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Texas • Neurological/Developmental
People with Tourette Syndrome in Texas may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI if their symptoms severely limit their ability to work or function. Texas also offers Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts to help with healthcare and financial needs.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Texas, your Tourette Syndrome must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means your condition must be medically documented, last or be expected to last at least 12 months, and significantly limit your ability to work or perform daily activities. The SSA uses a 5-step process to decide eligibility, including checking if you earn above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals in 2025. If your symptoms are severe enough to prevent you from doing past work or adjusting to other jobs, you may qualify for benefits[1][2][6].
Texas follows federal rules for SSI and SSDI eligibility, so there are no separate state disability programs for Tourette Syndrome. However, Texas residents can access Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which may help with care needs related to Tourette Syndrome. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) manages these programs. To qualify for Medicaid waivers, you must meet both federal disability criteria and Texas-specific financial and functional requirements. Texas also offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities, allowing tax-free savings for qualified expenses[1][7].
Texas offers several programs to support people with Tourette Syndrome:
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): These waivers provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including those with Tourette Syndrome. Services may include personal care, therapy, and respite care. Eligibility is based on federal disability criteria and Texas-specific financial and functional requirements[7].
Texas ABLE Program: The Texas ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free[7].
Other Support Services: Texas agencies may offer additional resources, such as vocational rehabilitation, counseling, and support groups for people with Tourette Syndrome[7].
The Texas ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can save up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit) without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for qualified expenses like education, housing, transportation, and healthcare. To open an account, visit the Texas ABLE website or contact a participating financial institution[7].
For SSI in Texas, the federal benefit rate (FBR) is $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 for couples in 2025. The resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. For SSDI, there is no resource limit, but you must have a qualifying work history and meet the SGA income limit ($1,620/month for non-blind in 2025)[2].
If your income or resources change, you must report it to the SSA to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or benefit reductions. Use the SSA’s online portal or contact your local office to report changes. For more details, see the SSA’s guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes[2].
Contact a local disability advocate or attorney for help with your application. They can guide you through the process and help you gather the necessary documentation.
Take advantage of work incentives like the trial work period, which allows you to earn income without losing benefits. This can help you transition back to work when you're ready.
Yes, Tourette Syndrome can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it causes marked and severe functional limitations that prevent you from working or doing daily activities. Medical documentation is required to prove the severity of your symptoms[1][2][6].
The SSI income limit in Texas is $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 for couples in 2025. The resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples[2].
Gather medical records, check your income and resources, and apply online at SSA.gov or at a local Social Security office. Include details about how Tourette Syndrome affects your ability to work or function[1][2][7].
Medicaid waivers in Texas provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including those with Tourette Syndrome. Services may include personal care, therapy, and respite care. Eligibility is based on federal disability criteria and Texas-specific requirements[7].
Yes, you can work during a trial work period without losing benefits. In 2025, SSDI recipients can earn over $1,160 in any month during a nine-month trial work period. SSI recipients can also earn more without immediately losing eligibility[2].
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about disability benefits in Texas. For specific legal advice, consult a qualified attorney or disability advocate.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. It allows you to save money for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Texas offers its own ABLE program for residents[7].
The approval process can take several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of your case and the backlog at the Social Security office. Providing complete medical records and responding promptly to requests can help speed up the process[1][2].
If your application is denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Gather additional medical evidence and consider seeking help from a disability advocate or attorney. The appeals process includes several levels, from reconsideration to a hearing before an administrative law judge[1][2].
Children with Tourette Syndrome may qualify for SSI if they meet the disability and financial requirements. The SSA considers a child’s income and resources, as well as those of family members living in the household[4][6].
Yes, you may be eligible for both SSI and SSDI if you meet the requirements for each program. SSI is needs-based, while SSDI is based on work history. Your eligibility will depend on your income, resources, and work credits[2][7].
