Some people with disabilities are limited in one or more major life activities, such as hearing, seeing, thinking or memory, walking or moving, taking care of personal needs (bathing, feeding, dressing), or living independently. Some disabilities begin at a young age, while others are the result of accidents, injuries or simply growing older.
The American Community Survey estimates 3.4 million Texans — or about 13% of the population — had a disability in 2014. These adults and children are eligible for a range of state and federal services, including rehabilitation, medical equipment, help finding a job, medical care and personal attendants.
Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) provides a range of these services to Texans with disabilities to help ensure their well-being, dignity and choices. Programs also are in place to support family members who care for them.
Our experienced staff and paid contractors can help eligible Texans with disabilities access services so they can:
- Live independently in their own homes or communities.
- Prepare for and find jobs.
- Access medical equipment and assistive devices.
- Determine their eligibility for Supplemental Security Income.
- Access health care services so they can work.
- Have caregivers who can access tools to do their job.
Programs for People With Disabilities
Eligible people with disabilities may qualify for federal and state programs that pay benefits, pay health care costs or provide food. If you are not already signed up for one of these programs, visit the sites below to find out if you might be eligible or to apply for benefits.
- Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, and people who are older or who have disabilities. Each state has its own rules about who’s eligible, and what Medicaid covers. Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. To find out if you might be eligible for Medicaid in Texas, visit yourtexasbenefits.com.
- Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. People younger than age 65 with certain disabilities or permanent kidney failure can also qualify for Medicare. The program helps with the cost of health care, but it doesn’t cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly known as food stamps) allows millions of Americans to buy nutritious food at their local grocery stores. It is available for both low-income single people and families. To find out if you might be eligible for SNAP, visit yourtexasbenefits.com. Households in which all members are either older adults (age 60 and older) or people with disabilities are eligible to participate in the Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP), which makes the SNAP application process easier and provides three years of benefits at a time instead of six months.
- Social Security pays a monthly benefit to older Americans, workers who are disabled, and families in which a spouse or parent dies. When you retire, your Social Security payment is based on your average earnings over your working career. If you are disabled, your benefit is based on the amount of income on which you’ve paid Social Security taxes.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays monthly benefits to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Some of your income and your resources, like your house and your car, are not counted when deciding whether you’re eligible for SSI.