Massachusetts residents with Multiple Sclerosis can access federal and state disability benefits, health coverage, work incentives, and financial tools like ABLE accounts. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and where to find help.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes, usually around 10 years, and have a disability (like Multiple Sclerosis) expected to last at least a year or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict definition of disability and reviews medical evidence. Generally, you need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began[5]. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have very low income and few assets, regardless of work history[3]. The SSA adjusts the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit yearly; in 2025, it’s $1,620/month ($2,700 if blind). Earning more than this may affect eligibility[1]. Both programs require that your disability prevents you from working at a substantial level.
Massachusetts has its own process for evaluating SSDI and SSI claims through MassAbility Disability Determination Services (DDS), which reviews your job history, education, and medical records, including exams by state-approved doctors[2]. If you qualify for federal SSI, you may also receive a small state supplement (SSP) to help with living costs[4]. While waiting for SSI/SSDI decisions, Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC) provides temporary cash assistance if you have very low income and can’t work for at least 60 days due to your disability[4]. Massachusetts also offers MassHealth, the state’s Medicaid program, for health coverage—income limits are higher for people with disabilities. Some Medicaid waivers (HCBS) provide additional home- and community-based services, but the state does not publish a waiver specifically for Multiple Sclerosis.
If you have Multiple Sclerosis and need disability benefits in Massachusetts, start by gathering your medical records, work history, and financial information. Apply online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. Massachusetts applicants work with MassAbility DDS, which may require additional exams. For state supplements and MassHealth, contact the Massachusetts State Supplement Program and MassHealth directly.
Gather Documentation: Collect medical records showing your Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, treatment history, and how it limits your ability to work. Include work history and education details for the last 15 years.
Apply for Federal Benefits: Submit your SSDI or SSI application online at ssa.gov or by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). If you need help, contact your local SSA office or a benefits advocate.
State Review: MassAbility DDS will review your claim. They may contact your doctors and send you for a consultative exam if needed[2]. Provide all requested information quickly to avoid delays.
State Supplement (SSP): If you qualify for SSI, ask about the State Supplement Program (SSP). Call 877-863-1128 to apply or learn more[4].
Emergency Aid (EAEDC): While waiting for a decision, see if you qualify for Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC) through the Department of Transitional Assistance at 877-382-2363[4].
MassHealth: Apply online at MassHealth or call 800-841-2900 for health coverage. Disabled adults have higher income limits.
Work Incentives: If you start working, report your income to SSA and ask about work incentives to keep your benefits longer[1].
Follow Up: Check your mail and online account regularly. Respond to any SSA or DDS requests immediately.
SSDI provides monthly payments based on your work history. SSI gives monthly payments to people with low income and assets. Both require you to meet the SSA’s definition of disability. Medicare (for SSDI recipients after a waiting period) and Medicaid (for SSI recipients and some others) cover medical expenses. Work Incentives allow you to test your ability to work without immediately losing benefits[1]. ABLE Accounts let you save money without affecting SSI eligibility.
Massachusetts State Supplement Program (SSP) adds a small payment to federal SSI for eligible residents—contact SSP at 877-863-1128[4]. MassHealth offers Medicaid coverage to people with disabilities, including higher income limits and coverage for long-term services. Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC) gives cash aid to those with very low income who are unable to work for at least 60 days due to a disability[4]. Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) provides paid leave for medical reasons if you or a family member has a serious health condition; most Massachusetts employers participate, but check if yours does[4]. Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) may fund home- and community-based services, though no waiver is specific to Multiple Sclerosis. For food assistance, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps low-income households.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. Earnings in the account are tax-free if used for qualified disability expenses. Massachusetts ABLE accounts can be opened online. These accounts make it easier to manage money and maintain benefits.
In 2025, the SSDI Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals, $2,700 for those who are blind[1]. For SSI, the maximum federal benefit rate is $967/month for an individual, $1,450 for a couple[3]. Massachusetts adds a small supplement to SSI payments. MassHealth has higher income limits for people with disabilities. Always report changes in income to avoid overpayments.
Always report changes in income, living situation, or work activity to the Social Security Administration and MassHealth. Failure to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Use the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide for details on how earnings affect benefits[1]. See Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for step-by-step advice.
If you’re waiting for SSI or SSDI and have almost no income, ask about Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC) at the Department of Transitional Assistance. This program can help cover basic needs while your federal application is being processed[4].
If you don’t qualify for Medicare yet, see if you can get MassHealth, Massachusetts’ Medicaid. People with disabilities have higher income limits, and MassHealth covers doctor visits, medications, and even some home care[4].
You can work and keep your SSDI or SSI benefits under certain federal “work incentive” rules. After your Trial Work Period, you have 36 months (the Extended Period of Eligibility) to receive benefits in any months you earn less than $1,620/month (2025)—just make sure to report your earnings[1].
You may qualify for SSI if you have low income and assets. Apply online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. In Massachusetts, you can also ask about the State Supplement Program and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC) for temporary help[4].
In 2025, the SSDI SGA limit is $1,620/month; SSI recipients may qualify for work incentives that allow higher earnings for a period. Always report income to avoid overpayments—see **SSI & SSDI Work Incentives** and **Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes** for details[1].
SSP adds a small payment to federal SSI for qualified Massachusetts residents. Contact SSP at 877-863-1128 to apply[4].
Apply online at MassHealth or call 800-841-2900. Disabled adults have higher income limits. Coverage includes doctor visits, medications, and home care.
Yes, federal work incentives let you test your ability to work. You get a 9-month Trial Work Period and, after that, a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) where you can work and still receive benefits in months you earn below the SGA limit[1].
ABLE accounts let you save up to $100,000 without losing SSI eligibility. Earnings are tax-free if used for qualified disability expenses. Open one online through a Massachusetts ABLE program—see **ABLE Accounts** for more.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Join thousands of families who trust Purple to protect their benefits
Purple is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by OMB Bank, Member FDIC.
Processing times vary. You can ask MassAbility DDS or SSA for updates. In the meantime, if you’re in financial crisis, ask about EAEDC at the Department of Transitional Assistance[4].
Contact SSA and your MassAbility DDS caseworker to report any changes. You may qualify for expedited reviews if your condition gets worse.
