What you need to know before you start

In Massachusetts, you explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) through Social Security itself, not through a state agency. Social Security accepts applications online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. The process is the same whether you live in Boston or western Massachusetts — you're dealing with the federal program, and the timeline typically runs three to six months from process to an initial decision.

Massachusetts does not run its own disability program parallel to SSDI, though the state does offer MassHealth, which is Medicaid. Many people approved for SSDI eventually become may be able to access for MassHealth based on their SSDI status and income, but that is a separate process that happens after Social Security makes its decision.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore directly to Social Security, either online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at a Social Security office in your Massachusetts city or town.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and medical records showing your condition and treatment history.
  • The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes and you can save your progress and return later if you need to gather documents.
  • After you submit, Social Security sends your case to the Massachusetts Division of Disability information, a state agency that reviews medical evidence and makes the initial decision.
  • If Social Security denies your claim, you can request reconsideration or appeal within 60 days of the denial letter.

explore online through Social Security's website

The fastest way to explore is online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. You create an account, answer questions about your medical condition, work history, and living situation, and upload documents as you go. The form saves automatically, so you can close it and come back later — Social Security holds your place for 60 days.

You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and contact information to start. As you work through the form, Social Security asks when your condition began, what doctors or hospitals have treated you, and whether you have worked in the past 15 years. Have your medical records handy, or at least the names and phone numbers of the doctors and clinics that have seen you. You do not upload everything at once — Social Security tells you what it needs as you go.

Once you submit, you receive a confirmation number. Write it down. Social Security sends this number in a follow-up letter along with instructions on what happens next.

explore by phone or in person

If you prefer not to use the website, call Social Security's national number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). A representative schedules a phone interview, usually within two weeks. During that call, they ask the same questions as the online form and take notes on your answers.

You can also walk into any Social Security office in Massachusetts and ask to explore in person. To find the office nearest you, go to ssa.gov/locator or call the number above. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization papers, or state ID). Bring a list of your doctors and hospitals, and any medical records you have. The office staff can help you fill out the form, though the process still takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Documents Social Security will ask for

Social Security needs proof of who you are and evidence that your condition prevents you from working. Here is what to gather before you explore:

  • Proof of citizenship or legal residency: U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, green card, or state-issued ID.
  • Birth certificate: An official copy (not a photocopy you made yourself). You can order one from the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics if you need it.
  • Social Security card: The actual card, or a record of your number.
  • Medical records: Names and phone numbers of all doctors, therapists, hospitals, and clinics that have treated you in the past three to five years. Dates of visits help. If you have test results, imaging reports, or diagnoses in writing, bring those too.
  • Work history: Dates you worked, job titles, and the names of employers. If you worked for yourself, bring tax returns or records of income.

You do not need to collect every medical record before you explore. Social Security can request records directly from your providers once you give them the names and contact information. However, if you already have recent records, uploading them speeds up the review.

What happens after you submit your process

Social Security sends your process to the Massachusetts Division of Disability information, a state agency that works for Social Security. This office reviews your medical evidence, contacts your doctors if needed, and makes a recommendation on whether you meet Social Security's definition of disability.

You should expect to hear back within 60 to 90 days, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical information. If your doctors have not sent records yet, Social Security contacts them. If records are incomplete, Social Security may ask you to see a doctor for a consultative examination — Social Security pays for this, and it usually happens at a clinic near you.

Social Security sends you a decision letter in the mail. The letter explains whether you were approved or denied, and why. If you were approved, it tells you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you were denied, the letter explains what evidence did not support a disability finding and tells you how to appeal.

If Social Security denies your claim

A denial does not mean you cannot try again. You have the right to request reconsideration, which means a different examiner at the Massachusetts Division of Disability information reviews your case. You must request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter. You can submit new medical evidence at this stage — for example, if you have seen a new doctor or had new test results since you first applied.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is a formal process where you can present evidence and testify about your condition. Many people hire a disability representative or attorney at this stage. Social Security pays the representative's fee (usually 25 percent of back pay) only if you win, so there is no upfront cost to you.

You have 60 days from the reconsideration denial to request a hearing. After that, you lose the right to appeal that particular decision.

MassHealth and SSDI in Massachusetts

Once Social Security approves you for SSDI, you become may be able to access for MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid) based on your disability status alone, regardless of your income. You do not need to explore separately for MassHealth — Social Security notifies the state, and MassHealth enrollment usually begins the same month your SSDI benefits start.

MassHealth covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescription medications, and mental health treatment. If you have questions about your MassHealth coverage, call MassHealth at 1-800-505-5000 or visit mass.gov/masshealth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my SSDI process is being reviewed?

Yes. Working does not hurt your process. However, if you earn more than about $1,550 per month (the amount changes yearly), Social Security may decide you are not disabled. Keep records of what you earn and report it honestly on your process.

Do I need a lawyer to explore for SSDI in Massachusetts?

No. Many people explore and are approved without a lawyer. A lawyer or representative is most useful if your claim is denied and you are appealing. At that stage, a representative who knows the hearing process can improve your chances.

What if I do not have all my medical records?

explore anyway. Give Social Security the names and phone numbers of your doctors and hospitals. Social Security requests records on your behalf. If records are missing or incomplete, Social Security tells you and may ask you to see a doctor for an exam they pay for.

How long does it take to hear back from Social Security?

Initial decisions usually come within 60 to 90 days. Some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical evidence or if you need a consultative exam. Once you receive a decision, you have 60 days to appeal if you disagree.

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

SSDI is based on your work history — you or a family member paid Social Security taxes. SSI is based on financial need and is for people with very low income and resources. In Massachusetts, you explore for both at the same time if you think you might be may be able to access for either one.