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Massachusetts • Chronic Illness
If you have asthma that limits your ability to work, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Massachusetts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available in 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that prevents you from doing substantial work, and you must have earned enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years) [^1]. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your asthma must be severe enough to meet Social Security’s disability criteria [^2]. Both programs require medical proof that your asthma is long-term and disabling [^3].
In Massachusetts, eligibility for SSDI and SSI is determined by MassAbility Disability Determination Services (DDS). DDS uses medical and mental health professionals to review your job history, education, medical records, and other evidence. They may also order additional exams. Your asthma must be severe enough to prevent you from doing any substantial work for at least 12 months. Massachusetts also offers a small state supplement to SSI payments, which increases your total monthly benefit [^4].
The two main federal disability programs are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security. SSI is for people with limited income and resources. Both programs provide monthly payments and may include access to Medicare or Medicaid [^7].
Massachusetts offers a small state supplement to SSI payments, which increases your total monthly benefit. The state also provides Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS) for people with disabilities. These waivers can help with home care, transportation, and other supports. Massachusetts also has ABLE accounts, which allow people with disabilities to save money without losing benefits [^8].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Massachusetts, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. These accounts have annual and lifetime contribution limits, but the funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other needs [^9].
For SSI in 2025, the federal payment is up to $967/month for individuals and $1,450/month for couples. Massachusetts adds a small state supplement. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for SSDI is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700/month for blind individuals in 2025. Earnings above these limits may affect your benefits [^10].
It’s important to report any changes in income, living situation, or health to the Social Security Administration. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. Use the SSA’s online portal or contact your local office to report changes promptly [^11].
Contact MassAbility DDS for help with your application. They can guide you through the process and answer your questions.
Yes, if your asthma is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You must provide medical evidence of your condition and its impact on your ability to work [^3].
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security. SSI is for people with limited income and resources. Both programs require medical proof that your asthma is disabling [^2].
In 2025, the SGA limit for SSDI is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals. For SSI, the federal payment is up to $967/month for individuals, with a small state supplement in Massachusetts [^10].
Massachusetts offers a small state supplement to SSI payments and Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services. These can help with home care, transportation, and other supports [^8].
Gather medical records and job history, contact MassAbility DDS for eligibility review, and apply online at SSA.gov or in person at a local SSA office [^5].
SSDI and SSI have work incentives like the Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility. These let you test your ability to work without losing benefits if your earnings are below the SGA limit [^6].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice on your specific situation.
Yes, if your asthma is disabling and you meet the criteria, you can open an ABLE account in Massachusetts. These accounts let you save for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits [^9].
You must report any changes in income, living situation, or health to the Social Security Administration. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay [^11].
The approval process can take several months. MassAbility DDS reviews your medical records and may order additional exams. Applying online or in person can help speed up the process [^5].
Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements for both programs. SSDI is based on work credits, and SSI is based on financial need. You can receive both if you qualify [^2].
