Filing for Disability in Texas
When disability claims are medically reviewed in Texas, 35.9% are approved — below the national average of 36.7%. This rate measures how often claims are approved at medical review, not all applications filed.
Your Chances at the Initial Level
Medical approval rate = allowances / completed medical determinations at DDS.
Nat'l avg: 36.7%
Nat'l avg: 38.7%
Nat'l avg: 42.1%
Know Your Numbers
Texas approves 35.9% of initial disability claims. That’s 0.8 percentage points below the national average of 36.7%. Understanding your state’s data before you file helps you prepare.
Get your free personalized Approval Guide with your local approval data, condition context, and next-step guidance.
Get Your Free GuideWhat You Could Receive
National payment amounts by program. Individual amounts vary based on earnings history and state supplements.
Avg New SSDI Award
$1,821/mo
Max SSDI Benefit
$4,152/mo
SSI Individual Rate
$994/mo
SSI Couple Rate
$1,491/mo
SSDI amounts based on your earnings record. SSI is the 2026 federal rate; some states add a supplement. How benefits are calculated →
Medical Approval Rate Over Time
Monthly medical approval rates (allowances / determinations at DDS) for Texas vs. the national average. Data covers Feb 2021 – Feb 2026 (monthly).
Texas's medical approval rate has risen from 34.3% to 35.9% over this period.
At a Glance — February 2026
Monthly activity and current caseload at the state DDS office
Approval Rate
35.9%
Claims Filed
13,176
Determinations
10,270
Pending Claims
133,056
If Your Claim Is Denied
Reconsideration
If your initial claim is denied, you can request reconsideration — a new review by a different examiner. Is reconsideration worth it? →
Recon Approval Rate
16.5%
Recon Claims Pending
9,862
Hearing
If reconsideration is also denied, your case goes to a hearing. Hearing office assignment is based on your ZIP code, not state lines — some residents may be assigned to an office in a neighboring state.
Dallas, TX (Downtown)
Hearing OfficeDallas · 9 judges · 7.0 months wait · 1,746 pending
approval
Dallas, TX (North)
Hearing OfficeDallas · 9 judges · 8.0 months wait · 3,211 pending
approval
Fort Worth
Hearing OfficeFort Worth · 8 judges · 8.0 months wait · 1,620 pending
approval
Houston, TX (North)
Hearing OfficeHouston · 9 judges · 6.0 months wait · 2,571 pending
approval
Houston, TX (West)
Hearing OfficeHouston · 10 judges · 7.0 months wait · 2,371 pending
approval
Rio Grande Valley
Hearing OfficeHarlingen · 2 judges · 7.0 months wait · 538 pending
approval
San Antonio
Hearing OfficeSan Antonio · 18 judges · 7.0 months wait · 4,796 pending
approval
Detailed Breakdown
Initial Rates
- Concurrent
- 26.9%
- Disabled Child
- 48.3%
Reconsideration Rates
- Concurrent
- 12.4%
- Disabled Child
- 27.3%
SSDI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 3,580
- Approved
- 1,162
SSI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 4,572
- Approved
- 1,952
SSDI + SSI Combined
- Claims Reviewed
- 2,118
- Approved
- 570
Disabled Child (SSI)
- Claims Reviewed
- 2,597
- Approved
- 1,255
Recon Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 4,175
- Approved
- 687
What to Do Next
Review Texas's medical approval rates above to understand how your state compares.
Gather your medical records, treatment notes, and any test results that document your condition. See our evidence guide →
Consider getting a free case review from a disability advocate who knows your state's process.
Learn More
Filing for Disability in Texas?
Claimants who understand their state’s approval data and process are better prepared. Get a free, personalized Approval Guide with your state’s rates, local offices, and a documentation checklist.
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