Short Stature Benefits and Support in Texas

To qualify for Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) you must meet strict federal rules. For SSDI, you need enough work credits and a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least a year or is expected to result in death[6][7]. For SSI, income and resources must be very low, and disability must severely limit daily life—especially for children[5].

SSDI:

• Have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough (generally 40 credits)[7].
• Short stature alone does not qualify unless it causes marked and severe functional limitations for a child or prevents work for an adult[6].
• Must not earn over the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit ($1,620/month in 2025 for non-blind adults)[1][2].
• Medical evidence is required, including doctor reports and test results.

SSI:

• Available to low-income children and adults with severe disabilities, including some with short stature[3][5].
• In 2025, maximum SSI is $967/month for individuals, $1,450 for couples[2][3].
• Resource limits: $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples[2].
• Family income may affect children’s eligibility[5].

Texas does not have a state disability benefit program—only federal SSI and SSDI are available through the Social Security Administration[1][3]. Texas Medicaid offers special waiver programs (HCBS) that may help with home and community-based services for people with disabilities, but you must also meet Texas Medicaid’s financial rules.

Key Texas Differences:

• Applications are processed by Texas Disability Determination Services (DDS), which uses SSA’s 5-step evaluation[1].
• No additional state benefit for adults with disabilities besides Medicaid waivers and some state-administered programs[1][3].
• Apply online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office—no Texas-only disability application exists[3].
• For children, Texas uses federal SSI standards for disability and financial eligibility[5].
• Texas Medicaid applications are separate from SSI/SSDI—check with HHSC for waiver options.

To apply for Texas disability benefits for short stature, start with Social Security (SSA). SSI and SSDI are your main options—there is no Texas state disability payment.

Quick Steps:

• Gather medical records showing how short stature affects your ability to work and perform daily tasks.
• Check if you meet income and resource limits for SSI ($2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples in 2025)[2].
• Apply online, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or in person at a local Social Security office[3].
• For children with disabilities, apply for SSI and, if eligible, for Medicaid[5].
• Check Texas Medicaid waivers for extra support—apply through HHSC[Internal Link].

Step 1: Gather Documentation

• Medical evidence is key. Collect doctors’ reports, test results, and any records that show your short stature causes serious work or daily activity limits.
• For SSDI, gather work history and tax records to prove you have enough work credits[6][7].
• For SSI, collect proof of income, assets, and living arrangements.

Step 2: Complete the Application

• Online: Go to SSA’s official website to start your SSI or SSDI application. This is the fastest way[3].
• By Phone: Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to apply or get help in English or Spanish.
• In Person: Visit your nearest Social Security office. Find locations on SSA’s website.
• For Children: Apply for SSI for your child if they meet the definition of disability and financial limits[5]. Include school records and statements from teachers or therapists.

Step 3: Submit and Follow Up

• Submit your application and all supporting documents. SSA will review and may request more information.
• Texas DDS will evaluate your medical eligibility using the SSA’s 5-step process[1].
• If denied, you can appeal. Many applicants are denied at first—don’t give up[3].
• Once approved, check if you qualify for Texas Medicaid waivers for extra services[Internal Link].

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)

• For adults and some young people (Disability Adult Child benefits) with enough work history[5][6].
• Pays monthly benefits based on your work record.
• Short stature must prevent you from working at the SGA level ($1,620/month in 2025 for non-blind adults)[1][2].

SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

• For low-income children and adults with disabilities, including some with short stature[2][3][5].
• Pays up to $967/month for individuals, $1,450 for couples in 2025[2][3].
• Strict income and resource limits apply—family income may affect children’s eligibility[5].

Medicare/Medicaid

• After 24 months on SSDI, you qualify for Medicare[Internal Link].
• SSI recipients may get Medicaid automatically in Texas[Internal Link].

ABLE Accounts

• Save money without losing benefits, up to $100,000 for SSI[Internal Link].

Texas has no state disability benefit program—all cash disability assistance comes from federal SSI and SSDI[1][3]. However, Texas Medicaid offers important waiver programs for people with disabilities, including those with short stature, who need help living in the community.

Medicaid Waivers (Home and Community-Based Services, HCBS)

• Provide services like personal care, therapy, and home modifications for those who qualify for Medicaid and meet waiver rules[Internal Link].
• Apply through Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
• Some waivers have long waiting lists.

Other Texas Supports

• Texas Workforce Commission may offer vocational rehabilitation services for people with disabilities seeking work.
• Texas ABLE accounts help save for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI eligibility[Internal Link].
• For children, SSI is the main path—no separate Texas program exists, but Medicaid may provide extra services[5].

Texas ABLE Accounts let you save for disability expenses (education, housing, health, transportation) without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. You can save up to $100,000 in an ABLE account and keep SSI. Earnings grow tax-free. Learn more and open an account at Texas ABLE or the national ABLE consortium[Internal Link].

• SSI Income Limits (2025): $967/month for individuals, $1,450 for couples[2][3].
• SSI Resource Limits: $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples[2].
• SSDI Earnings Limit (SGA): $1,620/month for non-blind adults in 2025[1][2]. Higher for blind individuals ($2,700/month)[1][2].
• Student Earned Income Exclusion: SSI recipients under 22 who are students can exclude up to $2,350/month, max $9,460/year[2].
• Overpayments can happen if you earn over the limit—report changes quickly[Internal Link].

If your income, resources, or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security and/or Texas Medicaid. Failing to report can result in overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Report changes online, by phone, or in person to avoid problems. Learn more about your reporting responsibilities[Internal Link].

• What’s the difference between SSI and SSDI for Short Stature in Texas?

  SSDI is for people with enough work history who paid into Social Security. SSI is for low-income children and adults with disabilities, regardless of work history. Short stature must cause severe limits in either case. Texas has no state disability benefit—help comes from federal SSI and SSDI[1][3][6].

• Can adults with short stature get SSI in Texas?

  Yes, if your income and resources are low enough and your short stature severely limits your ability to work or perform daily activities. Apply through the Social Security Administration—Texas has no separate program[1][3].[Internal Link]

• Are there special Texas Medicaid waivers for people with short stature?

  Texas Medicaid offers several HCBS waivers for people with disabilities, but there is no waiver just for short stature. If you qualify for Medicaid and have functional needs, you may access waiver services. Apply through Texas Health and Human Services[Internal Link].

• How does work affect my disability benefits in Texas?

  Earning over the SGA limit ($1,620/month for non-blind adults in 2025) can cause loss of SSDI benefits. SSI recipients can use work incentives to earn some money without immediately losing benefits. Always report earnings to Social Security to avoid overpayments[1][2].[Internal Link]

• What if I’m denied SSI or SSDI for short stature?

  Many applications are denied at first. You can appeal the decision. Get help from a disability lawyer or advocate. Gather more medical evidence and consider a second application or appeal[3].[Internal Link]