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Massachusetts • Chronic Illness
If you have fibromyalgia—a chronic illness causing widespread pain and fatigue—you may qualify for federal and Massachusetts state disability benefits. This guide covers SSI, SSDI, Medicaid (MassHealth), ABLE Accounts, and income limits, with clear steps to apply and resources to help you get the support you need.
Federal disability benefits—mainly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)—are available if fibromyalgia or another medical condition prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death[6]. SSI is need-based, looking at income, resources, and disability; SSDI requires a work history and sufficient Social Security credits[6]. For SSI, the 2025 federal benefit rate is $967/month for an individual and $1,450/month for a couple[4]. SSDI payments vary by your past earnings, and both programs adjust for inflation annually[1].
To qualify medically, you must show that fibromyalgia severely limits your ability to work, despite treatment. The SSA evaluates medical evidence, work history, and daily functioning[6].
Massachusetts uses MassAbility Disability Determination Services (DDS) to evaluate SSDI and SSI claims[3]. Your application is reviewed by medical and mental health professionals who look at your job history, education, medical records, and statements from family or friends[3]. Massachusetts also offers a small state supplement to the federal SSI payment, and MassHealth (Medicaid) provides health coverage if you qualify for SSI or meet income and asset limits[4][5].
There are no state-specific disability programs for fibromyalgia, but you may be eligible for federal benefits with Massachusetts’s support in processing your claim. Contact DDS for help understanding how your fibromyalgia symptoms affect your eligibility[3].
1. Prepare Your Documentation: Collect all medical records related to fibromyalgia, including doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment history. Also gather your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of income, and work history for the last 15 years[3].
2. Apply for SSI or SSDI: Start your application online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. The application asks for medical, work, and financial details[6].
3. Massachusetts Review: Your application is sent to MassAbility DDS, which uses in-house and contracted medical professionals to review your claim[3]. You may need to attend a DDS-authorized medical exam.
4. Respond Quickly: If DDS requests more information, provide it as soon as possible to avoid delays.
5. Appeal if Denied: If your claim is denied, you have 60 days to appeal. Consider contacting a legal aid organization or disability advocate.
6. Apply for MassHealth: Once approved for SSI, you’re automatically eligible for MassHealth. Otherwise, apply separately at mass.gov[5].
7. Consider an ABLE Account: If you’re eligible, open an ABLE account to save money without affecting benefit eligibility.
8. Report Changes: Always report changes in income, living situation, or health to Social Security and MassHealth to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits.
If you have fibromyalgia and cannot work, you may qualify for two main federal programs:
Massachusetts does not offer separate state disability cash assistance for fibromyalgia, but provides important supports:
If you receive SSI or other disability benefits, an ABLE account lets you save money (up to $100,000) without losing eligibility. These accounts can pay for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and healthcare. Only people with disabilities that started before age 26 are eligible. Learn more on our ABLE Accounts page.
SSI: Strict income and resource limits apply. The 2025 federal maximum is $967/month for an individual[4]. Your actual payment may be less if you have other income. Massachusetts adds a small state supplement. Your living situation and marital status affect the amount.
SSDI: You can work and earn up to $1,620/month in 2025 (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind) during your trial work period and extended period of eligibility. Rules are complex; always report earnings[1][2].
MassHealth: Income limits vary by program. Most SSI recipients qualify automatically. Others may qualify based on income and household size[5].
If you receive more benefits than you’re due, you must repay the overpayment. You can appeal or request a waiver if the error wasn’t your fault. Always report changes in income, living situation, marital status, or medical condition promptly to Social Security and MassHealth to avoid overpayments. See our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes page for more.
If your income, living situation, or health changes, report it to Social Security and MassHealth immediately. This helps prevent overpayments or loss of benefits.
You may be able to work part-time without losing SSDI benefits—up to $1,620/month in 2025 if you’re not blind. Rules are complex, so review the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide or talk to an advocate.
Yes, if your fibromyalgia is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. The Social Security Administration and Massachusetts DDS will review your medical records, work history, and daily limitations to decide[3][6].
In 2025, you can earn up to $1,620/month (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind) during your trial work period and extended eligibility period without losing SSDI benefits. If you earn above these amounts, your benefits may stop[2].
No, if you qualify for SSI, you are automatically enrolled in MassHealth, Massachusetts’s Medicaid program. If you don’t get SSI, you can apply separately based on income and disability[5].
Yes, Massachusetts provides a small state supplement to the federal SSI payment, but the amount is modest. The main benefit is still federal[4].
An ABLE account lets you save money (up to $100,000) without affecting SSI eligibility. Only people whose disability began before age 26 can use these accounts for qualified expenses like housing, education, and healthcare.
Processing times vary. Initial decisions usually take 3–6 months, but complex cases or appeals can take longer. Respond quickly to requests for information to avoid delays[3].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and not legal or financial advice. Program rules and benefit amounts can change. Always check with official agencies for the most current information.
You have 60 days to appeal. Gather more medical evidence and consider contacting a disability advocate or attorney. Many people are approved after appealing.
Yes, under SSDI, you can work part-time if your earnings are below the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals). With SSI, earned income reduces your benefit but is treated more favorably than unearned income[2][4].
You must provide doctor’s notes, test results, treatment records, and a detailed history of your symptoms. Statements from family or friends about how fibromyalgia affects your daily life can also help[3][6].
There are no state-specific cash benefits for fibromyalgia, but you can access federal programs and Massachusetts supports like MassHealth, housing assistance, and vocational rehabilitation. See our state hub for a full list[5].
