People with Fragile X Syndrome in Massachusetts may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state programs such as Medicaid waivers, cash assistance, and ABLE accounts. Eligibility depends on age, income, and functional limitations.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, a person must have a medically determinable impairment that causes significant functional limitations. For SSI, income and resources must be below set limits. SSDI requires a work history and payment of Social Security taxes. Children with Fragile X Syndrome may qualify for SSI if their condition meets the Social Security Administration’s criteria for disability and family income is low enough. Adults with Fragile X Syndrome may qualify for SSDI if they have a qualifying work history, or for SSI if they meet income and disability requirements. The Social Security Administration reviews medical records, school reports, and other evidence to determine eligibility [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
In Massachusetts, people with Fragile X Syndrome may qualify for state-specific programs such as Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled & Children (EAEDC) and Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services. EAEDC provides monthly cash assistance to adults and children with disabilities who meet income and asset limits. The state also offers a small supplement to federal SSI payments. Eligibility for state programs is determined by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and MassHealth. Medical documentation showing the impact of Fragile X Syndrome on daily living is required for most programs. The state’s FY25 budget includes a 10% increase in cash assistance grants starting April 2025, which will raise the EAEDC grant for an adult or person with disabilities from $401/month to $441/month [mlri.org, 2025-11-06].
The Massachusetts ABLE account program allows people with disabilities to save up to $100,000 without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other means-tested benefits. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses such as education, housing, transportation, and personal support. To open an account, you must have a qualifying disability and a Social Security number. Visit the Massachusetts ABLE website to apply [mass.gov, 2025-11-06].
For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $967/month for an individual and $1,450/month for a married couple. Massachusetts adds a small state supplement. For EAEDC, the income limit is based on the federal poverty level and changes annually. The state’s FY25 budget increases the EAEDC grant to $441/month for an adult or person with disabilities starting April 2025 [mlri.org, 2025-11-06; ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
It is important to report any changes in income, living situation, or medical status to avoid overpayments and ensure continued eligibility for benefits. Overpayments can result in repayment requirements or loss of benefits. For SSI and SSDI, report changes online at ssa.gov or by phone. For state programs, report changes to the Department of Transitional Assistance or MassHealth [mass.gov, 2025-11-06; ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
Contact your local Social Security office, the Department of Transitional Assistance, or MassHealth for application assistance. Many agencies offer support for people with disabilities and their families.
Yes, a child with Fragile X Syndrome may qualify for SSI if their condition causes significant functional limitations and family income is below the program’s limits. Medical documentation is required to support the application [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
The maximum federal SSI payment in 2025 is $967 for an individual and $1,450 for a married couple. Massachusetts adds a small state supplement to this amount [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
Contact MassHealth or your local Area Agency on Aging or Disability to apply for Medicaid waivers. You will need to complete an assessment to determine eligibility and service needs [mass.gov, 2025-11-06].
The EAEDC grant for an adult or person with disabilities will increase from $401/month to $441/month starting April 2025 [mlri.org, 2025-11-06].
Yes, people with Fragile X Syndrome who meet the disability criteria can open a Massachusetts ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits [mass.gov, 2025-11-06].
Yes, you must report any changes in income, living situation, or medical status to avoid overpayments and ensure continued eligibility for SSI, SSDI, and state programs [mass.gov, 2025-11-06; ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
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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You will need medical records, school reports, and other evidence showing the impact of Fragile X Syndrome on daily living. The Social Security Administration and state agencies use this information to determine eligibility [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06; mass.gov, 2025-11-06].
Yes, SSI and SSDI offer work incentives that allow people with disabilities to work and earn income without immediately losing benefits. These include trial work periods and special rules for earned income [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
You can get help from Social Security offices, the Department of Transitional Assistance, MassHealth, or local disability advocacy organizations. Many agencies offer application assistance and support [mass.gov, 2025-11-06; ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
Families may qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, home and community-based services, and other supports through MassHealth and the Department of Transitional Assistance. Local organizations may also offer additional resources [mass.gov, 2025-11-06].
