If you live in Texas and you struggle with a disability, you should know that you are not alone. Hundreds of thousands of Texans receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration – and your condition might qualify for disability benefits, too. Let’s take a closer look together at what benefits are available, and how to apply.
What Types of Benefits Are Available?
In Texas, as in all other states, the Social Security Administration offers two types of benefits for disabled individuals. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
In order to receive either type of benefit, an individual must have a qualifying medical condition that has rendered them unable to work for at least one continuous calendar year or more. SSI benefits are intended for individuals with income and resources below a certain limit established annually by the Social Security Administration. SSDI benefits, on the other hand, are intended for “insured” individuals who have worked a job for a sufficient amount of time through which they regularly paid part of their salary into the Social Security system.
You may qualify for one or both types of benefits depending on your circumstances. If so, you’ll want to know how to begin the application process and how much you might receive.
How Do You File an Application?
Prior to being able to receive benefits, an individual must complete the application process required by the Social Security Administration. As with many legal matters, the law can often seem complex and confusing. That’s why it’s always important to consult with an attorney who knows and understands the law and can offer advice as you move through the process. Doing so will help to ensure that you don’t overlook asserting any rights and that you pursue the maximum amount of benefits you deserve.
Generally, however, those who are interested in applying for benefits can find the initial information they need on the Social Security website at www.ssa.gov. Applications can be completed online, although there are also nearly 70 different Social Security Administration field offices in Texas. Those interested in applying for benefits can also visit these offices to learn more about the process of applying for disability benefits or to begin filling out an application in person.
Regardless of whether an application is submitted online or in person, an applicant will usually need to gather the necessary information, including:
- Employment records
- Medical records
- Information regarding any dependents you may have
- A list of your medical providers and their contact information
- Birth and citizenship information
- Other information as advised by your attorney and depending on your circumstances.
After you and your attorney gather the information that you need and complete your application, there will be a waiting period for an initial decision. Depending upon how busy the SSA office is and the complexity of your application, a decision may be rendered in as few as four or five months – or it could be longer.
How Much Could You Receive?
Often, those who are in the process of applying for disability benefits wonder. This is an understandable question to ask. Knowing how much you might receive if your claim is approved can relieve stress and help you plan and budget for your financial future.
The maximum amount you might receive for either type of benefit may change from year to year depending upon various economic factors and determinations made by the Social Security Administration. Because Social Security is a federally administered program, the maximum amount available is the same in all fifty states, including Texas.
In 2024, the maximum SSDI payment an individual can receive is $3,822. The maximum amount of SSI benefits that an individual can receive each month in 2024 is $943, or $1,415 per couple. Not all individuals receive the maximum payment, however. Various factors, including work and earning history, total income and resource level, and other considerations. The average monthly SSDI payment for Texans is around $1,700 per month, while the average SSI payment is approximately $580.
In addition to these monthly benefit payments, the federal government typically provides healthcare coverage for disability benefit recipients. SSDI beneficiaries usually receive Medicare coverage, while SSI beneficiaries usually receive Medicaid Coverage.
Muse Disability – Here For You
At Muse Disability, we know that for many of our clients, the process of seeking disability benefits can seem overwhelming at first. That’s understandable. The law can be complicated and confusing, and the last thing you need when you’re trying to live with a disability is to worry about legal stress. The good news is, you don’t have to. Instead, you can leave those matters to us. When you trust your case to the talented and experienced legal team at Muse Disability, you can rest assured that we’ll fight for the benefits you need and deserve every step of the way. We’re here for you, and we’re ready to help. Give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.