- Author: Denis Clifford
- Feb 23, 2026
Getting a denial letter from the Social Security Administration can feel like a punch to the gut — especially when you've been struggling with a disability and counting on that support. But here's the thing: a denial is not the end of the road. In fact, most SSDI claims are denied at the initial stage. The process can be frustrating, but Texans who fight back with the right approach often succeed. This guide walks you through exactly what to do next.
Don't Panic — Denials Are Common
If you've received an SSDI denial, you're not alone. The Social Security Administration denies roughly 60 to 70 percent of initial applications. Many of these decisions are overturned on appeal, particularly when applicants have solid medical documentation and legal representation. A denial simply means the SSA needs more information — or that your application has gaps that can be addressed.
Before anything else, read your denial letter carefully. The SSA is required to explain why your claim was denied. The reasons matter — they shape how you should respond and what additional evidence you may need to gather.
Act Quickly: The 60-Day Deadline
Time is critical after an SSDI denial. You have 60 days from the date you receive the denial letter to file an appeal. The SSA assumes you receive the letter five days after it's mailed, which gives you 65 days total from the date on the letter.
Missing this deadline is a serious problem. If you let it pass without acting, you may have to start the entire application process over from scratch — which means losing any credit for the time already invested. If something truly unavoidable caused you to miss the deadline, you can request an extension, but these are not guaranteed.
Understanding the SSDI Appeals Process in Texas
The SSDI appeals process has four levels, and understanding the SSDI appeal timeline in Texas is important because each stage can take several months — sometimes even longer. Each step gives you another opportunity to make your case, whether by submitting additional medical evidence, correcting errors, or presenting testimony before a judge. While the process can feel lengthy, staying informed about the timeline and deadlines can significantly improve your chances of success.
Step 1: Reconsideration
This is the first level of appeal. A different SSA reviewer — not the one who denied your original application — takes a fresh look at your case. At this stage, you can also submit new medical records or documentation. Statistically, reconsideration has a low approval rate, but it's a required step before you can move to a hearing.
Step 2: Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing
This is where many SSDI cases are won. You'll appear before an Administrative Law Judge — either in person or via video — and present your case. You can bring witnesses, including medical experts or vocational experts, and your attorney can cross-examine witnesses. Approval rates at this level are significantly higher than at reconsideration. Having a disability attorney represent you here makes a real difference.
Step 3: Appeals Council Review
If the ALJ denies your claim at the Social Security Office in Texas you can request a review by the SSA's Appeals Council. The Council can affirm the judge's decision, send your case back to an ALJ for reconsideration, or make its own decision. This step is less commonly successful but is sometimes a necessary bridge to federal court.
Step 4: Federal District Court
The final level of appeal is filing a lawsuit in federal district court. This is uncommon but available when all other options have been exhausted. A disability attorney experienced in federal litigation is essential at this stage.
Strengthen Your Case with Better Evidence
One of the most common reasons SSDI claims are denied is insufficient medical documentation. The SSA needs to see clear, consistent evidence that your condition prevents you from working. Here's what can strengthen your appeal:
- Updated medical records from treating physicians, specialists, and therapists.
- Detailed statements from your doctors explaining how your condition limits your ability to work.
- A Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment completed by your treating physician.
- Statements from family members, friends, or former coworkers about how your disability affects daily life.
- Records of any hospitalizations, surgeries, or treatments related to your condition.
The more complete and consistent your medical record, the stronger your appeal. Gaps in treatment — even if unavoidable due to cost or access — can hurt your case, so it's worth explaining any interruptions in your care.
Why Working with a Texas Disability Attorney Matters
Navigating the SSDI appeals process alone is possible, but it's genuinely difficult. The rules are complex, deadlines are strict, and the SSA's decisions can hinge on technical legal standards that most people aren't familiar with. A disability attorney who knows Texas law and the SSDI system can make a significant difference in your outcome.
Most disability attorneys work on a contingency basis — meaning you pay nothing upfront and they only collect a fee if you win your case. The SSA caps this fee at 25% of your back pay, up to a legal maximum. So there's little financial risk in getting help.
If you're looking for experienced legal help, you can contact the best disability lawyers in Texas who can review your case and guide you through the next steps.
Texas-Specific Considerations
While SSDI is a federal program, there are a few things Texas residents should keep in mind. Texas does not have a state-level supplemental disability program equivalent to SSI supplements offered in some other states, so SSDI approval can be especially critical for Texans who have no other income safety net.
Texas has several SSA hearing offices, including locations in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and Lubbock. Wait times for ALJ hearings can vary by region, so filing your appeal promptly keeps you moving through the process as efficiently as possible. An attorney familiar with your local hearing office can sometimes anticipate what a particular judge looks for — which can help you prepare a stronger case.
What Happens If You Win?
If your appeal is approved, you'll receive monthly disability benefits based on your work history and earnings record. You may also receive back pay — benefits owed from the time your disability began or when you first applied, depending on which is later. This back pay can be substantial if your case took months or years to resolve.
After 24 months of receiving SSDI, you'll also qualify for Medicare, which can be life-changing for people who've been without health coverage.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Texas disability lawyers
A denial letter is not a final answer. Thousands of Texans successfully appeal their SSDI denials every year. The key is acting quickly, building a stronger evidentiary record, and getting experienced legal guidance on your side. The sooner you start, the better your chances. Contact an SSDI attorney who can evaluate your denial, advise on your appeal options, and help you fight for the benefits you've earned.