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Massachusetts • Mental Health
Massachusetts offers federal and state disability benefits for people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Programs include Social Security (SSI/SSDI), Medicaid, and state supplements. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources for managing benefits and daily life with OCD in Massachusetts.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, you must have a medically documented mental health condition that severely limits your ability to work for at least 12 months[6]. For SSDI, you must also have enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. For SSI, income and assets must be below federal limits. OCD must significantly interfere with daily activities, social functioning, and concentration, and your medical records should show ongoing treatment and evidence of impairment[6]. The 2025 federal SSI benefit rate is $967/month for an individual; SSDI amounts depend on your earnings history[4]. For SSDI in 2025, you can earn up to $1,620/month (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind) without losing benefits—these amounts are adjusted annually[2].
Massachusetts uses the federal rules for SSDI and SSI eligibility but adds a small state supplement to the SSI payment[4]. The state’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews your medical records, work history, and statements from your doctors and others to decide if your OCD meets Social Security’s definition of disability[3]. Massachusetts DDS has teams of medical and mental health professionals who make these decisions[3]. There is no separate state disability benefit for OCD, but you can apply for both federal and state programs through Mass.gov. For MassHealth (Medicaid), you can often qualify automatically if you get SSI, or based on your income and disability. State-specific information on specialized OCD services is limited; start here for official resources: Mass.gov’s [financial assistance page][5] and the DDS contact page[3].
To apply for OCD disability benefits in Massachusetts, collect your medical records, work history, and contact information for your doctors. Start your application online at SSA.gov for SSI or SSDI, or call 1-800-772-1213. For state help, contact MassAbility Disability Determination Services (DDS) at 617-727-1600. You can also visit your local Social Security office or apply in person if you need help[3].
Collect Documentation: Gather medical records, treatment history, therapist/psychiatrist notes, and any statements about how OCD affects your daily life, work, and relationships. School records or job evaluations can also help[3].
Complete the Application: Apply online at SSA.gov for SSI/SSDI, or visit your local Social Security office. Be thorough about how OCD limits your activities. If you need help, call 1-800-772-1213 or contact Massachusetts DDS[3].
Submit Medical Evidence: The SSA and DDS will request records, but sending recent doctor notes and a detailed treatment history with your application can speed things up[3].
Attend Any Required Exams: If the state needs more information, they may ask you to see a DDS-approved doctor for an evaluation[3].
Check Status and Appeal If Needed: Track your application status online. If denied, you can appeal—many people get approved after appealing. Massachusetts DDS can answer questions at 617-727-1600 or 508-752-5001[3].
Apply for MassHealth: If you receive SSI, you usually qualify for MassHealth (Medicaid) automatically. If not, apply separately through MassHealth Connector or Mass.gov[5].
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the main federal programs for people with disabling mental health conditions like OCD. SSDI is for people with a work history, while SSI supports those with limited income and resources[6]. Both require comprehensive medical proof that OCD severely limits work and daily activities. If approved, cash benefits help with living expenses, and you may qualify for Medicare (SSDI) or Medicaid (SSI). Work incentives allow you to try working without immediately losing benefits—see our guide on [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives][internal_link: SSI & SSDI Work Incentives]. The federal benefit rates are updated annually; in 2025, SSI pays up to $967/month for an individual, and SSDI amounts depend on your earnings history[4].
Massachusetts does not have a separate state disability program, but it does supplement the federal SSI payment with a small state benefit[4]. MassHealth, Massachusetts’ Medicaid program, provides health coverage and may offer mental health services tailored to OCD, depending on eligibility and provider availability[5]. The state also participates in Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waivers, which can help people with disabilities get care at home rather than in institutions—see our [Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)][internal_link: Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)] guide. Massachusetts’ Disability Determination Services (DDS) handles all SSI/SSDI reviews for the state, using local doctors and mental health professionals to assess medical eligibility[3]. State-specific information on OCD-specific services is limited; check Mass.gov for updates and contact DDS with questions[3][5].
An ABLE account is a special savings account for people with significant disabilities. You can save up to $100,000 without affecting your eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. ABLE accounts help cover disability-related expenses like therapy, medical devices, and daily living costs. Learn more in our [ABLE Accounts][internal_link: ABLE Accounts] guide and consider opening one through Massachusetts’ ABLE program.
For SSI in 2025, the federal benefit rate is $967/month for an individual and $1,450/month for a couple. Massachusetts adds a small supplement to this amount[4]. SSDI income limits are different: in 2025, you can earn up to $1,620/month (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind); above that, your benefits may be reduced or stopped[2]. SSI also looks at your assets—if you have more than $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple), you may not qualify[4].
You must report any changes in income, living situation, or benefits to the Social Security Administration and MassHealth. Failing to report can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. See our guide on [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes][internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes]. If you receive a benefit notice you don’t understand, call SSA or your local DDS office for help[2][3].
You can get free help from Massachusetts Disability Determination Services (DDS) or local legal aid organizations. DDS reviews all applications and can answer questions about the process. If your care team (doctors, therapists, social workers) is not familiar with disability applications, ask them to contact DDS for guidance on documenting OCD’s impact on your life and work[3].
SSDI and SSI benefits increased by 2.5% due to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2025[1]. The SGA earnings limit for SSDI is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals. Always check Social Security’s website or contact your local office for the latest updates before making work or financial decisions[2].
Yes, but your monthly earnings must stay below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit: $1,620/month (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind) in 2025. Higher earnings could affect your benefits, but work incentives support gradual return to work—see [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives][internal_link: SSI & SSDI Work Incentives] for more[2].
You need detailed medical records, treatment history, and statements from your doctor showing how OCD limits your daily activities and ability to work. Statements from family, friends, or employers can also help. Massachusetts DDS will review all evidence to decide your case[3].
No, Massachusetts does not have a separate state disability benefit for OCD. However, it adds a supplement to federal SSI payments. You can also access health coverage through MassHealth, which may include mental health services[4][5].
Processing times vary but usually take several months. Delays are common if medical evidence is incomplete. Checking your application status online or calling Massachusetts DDS can help you stay informed[3].
You have the right to appeal. Many people are approved after appealing. Contact Massachusetts DDS or a legal aid organization for help with the appeals process[3].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Benefit rules and amounts change. Always contact the Social Security Administration, Massachusetts DDS, or MassHealth for official information about your individual case and before making financial or medical decisions.
Yes, SSI recipients usually qualify for MassHealth automatically. If you do not get SSI, you may still qualify based on your income and disability status[5].
SSI counts most cash and in-kind support you receive. Earned and unearned income are counted, but some types of income are excluded. The SSA and DDS use your total countable income to determine eligibility[4].
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. Up to $100,000 does not count against SSI asset limits. These accounts help cover therapy, housing, and other costs—see our [ABLE Accounts][internal_link: ABLE Accounts] guide.
MassHealth and Medicaid waivers may provide mental health services, but there is no state-funded OCD-specific benefit. Always check with DDS and MassHealth for current programs and supports[3][5].
Contact Massachusetts Disability Determination Services (DDS) at 617-727-1600, visit your local Social Security office, or apply online at SSA.gov. Social workers and legal aid organizations can also help with the process[3].
