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Massachusetts • Chronic Illness
If you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Massachusetts, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid waivers, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what to expect.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) rules. For SSDI, you need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years) and a medical condition that prevents you from doing substantial work. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must be severe enough to stop you from working. SSA defines “substantial work” as earning more than $1,620 per month in 2025 (or $2,700 if blind). Your COPD must cause marked and severe functional limitations, meaning it seriously affects your daily life and ability to work [1].
SSA reviews your medical records, job history, and other evidence to decide if you qualify. If you are approved, you may get monthly payments and access to Medicare or Medicaid [6].
In Massachusetts, eligibility for disability benefits is determined by MassAbility Disability Determination Services (DDS). DDS reviews your medical records, job history, education, and input from doctors and other sources. If you have COPD, DDS will check if your condition meets federal disability standards and if it stops you from working. Massachusetts does not have its own separate disability program, but it may offer extra help through Medicaid waivers and state supplements to SSI. You must report any changes in your health, income, or living situation to keep your benefits [2].
Massachusetts also pays a small state supplement to SSI recipients, which can increase your monthly payment. To get this, you must be eligible for federal SSI and meet state rules. If you work, you can use work incentives to test employment without losing benefits right away [3].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation. In Massachusetts, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s program. Contributions do not count as income for SSI, but withdrawals for housing can affect SSI payments [3].
You must report any changes in your income, work, or living situation to Social Security or MassAbility DDS. This includes starting or stopping a job, getting a raise, or moving. If you do not report changes, you may get an overpayment and have to pay it back. Reporting changes helps you avoid penalties and keeps your benefits accurate [1].
Contact MassAbility DDS for help with your disability application. They can answer questions and guide you through the process.
Boston Location: 135 Santilli Way, Everett, MA 02149 | Phone: 617-727-1600 Worcester Location: 16 Chestnut Street Suite 300, Worcester, MA 01608 | Phone: 508-752-5001
If you want to try working, use work incentives to test employment without losing benefits right away. Report your income changes to avoid overpayments.
Yes, if your COPD is severe enough to stop you from working, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You must meet federal rules and apply through MassAbility DDS or Social Security. Your medical records and job history will be reviewed to decide eligibility [2].
The maximum SSI payment in 2025 is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a married couple. Massachusetts adds a small state supplement. SSDI payments depend on your work history and earnings [3].
For SSDI, you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month from work in 2025 (or $2,700 if blind). For SSI, your total income and resources must be below certain limits. Massachusetts may add a small state supplement to SSI payments [3].
Gather your medical records and job history, then contact MassAbility DDS or Social Security to start your application. You can apply online, by phone, or in person. Be ready to provide details about your symptoms and how COPD affects your life [2].
You can use work incentives to test employment without losing benefits right away. If your earnings are below the SGA limit ($1,620 in 2025), you may keep your benefits. Report any changes in income to avoid overpayments [1].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Massachusetts may offer extra help through Medicaid waivers, state SSI supplements, and MassHealth. These can cover home care, health costs, and other needs. Contact MassAbility DDS or your local Social Security office for details [5].
It can take several months to get a decision. DDS reviews your records and may ask for more information. If denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Be patient and respond to all requests promptly [2].
Yes, if you meet the rules for both programs. SSDI is based on work history, and SSI is based on income and resources. You can apply for both at the same time through Social Security or MassAbility DDS [3].
The SGA limit in 2025 is $1,620 per month for most people and $2,700 for those who are blind. If you earn more than this from work, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI [1].
Report any changes in income, work, or living situation to Social Security or MassAbility DDS. This includes starting or stopping a job, getting a raise, or moving. Reporting changes helps you avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits accurate [1].
