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Massachusetts • Neurodegenerative
This guide explains how Massachusetts residents with Huntington’s Disease—a progressive, neurodegenerative condition—can access state and federal disability benefits, Medicaid, and financial supports. Learn eligibility rules, application steps, and key differences between SSI and SSDI, plus Massachusetts-specific resources.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI), you must have a medically determinable impairment—like Huntington’s Disease—that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For SSDI, you need enough work credits (typically 40, with 20 earned in the last 10 years)[5]. For SSI, strict income and asset limits apply, but your diagnosis alone does not guarantee approval—you must show your condition prevents substantial gainful activity[3]. Medical evidence from doctors, hospitals, and specialists is critical. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews all evidence before making a decision.
MassAbility Disability Determination Services (DDS) in Massachusetts decides SSI and SSDI claims for state residents[2]. DDS uses detailed medical records, work history, and sometimes examinations by their panel of doctors. Massachusetts adds a small state supplement to federal SSI payments, but the amount depends on your living situation and other income[3]. If you have Huntington’s Disease, DDS will focus on how your symptoms (e.g., movement problems, cognitive decline, behavioral changes) limit your ability to work. State-specific Medicaid (MassHealth) eligibility is also based on income and disability status, with additional programs for home- and community-based services through waivers.
Start your application as soon as Huntington’s Disease limits your ability to work. You can apply for SSI and SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. Gather medical records, work history, and proof of income. If denied, you can appeal—Massachusetts has legal aid groups to help. For MassHealth, apply online through the Massachusetts Health Connector.
1. Gather Documentation: Collect medical records, doctor’s notes, treatment history, and a list of medications related to Huntington’s Disease. Include work history for the past 15 years and education records[2].
2. Apply for Benefits: Submit your SSI or SSDI application online, by phone, or in person. For SSI, be ready to provide details about income, assets, and living arrangements[3]. MassHealth applications are separate—apply through the Massachusetts Health Connector.
3. Disability Determination: MassAbility DDS will review your claim. They may request more information or schedule a consultative exam with a specialist[2]. Respond quickly to any requests to avoid delays.
4. Track Your Claim: Check your application status online or by phone. If denied, you have 60 days to request reconsideration. Consider reaching out to a disability advocate or legal aid group in Massachusetts for help with appeals.
5. Consider Additional Supports: Explore Medicaid waivers for home- and community-based services and ABLE accounts for savings without affecting benefits.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides monthly cash assistance to low-income individuals with disabilities, including Huntington’s Disease. The 2025 federal maximum is $967/month for individuals and $1,450/month for couples[3]. Payments may be lower if you have other income.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For people with a work history who paid into Social Security. Benefit amounts vary based on your past earnings. There is a 5-month waiting period, and benefits continue until you can work again at a substantial level.
Medicare: Available to SSDI recipients after a 24-month waiting period. Covers hospitalization, medical services, and prescription drugs.
ABLE Accounts: Federal program allowing tax-advantaged savings for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
MassHealth (Medicaid): Massachusetts’ Medicaid program covers low-income residents, including those with Huntington’s Disease. Offers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and home health services. Some people qualify for both Medicare and MassHealth.
State Supplement: Massachusetts adds a small state supplement to the federal SSI payment, but the exact amount varies by living situation[3].
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Home- and community-based services waivers help people stay at home instead of moving to a nursing facility. These waivers may cover personal care, respite, and other supports.
Vocational Rehabilitation: State programs may help with job training, assistive technology, and employment support for those who wish to work.
Massachusetts residents with Huntington’s Disease can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. Earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not counted as income.
For SSI in 2025, the federal maximum payment is $967/month for individuals and $1,450/month for couples, but actual payments may be lower if you have other income[3]. Massachusetts has a state supplement that increases this amount slightly. SSDI has no asset limit, but SSI recipients cannot have more than $2,000 in countable resources ($3,000 for couples).
Always report changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to the SSA and MassHealth to avoid overpayments, which you may have to repay. See our guide on avoiding overpayments for more tips.
If you have Huntington’s Disease and need help applying for SSI, SSDI, or MassHealth, Massachusetts legal aid and advocacy groups can assist. They can help you gather medical evidence, fill out forms, and appeal if your claim is denied.
SSI is for low-income individuals with limited work history, while SSDI requires enough work credits and is based on your past earnings. Both require proof that Huntington’s Disease prevents substantial work, but SSI also has strict income and asset limits[3][5].
For SSI, earned income reduces your benefit dollar-for-dollar after the first $65. The federal 2024 SGA limit for non-blind individuals is $1,470/month; Massachusetts follows federal rules. SSDI has different work incentives—talk to SSA for details[1][3].
Yes, Massachusetts adds a small state supplement to the federal SSI payment, depending on your living situation. The exact amount varies[3].
Apply online through the Massachusetts Health Connector. You’ll need proof of Massachusetts residency, income, and disability. Some people qualify for both MassHealth and Medicare.
Possibly. SSI and SSDI have work incentives that allow some earnings without losing benefits, but there are strict income and SGA limits. Report all work activity to SSA and MassHealth[1][3].
Initial decisions can take 3–5 months. If denied, you can appeal—processes like reconsideration and hearings can add several months. Medical documentation is key to speeding up your case[2].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial, or medical advice. Rules and benefit amounts can change. Always check with the official agencies for the latest information.
Massachusetts offers Medicaid waivers for home- and community-based services, which may cover personal care and respite. Vocational rehab may also help with employment supports.
Yes, through an ABLE account. You can save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility, and the account doesn’t count against MassHealth asset limits.
MassAbility Disability Determination Services (DDS) evaluates your claim using medical records, work history, and sometimes a special exam[2].
You have 60 days to appeal. Massachusetts legal aid groups can help with the process. Keep submitting new medical evidence and follow up on all requests from DDS[2].
