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Massachusetts • Sensory
People in Massachusetts with Deaf-Blindness may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and work incentives. Eligibility depends on income, resources, and medical criteria. This guide explains how to apply and what supports are available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. For 2025, the maximum federal SSI payment is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a married couple. Massachusetts adds a small state supplement.
For both SSI and SSDI, you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability. For Deaf-Blindness, this means a combination of vision and hearing loss that severely limits your ability to work or function independently.
For SSI, the income and resources of family members may be counted if you live with them. For SSDI, only your own earnings count.
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for 2025 is $1,620 per month for most people, or $2,700 for those who are blind. Earnings above this limit may affect eligibility for SSDI or SSI.
Children with Deaf-Blindness may qualify for SSI if their family’s income and resources are low enough, and if their condition causes marked and severe functional limitations[4][3][6].
In Massachusetts, eligibility for SSI and SSDI is determined by MassAbility Disability Determination Services (DDS). DDS reviews medical records, job history, education, and other information to decide if you meet the criteria for disability.
Massachusetts pays a small state supplement to SSI recipients, which increases the total monthly payment slightly above the federal rate.
For Medicaid waivers (HCBS), eligibility is based on functional need, income, and resources. People with Deaf-Blindness may qualify for services such as personal care, assistive technology, and supported employment.
Work incentives, such as the Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility, allow people with Deaf-Blindness to try working without immediately losing benefits. During the Extended Period of Eligibility, you can continue to receive SSDI as long as your earnings are below the SGA limit.
If you are blind, the SGA limit is higher ($2,700 per month in 2025), which may help you work more while keeping benefits.
Step 1: Collect all necessary documents, including medical records, proof of income, Social Security number, and proof of Massachusetts residency.
Step 2: Contact MassAbility Disability Determination Services (DDS) to begin the application process. DDS will review your medical and work history to determine eligibility for SSDI or SSI.
Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You can also apply for Medicaid waivers through MassHealth.
Step 4: If you are applying for SSI, be prepared to provide information about your household income and resources. For SSDI, provide your work history and earnings records.
Step 5: Attend any required medical exams or interviews. DDS may request additional information or documentation.
Step 6: Once approved, report any changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits.
Step 7: Explore additional supports, such as Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, and ABLE accounts for saving money without affecting benefits.
Step 8: If you want to work, learn about work incentives like the Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility, which allow you to try working without losing benefits immediately[2][1][3][6].
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes, and who meet the medical criteria for disability.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. The maximum federal payment in 2025 is $967 for an individual and $1,450 for a couple.
Medicaid: Provides health coverage to people with low income and resources. Medicaid waivers offer additional services for people with disabilities, such as personal care and assistive technology.
Medicare: Provides health coverage to people who receive SSDI for 24 months.
Work Incentives: Allow people with disabilities to try working without losing benefits immediately. These include the Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility[1][3][4][6].
Massachusetts Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including personal care, supported employment, and assistive technology. Eligibility is based on functional need, income, and resources.
Massachusetts SSI State Supplement: Adds a small amount to the federal SSI payment for eligible residents.
MassAbility Disability Determination Services (DDS): Reviews applications for SSDI and SSI, and makes eligibility decisions based on medical and work history.
Massachusetts ABLE Accounts: Allow people with disabilities to save money without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses.
MassHealth: Provides health coverage to people with low income and resources, including those with disabilities. MassHealth may cover additional services not covered by Medicare or Medicaid[2][3][5].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. You can use the funds for disability-related expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and personal support.
In Massachusetts, ABLE accounts are available through the state’s ABLE program. You can open an account online or by mail. Contributions are limited to $18,000 per year, and the total balance cannot exceed $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility.
ABLE accounts do not affect Medicaid eligibility, regardless of the account balance[3][7].
For SSI in 2025, the maximum federal payment is $967 for an individual and $1,450 for a couple. Massachusetts adds a small state supplement.
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for 2025 is $1,620 per month for most people, or $2,700 for those who are blind. Earnings above this limit may affect eligibility for SSDI or SSI.
For children, the SGA limit is the same as for adults. Family income and resources are counted for children living at home.
Income includes wages, self-employment income, bonuses, and in-kind payments. Unearned income, such as Social Security payments, is also counted[3][4][1].
It is important to report any changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits.
Overpayments can occur if you do not report changes promptly. You may be required to repay the overpayment, but there are options for repayment plans or waivers.
Report changes by phone, online, or in person at a Social Security office. Keep records of all communications and changes reported[1][3].
Contact MassAbility Disability Determination Services for help with your application. They can answer questions and guide you through the process.
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes, while SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs have medical and financial criteria for eligibility.
You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. MassAbility Disability Determination Services reviews your application and makes eligibility decisions.
The maximum federal SSI payment in 2025 is $967 for an individual and $1,450 for a couple. Massachusetts adds a small state supplement. Income and resources are counted for eligibility.
Yes, work incentives allow you to try working without losing benefits immediately. The Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility let you test your ability to work while keeping benefits.
Medicaid waivers provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. You can apply through MassHealth, and eligibility is based on functional need, income, and resources.
An ABLE account lets you save money without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses, such as education, housing, and personal support.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult official sources or a benefits expert for personalized advice.
Massachusetts also offers ABLE accounts, which allow people with disabilities to save money without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility[2][3][1].
Deaf-Blindness is considered a severe disability if it causes marked and severe functional limitations. You must meet both medical and financial criteria for SSDI or SSI.
You must report any changes in income to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits. Overpayments can be repaid through a repayment plan or waived in some cases.
Children with Deaf-Blindness may qualify for SSI if their family’s income and resources are low enough, and if their condition causes marked and severe functional limitations.
Report changes by phone, online, or in person at a Social Security office. Keep records of all communications and changes reported to avoid overpayments.
