SSDI counts as income on your MassHealth process, but the way it counts depends on which MassHealth program you are trying to join
When you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), that money shows up as income on a MassHealth form. MassHealth is Massachusetts's Medicaid program, and it looks at your total monthly income to decide whether you can join and how much you might pay. The key point: SSDI is counted as unearned income, which means it is treated the same way as other money coming in that is not from a job.
However, not all MassHealth programs have the same income limits, and some programs do not count income at all. If you are on SSDI and looking at MassHealth, you need to know which program fits your situation — because your SSDI amount might make you ineligible for one program but not another.
Key Takeaways
- SSDI is counted as unearned income on every MassHealth process, and you must report the exact monthly amount you receive.
- MassHealth Standard and MassHealth Limited have income limits; if your SSDI puts you over the limit, you do not may have access to for that program.
- MassHealth CommonHealth and MassHealth Disability have higher income limits and may accept you even with SSDI income that would disqualify you from Standard.
- If your SSDI income is too high for one program, you may still may have access to for another MassHealth program with a higher threshold.
- You report your SSDI amount on the MassHealth process form, and MassHealth verifies it directly with Social Security.
Which MassHealth programs count SSDI as income
MassHealth has several different programs, and SSDI income matters differently in each one. MassHealth Standard and MassHealth Limited both count your SSDI as income and compare it to their income limits. If your SSDI payment is above the limit for that program, you cannot join it.
MassHealth CommonHealth is designed for people with disabilities and has a much higher income limit — currently around $2,822 per month for a single person, though this amount changes yearly. If your SSDI is higher than the Standard limit but lower than the CommonHealth limit, CommonHealth may be your path to coverage.
MassHealth Disability is another option for people receiving SSDI or SSI. It also has its own income threshold, separate from Standard. The exact limits change each year, so you will need to check the current numbers on the MassHealth website or call their customer service line.
How to report your SSDI on the MassHealth form
When you fill out a MassHealth process — whether online, by mail, or in person — you will see a section asking about income. You must list your SSDI as unearned income and write down the exact dollar amount you receive each month. This is the amount shown on your Social Security statement or your monthly deposit.
MassHealth will verify your SSDI amount by contacting Social Security directly. You do not need to send in pay stubs or bank statements to prove your SSDI — MassHealth handles that verification on its own. However, if your SSDI amount changes (because of a cost-of-living adjustment or a change in your benefit rate), you must report the new amount to MassHealth within 30 days.
If you are explore online through the MassHealth website, the form will walk you through each income source. If you are explore by mail or in person, make sure the person helping you knows you receive SSDI, because they need to put it in the right category.
Income limits for each MassHealth program
The income limits change every year on January 1, so the numbers below are examples of how the programs compare — not the current limits. Check the MassHealth website or call 1-800-505-5000 to confirm this year's thresholds.
| Program | Approximate Monthly Income Limit (Single Person) | Who It Is For |
|---|---|---|
| MassHealth Standard | Around $1,500 | Low-income individuals and families |
| MassHealth Limited | Around $1,500 | People who do not meet Standard but have high medical costs |
| MassHealth CommonHealth | Around $2,822 | People with disabilities or chronic conditions |
| MassHealth Disability | Varies; check current rules | People receiving SSDI or SSI |
These are rough figures and change yearly. The actual limit for your household size and situation may be different. Income limits also vary depending on whether you are explore as an individual or as part of a family unit.
What happens if your SSDI is above the income limit
If your SSDI payment is higher than the income limit for MassHealth Standard, you have several options. First, check whether you may have access to for CommonHealth or MassHealth Disability, which have higher thresholds. Many people with SSDI find that one of these programs accepts them even when Standard does not.
Second, you can look into MassHealth Limited, which is for people whose income is too high for Standard but who have significant medical expenses. If your medical bills are high enough, MassHealth Limited can help pay for them even if your income is above the Standard limit.
Third, if none of the MassHealth programs work for you, you may be able to buy coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace (also called the ACA marketplace). Because SSDI is counted as income, you may may have access to for a tax credit that lowers your monthly premium. You can explore Marketplace options at healthcare.gov or through a local enrollment helper.
How SSDI affects your MassHealth costs
If you do may have access to for MassHealth, your SSDI income affects how much you pay. MassHealth Standard is free for most people, but some higher-income members pay a small monthly premium. If your SSDI puts you in a higher income bracket within the program, you might be asked to pay a premium — though it is usually very small, often $0 to $50 per month.
MassHealth CommonHealth and MassHealth Disability also have low or no premiums for most members. The amount you pay depends on your exact income and family size. When you explore, MassHealth will tell you whether you owe a premium and how much it is.
Copays for doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospital care are also low or free under MassHealth, regardless of which program you join. Your SSDI income does not change your copay amounts — only whether you may have access to and whether you pay a premium.
Reporting changes to your SSDI
If your SSDI amount changes — because Social Security gave you a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), changed your benefit rate, or stopped your benefits — you must tell MassHealth within 30 days. You can report changes online through your MassHealth account, by calling 1-800-505-5000, or by visiting a MassHealth office in person.
If your SSDI increases and pushes you above the income limit for your current program, MassHealth will move you to a different program if one is available. If your SSDI decreases, you might become may be able to access for a program with a lower income limit, which could mean lower or no premiums.
Reporting changes on time keeps your coverage active and prevents MassHealth from sending you a bill later for overpayments. It also makes sure you are in the right program for your current income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to report my SSDI if I am already on MassHealth?
Yes. If your SSDI amount changes, you must report it to MassHealth within 30 days. You can do this online, by phone at 1-800-505-5000, or in person. MassHealth also reviews your income periodically, so they may contact you to confirm your current SSDI amount.
Will getting SSDI disqualify me from MassHealth?
Not automatically. It depends on how much SSDI you receive and which MassHealth program you are in. Many people on SSDI may have access to for MassHealth CommonHealth or MassHealth Disability, which have higher income limits than Standard. Check the current limits for your situation.
Can I get MassHealth if my SSDI is my only income?
Yes, in most cases. If your SSDI is your only income and it is below the limit for your program, you may have access to. If it is above the limit for Standard, you may still may have access to for CommonHealth or Disability. Call 1-800-505-5000 to find out which program works for you.
Does MassHealth count my SSDI the same way as earned income from a job?
No. SSDI is unearned income, which means it is counted differently than wages. Some MassHealth programs have different rules for earned and unearned income, so reporting it correctly matters. Always list SSDI separately from any job income you have.
What if I receive both SSDI and SSI?
Both amounts count as income on your MassHealth process. Add them together and report the total monthly amount. MassHealth will verify both payments with Social Security, so make sure the amounts you report are accurate.