How long does it take to get approved for disability benefits?
Approval times vary, but most initial decisions take 3–6 months. Appeals can take longer. Providing complete medical records can speed up the process [1].

Official resources

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)(federal)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)(federal)
Social Security Disability Benefits for Children(federal)

Related Purple guides

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult official sources for the most current eligibility rules and application procedures.

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