Adults and children in Massachusetts living with Muscular Dystrophy may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility rules, application steps, benefit programs, and how to manage income while staying compliant.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment—like Muscular Dystrophy—that prevents substantial work and has lasted (or is expected to last) at least 12 months or result in death[6]. For SSDI, you generally need recent work credits[6]. For SSI, your income and resources must be very low[3]. SSDI pays if you’ve worked long enough and recently, paid Social Security taxes, and now can’t work due to disability[6]. SSI is needs-based, with strict income and asset limits, but pays for those with little or no work history[3]. Both programs require thorough medical documentation.
In Massachusetts, eligibility for SSI/SSDI is determined by MassAbility Disability Determination Services (DDS), which reviews work history, medical records, and tips from your doctors, schools, and family[2]. Children with Muscular Dystrophy may qualify if they have “marked and severe functional limitations,” and their family’s income and resources are within SSI limits[4]. Massachusetts pays a small additional SSI payment on top of the federal benefit, but exact amounts depend on your living situation[3]. State-specific Medicaid waivers (HCBS) may be available for additional in-home or community support for people with physical disabilities, but you must first qualify for Medicaid, which generally requires you to have low income and resources.
Start by gathering medical records, work history, recent pay stubs, and proof of income. If applying as a child, also collect school and family information. Apply online at ssa.gov for SSI/SSDI, or call MassAbility DDS for help (Boston: 617-727-1600; Worcester: 508-752-5001)[2]. Consider applying for Massachusetts Medicaid (MassHealth) for additional health coverage and waiver programs.
Step 1: Collect Documents – Get medical records, doctor’s notes, work history, and proof of income. For children, include school records and parent/guardian income details. Step 2: Apply for SSI/SSDI – Apply online at ssa.gov or by phone at 1-800-772-1213. In Massachusetts, MassAbility DDS handles the review, so ensure your application is complete and includes all medical evidence[2]. Step 3: Massachusetts Review – DDS may contact you or your doctors for more information. They might also schedule a medical exam with a state-approved provider. Step 4: Medicaid and Waivers – If you qualify for SSI, you’re automatically eligible for MassHealth. Otherwise, apply separately at mass.gov. Ask about Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, which can pay for personal care, equipment, and home modifications. Step 5: Appeals – If denied, you have 60 days to appeal. Get help from a benefits counselor or legal aid if needed. Step 6: Ongoing Reporting – Always report changes in income, living situation, or health to Social Security and MassHealth to keep benefits accurate and avoid overpayments.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For those with enough work credits, SSDI provides monthly cash benefits and, after two years, Medicare coverage[6]. SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Pays monthly cash to low-income individuals with disabilities, regardless of work history, including children with severe disabilities[3][4]. ABLE Accounts: Let you save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. Medicare: Auto-enrollment after 24 months on SSDI. Medicaid: May be available if you qualify for SSI or through other pathways.
Massachusetts SSI Supplement: The state adds extra funds each month to the federal SSI payment, based on your living situation[3]. MassHealth (Medicaid): Covers doctor visits, prescriptions, therapies, and sometimes personal care. Massachusetts Medicaid waivers (HCBS), like the Adult Foster Care or Personal Care Attendant program, can fund additional in-home services for people with physical disabilities, often critical for those with Muscular Dystrophy. MassHealth CommonHealth: For those not on SSI but with disabilities, this program offers Medicaid with higher income limits. State Vocational Rehabilitation: Helps with job training and support for those who want to work. Massachusetts ABLE Account: Lets residents save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities—including Muscular Dystrophy—save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. Funds can pay for qualified disability expenses like housing, transportation, and health care. Massachusetts offers its own ABLE program. Some withdrawals for non-disability expenses may be taxable.
For SSI in 2025, a single adult can receive up to $967/month (federal) plus a Massachusetts supplement, and couples up to $1,450—amounts drop if you have other income[3]. For SSDI, working while receiving benefits is possible, but earnings above $1,620/month (or $2,700 if blind) may affect payments[1]. See the SSI Income Estimator tool to estimate your benefit based on income and living situation.
Always report changes in income, work, address, or household to Social Security and MassHealth immediately. Not reporting can lead to overpayments, which you’ll have to pay back. Massachusetts has strict rules on reporting to avoid benefit loss. Use our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for help.
If your child has Muscular Dystrophy and severe limitations, apply for SSI—the process considers both the child’s and the family’s income and resources. Even if income is too high, Massachusetts may have other programs or Medicaid options. Always file an initial application: you may be eligible for more help than you think[4].
Massachusetts Medicaid waivers can fund in-home personal care, respite, and equipment. These waivers help adults and children with Muscular Dystrophy remain at home and in the community. Waiver slots may be limited—apply early and ask your case manager about all available HCBS programs.
Yes, SSDI offers work incentives, including a Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility. In 2025, you can earn up to $1,620/month (or $2,700 if blind) during the Re-Entitlement Period without losing benefits. Report all income changes promptly for correct payments[1].
Yes, Massachusetts provides a state supplement to the federal SSI payment, though the exact amount depends on your living situation. Always check with the Social Security office for your current payment total[3].
MassHealth covers medical care, therapies, and equipment. Waiver programs (HCBS) can fund in-home support, personal care, and home modifications for those who qualify. Some programs have higher income limits than regular MassHealth.
Yes, if the child meets the federal definition of disability, has “marked and severe functional limitations,” and household income/resources are within limits. The application process includes medical and school records and family financial information[4].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. Up to $100,000 in an ABLE account does not count toward SSI asset limits. Massachusetts has its own ABLE program.
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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SSI payments can begin the month after you apply if approved[3]. SSDI benefits start after a five-month waiting period from the disability onset date. Processing times vary, so apply as soon as possible.
You have 60 days to appeal. Many denials are due to missing medical evidence. Consider getting help from a benefits counselor or legal aid for the appeal.
Some people qualify for both, called “concurrent benefits.” This is more likely if your SSDI payment is low and you have limited income/resources. See our SSI vs SSDI guide for details.
Report income, work status, address, or living situation changes immediately to Social Security and MassHealth. Failure to report can lead to overpayments or benefit loss. Our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide can help.
Yes, Massachusetts offers Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with physical disabilities, including those with Muscular Dystrophy. These waivers can fund personal care, respite, and home modifications for those who qualify.
