People with dyscalculia in Massachusetts may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. Eligibility depends on how dyscalculia affects daily life and work. This guide explains how to apply and what supports are available.
To get federal disability benefits for dyscalculia, you must show that your condition makes it hard to work or do daily activities. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at medical records, school reports, and how dyscalculia affects your life. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your income and resources must be low. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a work history and enough work credits. Both programs require proof that your disability is expected to last at least a year or result in death. Dyscalculia is considered a learning disability, and eligibility is based on how it limits your ability to function compared to others your age [ssa.gov, 2025-03-15].
In Massachusetts, people with dyscalculia may qualify for cash assistance, Medicaid waivers, and state supplements to SSI. The state uses the Massachusetts State Supplement Program (SSP) to add extra money to SSI payments. To get SSP, you must be eligible for SSI and live in Massachusetts. The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) also offers cash aid through the EAEDC program for adults with disabilities, including learning disabilities. Eligibility for EAEDC depends on income, assets, and how dyscalculia affects your ability to work or live independently. Massachusetts is increasing cash assistance grants by 10% in April 2025, which will help more families and individuals with disabilities [mlri.org, 2025-03-15; mass.gov, 2025-03-15].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Massachusetts, you can open an ABLE account online at massable.org. You can save up to $18,000 per year, and the account can pay for disability-related expenses like education, housing, and transportation. ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged, so you don’t pay federal or state income tax on the money in the account [massable.org, 2025-03-15].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $967/month for an individual and $1,450/month for a married couple. Massachusetts adds a small state supplement. For EAEDC, the maximum grant is $441/month for an individual in 2025. Income from work is treated more favorably than other income for SSI. You must report all income and changes in living situation to avoid overpayments [ssa.gov, 2025-03-15; mlri.org, 2025-03-15].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security or DTA right away. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Use the SSI Income Estimator to see how much you might get and report changes online or by phone. If you get an overpayment, you can ask for a waiver or set up a repayment plan [ssa.gov, 2025-03-15; mass.gov, 2025-03-15].
Contact the Massachusetts State Supplement Program at (877) 863-1128 or the Department of Transitional Assistance at 1-877-382-2363 for free help with applications and appeals.
Yes, if dyscalculia severely limits your ability to work or do daily activities, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You need medical and school records to prove your disability. SSI is for people with low income, while SSDI requires a work history [ssa.gov, 2025-03-15].
Gather medical and school records, then apply for SSI or SSDI through Social Security. If you get SSI, apply for the Massachusetts State Supplement. You can also apply for EAEDC and Medicaid waivers through DTA [mass.gov, 2025-03-15].
The federal SSI payment is $967/month for an individual in 2025. Massachusetts adds a small state supplement. The total amount depends on your income and living situation [ssa.gov, 2025-03-15].
EAEDC is cash assistance for adults with disabilities in Massachusetts. The maximum grant is $441/month in 2025. You may qualify if dyscalculia limits your ability to work or live independently [mlri.org, 2025-03-15].
Medicaid waivers pay for extra services like job coaching or home care for people with disabilities. You can apply through the Department of Developmental Services or the Department of Mental Health. These waivers are for people who need help with daily living [workwithoutlimits.org, 2025-03-15].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Yes, if you have dyscalculia and it limits your ability to work or do daily activities, you can open an ABLE account. You can save up to $18,000 per year without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits [massable.org, 2025-03-15].
You must report changes to Social Security or DTA right away. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. You can report changes online or by phone [ssa.gov, 2025-03-15; mass.gov, 2025-03-15].
SSI is for people with low income and resources, while SSDI is for people with a work history. Both programs require proof that your disability limits your ability to work or do daily activities [ssa.gov, 2025-03-15].
Children with dyscalculia may qualify for SSI, Medicaid waivers, and special education services. Parents can also apply for ABLE accounts for their children. Contact your local school district or DTA for more information [ssa.gov, 2025-03-15; mass.gov, 2025-03-15].
You can get help from Social Security, DTA, or local nonprofits. Many agencies offer free help with applications and appeals. Contact SSP at (877) 863-1128 or DTA at 1-877-382-2363 for more information [mass.gov, 2025-03-15].
