Traumatic Brain Injury Benefits in Texas

To get federal disability benefits for traumatic brain injury in Texas, your condition must:

• Be medically documented and expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• Prevent you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2025, SGA is $1,620/month for non-blind people and $2,700/month for blind people[1][2][4][6].
• Significantly limit your ability to do past work or adjust to other work.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a 5-step process to decide if you qualify[1][5]. This includes checking your work activity, the severity of your condition, whether your TBI is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book, your residual functional capacity, and your ability to do other jobs[1][5].

If your TBI is severe and meets the Blue Book criteria, you may qualify automatically[1]. If not, the SSA will review your ability to work based on your medical records and work history[1][5].

Texas follows federal rules for SSDI and SSI eligibility, so there are no separate state disability programs for TBI. However, Texas offers extra support through Medicaid waivers and other state services[1][7].

Texas Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews your medical records and decides if you meet federal criteria[1]. DDS may request more information or schedule a consultative exam if needed[1].

If you have a TBI, you may also qualify for Texas Medicaid waivers, which help pay for home and community-based services[7]. These waivers can provide personal care, therapy, and other supports not covered by regular Medicaid[7].

Texas also offers ABLE accounts, which let you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits[7].

• Gather medical records showing your TBI diagnosis and how it affects your daily life.
• Check if you meet the federal SGA limits ($1,620/month for non-blind in 2025).
• Apply online at SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
• Include all work history and medical evidence.
• Follow up with SSA or Texas DDS if they request more information[1][5].

• Step 1: Collect medical records, including doctor’s notes, imaging results, and therapy reports. These should show how your TBI limits your ability to work or do daily activities.
• Step 2: Review the SSA’s Blue Book to see if your TBI meets the criteria for automatic approval. If not, gather evidence of your functional limitations.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need your Social Security number, medical records, work history, and proof of income.
• Step 4: Texas DDS will review your application. They may ask for more information or schedule a consultative exam.
• Step 5: If approved, you will receive monthly payments. If denied, you can appeal within 60 days.
• Step 6: Report any changes in your income, work, or medical status to avoid overpayments[1][5][6].

• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Payments are based on your work history. In 2025, the maximum monthly benefit is $4,018[7].
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): 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].
• Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI payments.
• Medicaid: Available for SSI recipients and some SSDI recipients with low income[7].

• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Texas offers Home and Community-Based Services waivers for people with TBI. These waivers help pay for personal care, therapy, and other supports not covered by regular Medicaid[7].
• Texas Workforce Commission (TWC): Provides vocational rehabilitation and job training for people with disabilities, including TBI[7].
• Texas Health and Human Services (HHS): Offers case management, counseling, and other support services for people with TBI[7].
• ABLE Accounts: Texas ABLE accounts let you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits[7].

Texas ABLE accounts let you save up to $18,000 per year for disability-related expenses. These accounts do not count against SSI or Medicaid resource limits. You can use the funds for housing, education, transportation, and more[7].

• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than $1,620/month (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind) in 2025 without losing benefits[1][2][4][6].
• SSI: Resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Income limits vary based on living situation and in-kind support[2].

You must report any changes in income, work, or medical status to the SSA. Failing to report can lead to overpayments and penalties. If you receive an overpayment, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan[1][5].

• Texas Disability Determination Services
  Phone: 1-800-252-9240

  Website

  For questions about disability applications and eligibility.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For questions about SSDI, SSI, and benefits.

• Can I get disability benefits for traumatic brain injury in Texas?

  Yes, if your TBI meets federal criteria. You must show it is severe, lasts at least 12 months, and prevents you from working. Apply through the Social Security Administration for SSDI or SSI[1][5].

• What is the income limit for disability benefits in Texas?

  For SSDI, you cannot earn more than $1,620/month (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind) in 2025. For SSI, resource limits are $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples[2][4][6].

• How do I apply for disability benefits for TBI in Texas?

  Gather medical records, apply online at SSA.gov, and include all work history and medical evidence. Texas DDS will review your application and may request more information[1][5].

• What state programs help people with TBI in Texas?

  Texas offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, vocational rehab through TWC, and ABLE accounts for saving money without losing benefits[7].

• Can I work while getting disability benefits for TBI?

  Yes, but you cannot earn more than the SGA limit ($1,620/month non-blind in 2025). Work incentives let you test your ability to work without losing benefits[2][6].

• What if my disability application is denied?

  You can appeal within 60 days. Gather more medical evidence and consider hiring a disability lawyer. Texas has legal aid groups that can help[1][5].