Blindness Benefits in Massachusetts: 2025 Guide

To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for blindness, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and have enough work credits. You must also have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration's definition of blindness and prevents you from working for at least 12 months [5].

For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet the SSA's definition of blindness. SSI is for people with low income, regardless of work history [5].

The SSA defines blindness as having central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correction, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less [5].

In Massachusetts, eligibility for SSDI and SSI is determined by MassAbility Disability Determination Services (DDS). DDS reviews your medical records, job history, education, and other information to decide if you qualify [3].

Massachusetts does not have a separate state disability program for blindness, but residents can access Medicaid waivers and other state supports if they qualify for federal benefits [4].

DDS uses a team of medical and mental health professionals to review your case. They may ask for more information or schedule you for a medical exam [3].

• Check if you meet federal SSDI or SSI eligibility rules.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Contact MassAbility DDS to start your application.
• Submit all required documents and attend any requested exams.
• Wait for a decision from DDS [3].

• Review the eligibility requirements for SSDI or SSI on the SSA website [5].
• Collect your medical records, proof of income, and work history for the last 15 years.
• Call MassAbility DDS at 617-727-1600 (Boston) or 508-752-5001 (Worcester) to start your application [3].
• Fill out the application forms and submit them with your documents.
• DDS may ask you to see a doctor for an exam. Attend all appointments.
• Wait for a decision. If denied, you can appeal.
• If approved, you will start receiving benefits and may qualify for Medicaid and other supports [3].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who are blind and have worked enough to earn work credits.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people who are blind and have low income and resources.
• Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI for most people.
• Medicaid: Available for those who qualify for SSI or meet other criteria [5].

• MassAbility Disability Determination Services (DDS): Reviews and decides SSDI and SSI claims for Massachusetts residents [3].
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Provides home and community-based services for people with disabilities who qualify [4].
• MassHealth: Massachusetts Medicaid program that covers health care for people with disabilities [4].
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities, including blindness [4].

ABLE accounts let people with blindness save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for housing, education, transportation, and other qualified expenses. Massachusetts offers the ABLEnow program [4].

• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, the SGA limit for blind SSDI recipients is $2,700 per month [2].
• SSI: Income and resource limits apply. For 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943/month for an individual, but Massachusetts may add a small state supplement [5].

You must report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to the SSA. Failing to report can lead to overpayments and penalties. Use the SSA's online portal or call your local office to report changes [5].

• MassAbility Disability Determination Services (Boston)
  Phone: 617-727-1600

  Website

  For SSDI and SSI applications and eligibility questions.
• MassAbility Disability Determination Services (Worcester)
  Phone: 508-752-5001

  Website

  For SSDI and SSI applications and eligibility questions.

• What is the SGA limit for blind SSDI recipients in 2025?

  In 2025, the SGA limit for blind SSDI recipients is $2,700 per month. If you earn more than this, your SSDI benefits may be affected [2].

• How do I apply for blindness benefits in Massachusetts?

  Contact MassAbility DDS to start your application. You will need to provide medical records, work history, and other documents. DDS will review your case and decide if you qualify [3].

• Can I work while receiving blindness benefits in Massachusetts?

  Yes, you can work and still receive benefits if your earnings are below the SGA limit. There are work incentives and trial work periods to help you try working without losing benefits [2].

• What is the difference between SSDI and SSI for blindness?

  SSDI is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security. SSI is for people with low income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs have different eligibility rules and payment amounts [5].

• Are there state-specific benefits for blindness in Massachusetts?

  Massachusetts does not have a separate state disability program for blindness, but residents can access Medicaid waivers, MassHealth, and ABLE accounts if they qualify for federal benefits [4].

• How long does it take to get a decision on a blindness benefits application?

  The decision time varies, but it can take several months. DDS may ask for more information or schedule you for a medical exam during the process [3].