Massachusetts residents who are Hard of Hearing may qualify for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and other financial support programs. This guide explains federal and state eligibility, step-by-step application help, income limits, and key contacts for Hard of Hearing families seeking benefits in Massachusetts.
To qualify for federal disability programs, including SSI and SSDI, you must have a medically documented condition (such as being Hard of Hearing) that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. For SSDI, you must also have earned enough work credits through past employment. SSI is based on financial need and limited income and resources[4][6].
The SSA has specific listings for hearing loss, but even if you do not exactly match a listing, you may still qualify if your hearing loss significantly limits your ability to work. Children Hard of Hearing may qualify for SSI if they meet income and medical criteria[4].
In Massachusetts, eligibility reviews for SSI and SSDI are managed by MassAbility Disability Determination Services (DDS)[3]. DDS uses in-house and consulting medical professionals to review your case based on: medical records, job history, education, and input from care providers and family.
Massachusetts does not have a unique state supplement for SSI, so the national SSI rules apply. Medicaid eligibility in Massachusetts is more generous than SSI income limits—you may still qualify for MassHealth (the state Medicaid program) even if you earn more than the SSI limit.
For people Hard of Hearing, state hearing aid and communication device programs may provide additional support, but these are not cash benefits and are accessed through MassHealth or nonprofit providers. State-specific information is limited; start here: Mass.gov’s disability supports page and MassAbility DDS contact information[3][5].
Apply for SSI or SSDI online through the national Social Security Administration (SSA) website, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local SSA office. For Medicaid (MassHealth), apply online at Massachusetts Health Connector. If you have questions, MassAbility DDS can help with SSI/SSDI applications in Massachusetts[3]. Gather medical records, work history, and financial documents before you start.
Step 1: Gather Documents
Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI
Step 3: Check for MassHealth (Medicaid)
Step 4: Follow Up
Step 5: Report Any Changes
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) provides monthly cash payments to low-income individuals with disabilities, including those Hard of Hearing. For children, family income and resources are also considered[4].
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) pays benefits to disabled workers who have earned enough work credits. Adult children can also receive benefits if their disability began before age 22 (called a "child's benefit")[4].
Medicare starts 24 months after SSDI begins.
Work incentives allow you to try working (up to $1,620/month in 2025 for SSDI; $2,700/month if blind). The Trial Work Period lets you work nine months (not necessarily in a row) without losing benefits[2].
ABLE accounts help you save for disability expenses up to $100,000 without counting against SSI.
MassHealth (Medicaid) covers hearing aids, cochlear implants, and communication devices for eligible Hard of Hearing Massachusetts residents. You may also qualify for Medicaid waivers offering home- and community-based supports not covered by standard Medicaid[5].
MassAbility DDS manages SSI/SSDI eligibility decisions for Massachusetts. The process can be faster with thorough medical documentation—be sure to describe how your hearing loss impacts communication, safety, and work[3].
Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) offers resources for advocacy, assistive technology, and community supports, though not direct cash benefits. Visit their website for more.
Veterans Disability Benefits are available for qualifying veterans through the VA, regardless of age or hearing loss severity[1].
Massachusetts ABLE accounts let individuals with disabilities save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. ABLE funds can be used for qualifying disability expenses, including assistive technology and communication devices. This is a helpful tool for Hard of Hearing families planning for future needs.
SSI: In 2025, the income limit for SSI is $943/month for individuals, with some income and resources not counted. Family income counts for children under 18[4].
SSDI: In 2025, you can earn up to $1,620/month (SGA) and still qualify for SSDI during your trial work period and Extended Period of Eligibility[2].
Medicaid: Income limits are higher than SSI, and countable resources are limited. Some income may be excluded based on disability expenses.
If you work, earn, or receive other income, promptly report these changes to SSA and MassHealth, and keep careful records. Overpayments can happen if you do not report changes, and you may have to pay money back. For SSDI, report gross monthly income during your Extended Period of Eligibility[2].
Learn how to prevent and fix overpayments by visiting the internal guide [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Keep a detailed record of your medical visits, hearing tests, and ways your hearing loss affects daily life. This documentation can make your SSI/SSDI or Medicaid application stronger and help you get benefits faster.
Even if your income is too high for SSI, you may still qualify for MassHealth (Medicaid) in Massachusetts. MassHealth covers hearing aids, devices, and supports for Hard of Hearing residents—apply even if you think you might not qualify.
Hard of Hearing residents may qualify for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid (MassHealth), Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. SSI and SSDI are federal cash benefits, while MassHealth and waivers cover health care, hearing aids, and supports. ABLE accounts help with long-term savings[1][4][5].
To qualify, you must have a medically documented hearing loss that severely limits your ability to work for SSDI, or that causes marked and severe limitations for children on SSI. You must also meet income and resource limits for SSI[3][4].
Yes, with work incentives. In 2025, you can earn up to $1,620/month (SSDI) during your trial work period and Extended Period of Eligibility. SSI also allows some work, but benefits decrease as your income increases[2].
Apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or in person. Apply for MassHealth online at Massachusetts Health Connector. MassAbility DDS reviews Massachusetts cases, so provide detailed medical and vocational information[3].
You have 60 days to appeal. Gather more medical evidence, consider getting a disability advocate or lawyer, and follow appeal instructions carefully. Many people are approved after appeal.
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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Children may receive SSI, subject to family income limits. MassHealth covers hearing aids and devices. Some nonprofits and MCDHH provide additional resources for children.
In Massachusetts, the average SSDI payment is about $1,366/month (2025 figures). SSI is about $620/month, but amounts depend on your individual income and situation[1].
ABLE accounts let you save up to $100,000 for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI eligibility, including purchases like hearing aids and communications devices.
Local SSA offices, MassAbility DDS, and disability advocacy organizations like the Disability Policy Consortium can help with applications and appeals[3][7].
Yes, veterans with hearing loss may be eligible for both VA disability benefits and SSI/SSDI. Each program has its own rules and application processes[1].
