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Massachusetts • Neurodegenerative
If you have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in Massachusetts, you may qualify for SSDI, SSI, Medicaid, and state supports. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, benefit amounts, and unique Massachusetts programs for people living with ALS.
To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), you must meet strict federal disability rules. For SSDI, usually you need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years ending when your disability began. SSI, in contrast, is based on low income and limited assets, not work history. Both require medical proof that your ALS prevents 'substantial gainful activity' and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. ALS is on Social Security’s 'Compassionate Allowances' list, so approved applications may be processed faster than most disabilities.
Federal maximum SSI payments for 2025 are $967/month for an individual and $1,450/month for a couple[3][4]. For SSDI, the average monthly benefit for disabled workers is about $1,580 in 2025[3]. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for 2025 is $1,620/month for non-blind beneficiaries and $2,700/month for blind beneficiaries[3]. Income and resources above these limits may affect your eligibility for SSI and your ability to work while receiving SSDI[3][4].
Massachusetts Disability Determination Services (DDS), called MassAbility, decides if you medically qualify for SSDI or SSI in Massachusetts[2]. The state offers a small SSI supplement, though the main benefit is still set by the federal government. Massachusetts Medicaid (MassHealth) offers additional health coverage for people with ALS who meet income and asset limits. The state also provides some home- and community-based services through Medicaid waivers, which can help people with ALS stay in their homes longer.
MassAbility uses a team of medical and mental health professionals to review your medical records, work history, and education. They may ask for exams from physicians they choose. To apply, you can contact MassAbility at their Boston or Worcester offices[2]. Massachusetts does not have a separate state disability program; most support comes through federal programs with state supplements and Medicaid options.
Applying for disability benefits with ALS in Massachusetts starts online, by phone, or in person. For SSDI or SSI, begin at SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. For questions or help in Massachusetts, contact MassAbility DDS in Boston or Worcester[2]. Gather your medical records, work history, and income details before you start. ALS is a 'compassionate allowance' condition, so your claim may move faster than most.
Start at SSA.gov or call the Social Security Administration (1-800-772-1213) to begin your SSDI or SSI application. Both programs can be applied for at the same time, and you must meet federal rules for each[2].
Gather documents: Collect medical records confirming your ALS diagnosis, work history, income statements, asset details, and any supporting letters from doctors.
Apply online, by phone, or in person: You can file entirely online at SSA.gov, schedule a phone appointment, or visit a local Social Security office. If you have a “compassionate allowance” condition like ALS, tell the SSA—this may speed up processing.
MassAbility DDS reviews your claim: In Massachusetts, MassAbility DDS will contact your doctors, review your records, and may request a consultative exam. You can contact DDS directly with questions: Boston (617-727-1600), Worcester (508-752-5001)[2].
Track your claim and respond quickly: Check your application status online and respond promptly to any requests for more information.
Appeal if denied: If your claim is denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Consider getting help from a legal aid group or disability attorney.
The main federal programs for people with ALS are:
Both SSDI and SSI have work incentives that allow you to test working without immediately losing benefits. Review the SGA limits ($1,620/month non-blind, $2,700/month blind in 2025)[3] and report any work or income changes to avoid overpayments.
Massachusetts supports people with ALS primarily through federal programs, but also offers some state-specific help:
No separate Massachusetts disability cash benefit exists for ALS; support is through SSDI, SSI, and Medicaid.
Massachusetts residents with ALS may be eligible for an ABLE account, a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. ABLE accounts let you save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility, and withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are tax-free. Learn more about how ABLE accounts work in Massachusetts[see 'ABLE Accounts'].
For SSI, your income and assets must be low. The 2025 federal maximum SSI payment is $967/month for an individual and $1,450/month for a couple[3][4]. Income includes wages, self-employment, and sometimes support from others. For SSDI, there is no asset test, but if you work, your earnings must stay under the SGA limit ($1,620/month non-blind, $2,700/month blind in 2025)[3]. If income changes, you must report it promptly to avoid overpayments[see 'Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes'].
If your income or resources go over the limits for SSI or SSDI, you must report it immediately to the Social Security Administration. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Keep records of your earnings and any changes in your living situation. Use the SSA’s online mySocialSecurity portal or call your local office to report changes[see 'Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes'].
Because ALS is a 'compassionate allowance' condition, the Social Security Administration may approve your disability application much faster than for most conditions—often in weeks instead of months. Make sure to tell SSA about your ALS diagnosis when you apply.
ALS is a 'compassionate allowance' condition, so Social Security fast-tracks these disability claims. You may get a decision in weeks instead of months, but you must still provide medical proof of your diagnosis and limitations.
If you have enough work credits and your income/assets are low enough, you may qualify for both SSDI and SSI in Massachusetts. This is called 'concurrent benefits.'
The federal maximum SSI benefit is $967/month for an individual and $1,450/month for a couple in 2025. Massachusetts adds a small state supplement[3][4].
In 2025, you can earn up to $1,620/month (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind) without losing SSDI benefits after any trial work period. These are called SGA limits[3].
Apply online at Mass.gov, by phone, or with a paper application. You may qualify for MassHealth based on income, assets, or disability, including ALS-related medical expenses.
Yes, Massachusetts Medicaid waivers (HCBS) may cover personal care, home health aides, and equipment to help people with ALS stay at home. Contact MassHealth for details.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal or benefits advice. Program rules and benefit amounts can change. Always check with official sources for the most current information.
You can appeal within 60 days. Consider getting help from a legal aid group or disability attorney. You may have to provide more medical evidence.
Yes, you must report any changes in income, work, or living situation to the SSA. Failing to do so can cause overpayments, which you may have to repay.
An ABLE account lets you save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI. Withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are tax-free[see 'ABLE Accounts'].
Massachusetts offers a small state supplement to federal SSI benefits and has Medicaid waivers for home care. The main disability programs are federal, but DDS (MassAbility) handles medical eligibility determinations in the state[2].
