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Massachusetts • Neurological/Developmental
People with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Massachusetts may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. Eligibility depends on income, resources, and medical documentation. This guide explains how to apply and what supports are available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with Autism Spectrum Disorder, you must meet Social Security’s definition of disability. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your income and resources must be below certain limits. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a qualifying work history and enough work credits. Both programs require medical proof that your condition causes marked and severe functional limitations and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder may also qualify for benefits based on their parents’ work record or their own limited work history [ssa.gov, 2024-11-06].
In Massachusetts, eligibility for disability benefits is determined by MassAbility Disability Determination Services (DDS). DDS reviews medical records, job history, education, and information from healthcare providers. For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, DDS considers both the child’s and family’s income and resources. Adults must provide proof of disability and, for SSDI, work credits. Massachusetts also offers Medicaid waivers for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder who need home and community-based services. These waivers require separate applications and have their own eligibility criteria [mass.gov, 2024-11-06].
ABLE accounts allow people with Autism Spectrum Disorder to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free. Massachusetts offers the ABLEnow program, which is open to residents of any state [mass.gov, 2024-11-06].
You must report any changes in income, living situation, or medical status to Social Security and MassAbility DDS. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. Reporting changes promptly helps ensure you receive the correct amount of benefits and avoid penalties [mass.gov, 2024-11-06].
Contact MassAbility DDS for help with your application. They can answer questions and guide you through the process.
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those with a qualifying work history. Both programs require medical proof of disability. SSI payments are based on financial need, while SSDI payments are based on work credits [ssa.gov, 2024-11-06].
Contact MassHealth to apply for Medicaid waivers. You will need to provide medical and financial information. Waivers provide home and community-based services for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder [mass.gov, 2024-11-06].
Yes, but there are limits on how much you can earn. For SSI, the SGA limit for 2025 is expected to be around $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals. For SSDI, earning above the SGA limit may affect your benefits [parmeledisability.com, 2024-11-06].
An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid. Contributions and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free [mass.gov, 2024-11-06].
Report changes in income, living situation, or medical status to Social Security and MassAbility DDS. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. Prompt reporting helps avoid overpayments [mass.gov, 2024-11-06].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
You need medical records, school records, and documentation from healthcare providers that show your condition causes marked and severe functional limitations. DDS may request additional exams or information [mass.gov, 2024-11-06].
Yes, children may qualify for SSI or Childhood Disability Benefits based on their parents’ work record or their own limited work history. Medical proof of disability is required [ssa.gov, 2024-11-06].
Contact MassHealth to apply for a Medicaid waiver. You will need to provide medical and financial information. Waivers provide home and community-based services for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder [mass.gov, 2024-11-06].
The maximum 2025 SSI payment rate is $967 for an individual and $1,450 for a married couple. Massachusetts pays a small state supplement. Income is counted in the month it is received, and both earned and unearned income are considered [dlc-ma.org, 2024-11-06].
Failure to report changes can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. Prompt reporting helps ensure you receive the correct amount of benefits and avoid penalties [mass.gov, 2024-11-06].
