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Revision 25-3; Effective Sept. 1, 2025
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides cash payments to people with limited income and resources who are blind, 65 or older, or have a qualifying disability. This includes children who are blind or have a disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA)administers the SSI program.
SSI recipients are automatically eligible for Medicaid. HHSC does not make a separate determination of eligibility or require a separate application.
The SSA notifies HHSC of a person’s SSI eligibility or ineligibility through an automated interface called the State Data Exchange System (SDX). The person is then certified for Medicaid and receives a Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card.
The SSA periodically redetermines a person’s SSI eligibility. When the SSA determines a person is no longer eligible for SSI cash payments, the person is referred to the state for a determination of ongoing Medicaid eligibility.
Note: Children under 19 who lose SSI continue to receive Medicaid coverage through the end of their 12-month certification period.
Automated System Program Identifier
TIERS–ME-SSI
Related Policy
Continuous Medicaid Coverage, B-6600
SSI Applications, B-7100
Medicaid Coverage After SSI Termination, B-7110
MEPD Eligibility Pending a Decision of SSI Application, B-7300
Interstate Requests for Assistance, D-3610
SSI Recipient Visiting in Texas, D-3660
Co-Payment for SSI Cases, H-6000