Texas Disability Resources
If you just got hurt on the job, received a diagnosis, or need to understand what Texas offers for people with disabilities, this page covers the major programs and how to access them.
Workers' Compensation
The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) handles claims.
What to do if you're hurt at work:- Report the injury to your employer within 30 days.
- Seek medical treatment.
- File a claim (DWC Form-041) with the Division of Workers' Compensation.
- Notify your employer within 30 days.
- File a formal claim within 1 year.
- Texas is the only state where workers' compensation insurance is optional for most private employers. Check whether your employer carries it.
- If your employer does not have workers' comp, you may be able to sue them for negligence.
- Temporary income benefits pay 70% of the difference between pre-injury and post-injury wages.
- Employee may choose their treating doctor from the insurer's network.
- Phone: 512-804-4000 / 1-800-252-7031
- Web: tdi.texas.gov/wc
State Disability Programs
Texas does not have a state disability insurance program. Apply through federal SSDI/SSI.
Medicaid
Texas Medicaid is administered by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
How to apply:- Online at yourtexasbenefits.com
- By phone: 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905
Vocational Rehabilitation
The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Services helps people with disabilities find employment.
Contact:- Phone: 1-800-628-5115
- Web: twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation-program
Disability Rights
Disability Rights Texas is the state's federally designated Protection and Advocacy organization. Contact:- Phone: 512-454-4816 / 1-800-252-9108
- Web: disabilityrightstx.org
Veterans Services
The Texas Veterans Commission provides state-level assistance.
Contact:- Phone: 512-463-6564 / 1-877-898-3833
- Web: tvc.texas.gov
State Employment Protections
Texas has the Texas Labor Code Chapter 21, which prohibits disability discrimination for employers with 15 or more employees.
Where to file a complaint:- Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division: 512-463-2642 / 1-888-452-4778
- Web: twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/how-submit-employment-discrimination-complaint
Key Contacts
| Agency | Phone | Website | |--------|-------|---------| | Division of Workers' Compensation | 1-800-252-7031 | tdi.texas.gov/wc | | Texas Medicaid (HHSC) | 2-1-1 | yourtexasbenefits.com | | Vocational Rehabilitation | 1-800-628-5115 | twc.texas.gov | | Disability Rights Texas | 1-800-252-9108 | disabilityrightstx.org | | Texas Veterans Commission | 1-877-898-3833 | tvc.texas.gov | | TWC Civil Rights Division | 1-888-452-4778 | twc.texas.gov | | Social Security Administration | 1-800-772-1213 | ssa.gov |