What Disability Programs Are Available in Massachusetts

Massachusetts runs several programs that provide cash payments, healthcare, or work support to people with disabilities. The largest are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), both federal programs administered through Social Security. The state also runs MassHealth, which covers medical care, and Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), which helps people with disabilities return to work or stay employed.

Which program you may be able to use depends on your work history, current income, and the type of support you need. Someone who worked before becoming disabled might may have access to for SSDI. Someone with little or no work history might may have access to for SSI. If you need medical coverage, MassHealth is separate from both and has its own rules. If you want to work but need training or job coaching, MRC is the route to explore.

This guide covers the main programs and how to contact them. It does not determine whether you meet the rules for any program — only the program itself can do that.

Key Takeaways

  • SSDI is for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes before becoming unable to work; SSI is for people with little income or assets regardless of work history.
  • MassHealth covers medical care and is separate from cash disability programs; you may may have access to for both at the same time.
  • Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission helps people with disabilities find or keep jobs through training, assistive technology, and job coaching.
  • You contact Social Security directly for SSDI and SSI; you contact your local MRC office or MassHealth for those programs.
  • Processing times vary: SSDI and SSI decisions typically take three to six months, while MassHealth coverage can start within 30 days.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Massachusetts

SSDI is a federal program for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes before becoming unable to work. You do not have to live in Massachusetts to receive it, but you must have worked long enough and recently enough to have earned enough Social Security credits. The amount you receive is based on your own earnings record, not on how much money you have now.

To start the process, contact Social Security directly by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office. You can also begin the process online at ssa.gov. You will need your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, W-2 forms or tax returns, and medical records showing your condition and how it limits your ability to work.

Social Security will review your medical evidence and work history. If approved, you receive a monthly payment. After you have received SSDI for 24 months, you become may be able to access for Medicare, even if you are under 65. Processing typically takes three to six months, though complex cases take longer.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Massachusetts

SSI is a federal program for people with disabilities who have little income and few assets. Unlike SSDI, you do not need a work history to receive it. Your household income and the value of things you own (your "resources") determine whether you may have access to and how much you receive. In 2024, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual, though Massachusetts adds a state supplement that varies based on living situation.

You explore for SSI the same way as SSDI: by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, visiting a local office, or starting online at ssa.gov. You will need proof of identity, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and medical records. You will also need to report your income and list any resources you own — bank accounts, vehicles, property.

SSI has strict resource limits. In 2024, you can have no more than $2,000 in countable resources as an individual (the limit is higher if you are married or have dependents). Some things do not count toward this limit, such as your home, one vehicle, and certain assistive devices. If you receive SSI and your income or resources change, you must report the change within 10 days.

MassHealth Coverage for People with Disabilities

MassHealth is Massachusetts' Medicaid program and covers medical care — doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, mental health services, and more. You can receive MassHealth at the same time as SSDI or SSI. MassHealth has its own income and resource limits, which are different from SSI limits and change each year.

You explore for MassHealth through the state's Health Insurance Portal at mass.gov/masshealth or by calling 1-800-505-5000. You can also explore in person at your local MassHealth office. The process asks about your income, household size, citizenship status, and disability. Processing typically takes 30 days, though urgent cases can be faster.

If you receive SSI, you automatically may have access to for MassHealth in most cases — you do not have to explore separately. If you receive SSDI but not SSI, you may still may have access to for MassHealth if your income is low enough. The income limit for MassHealth varies by household size and changes yearly; contact MassHealth directly to learn the current limit for your situation.

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) Work Support

MRC helps people with disabilities find jobs, keep jobs, or start businesses. Services include vocational counseling, job training, assistive technology, job coaching, and help paying for education or certification programs. You do not have to be receiving SSDI or SSI to use MRC, and using MRC does not affect your disability benefits.

To contact MRC, call 1-800-882-2003 or visit mass.gov/mrc. You will be assigned a counselor who will meet with you to discuss your work goals and what support you need. MRC is free. If you are already receiving SSDI, you should know that MRC can help you understand how work affects your benefits — Social Security has rules that allow you to work part-time or try work for a limited time without losing your benefits when ready.

MRC also runs the Ticket to Work program, which is a federal program that lets you work while protecting your SSDI or SSI benefits. If you are on Ticket to Work, you can work and earn money without your benefits stopping right away. Your assigned MRC counselor can explain how Ticket to Work works and whether it makes sense for your situation.

How Work Affects Your Disability Benefits in Massachusetts

If you receive SSDI or SSI and want to work, you need to understand how earnings affect your payments. Social Security has rules that let you test your ability to work without losing benefits when ready. These rules are the same in Massachusetts as everywhere else.

For SSDI, you can earn up to $1,550 per month (in 2024) without Social Security counting it as "substantial gainful activity." If you earn more than that, Social Security may decide you are able to work and stop your benefits. However, you have a nine-month trial work period during which you can earn any amount without losing benefits. After the trial work period ends, you have 36 months of protection — if you stop working or drop below the earnings limit, your benefits restart without a new process.

For SSI, the rules are stricter. SSI counts most of your earnings against your payment dollar-for-dollar after the first $65 per month and half of the rest. If your earnings push your total income above the SSI limit, your payment stops. However, SSI also has work incentives, including the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS), which lets you set aside income and resources for a specific work goal without it counting against your SSI limit.

Before you start working, contact Social Security or MRC to discuss your specific situation. The earnings limits and work incentives change yearly, and getting information before you work can prevent unexpected benefit reductions.

Other Disability Resources in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Office on Disability (mass.gov/disability) provides information about state programs and connects people with disabilities to services. You can call 617-727-7440 or visit the website to learn about programs beyond those listed here, such as housing support, transportation, or in-home care.

Disability Rights Massachusetts is a legal advocacy organization that helps people with disabilities understand their rights and navigate programs. They offer free legal information and can help if you believe you have been treated unfairly by a program. Call 617-723-7020 or visit drm.org.

The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (mass.gov/mcb) serves people who are blind or have low vision and offers vocational rehabilitation, assistive technology, and independent living training. Call 617-727-5550 to learn whether you are may be able to access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive both SSDI and SSI at the same time?

No. If you may have access to for both, Social Security will pay you SSDI first (because it is usually higher), and SSI only covers the gap if your SSDI payment is below the SSI limit. This is called "concurrent benefits." You cannot receive the full amount of both programs.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to receive SSDI or SSI in Massachusetts?

No, but you must be a lawful permanent resident or have another may have access to immigration status. Undocumented immigrants do not may have access to for SSDI or SSI. Contact Social Security to learn whether your immigration status qualifies.

What happens to my benefits if I move out of Massachusetts?

SSDI and SSI are federal programs, so your benefits continue if you move to another state. MassHealth coverage stops when you move, but you can explore for Medicaid in your new state. Contact Social Security and MassHealth before you move to understand how the transition works.

How long does it take to hear back after I explore for SSDI or SSI?

Initial decisions typically take three to six months. If Social Security denies your claim, you can request reconsideration (another review) or a hearing before an administrative law judge. The hearing process can take six months to a year or longer. Many people are approved at the hearing stage even if they were denied initially.

Can I work while waiting for a decision on my SSDI or SSI claim?

Yes. Working while your claim is pending does not affect whether you are approved. However, if you are approved and your work history shows you were working at a high level of earnings, Social Security may question whether you are truly unable to work. Be honest with Social Security about any work you do, and discuss your work situation with your counselor at MRC.