Short Stature Benefits in Massachusetts

• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a disability that prevents substantial work and have paid enough Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources who have a qualifying disability, regardless of work history.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses medical criteria to decide if a condition, including short stature, is disabling. Short stature alone may not qualify unless it causes severe functional limitations or is part of a syndrome that meets SSA criteria.
• In 2025, the maximum SSI payment is $967/month for an individual and $1,450/month for a married couple. SSDI payments vary based on work history.
• The SSA also sets income and resource limits for SSI eligibility.

Sources: SSA Disability Qualifications, SSA SSI Payment Rates 2025

• Massachusetts offers a small state supplement to SSI payments for eligible residents.
• The state also has cash assistance programs for people with disabilities, including the Emergency Aid to Elders, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) program. In April 2025, EAEDC grants will increase by 10% to $441/month for an individual.
• To qualify for state cash assistance, you must meet income and disability criteria set by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA).
• Medicaid waivers (HCBS) are available for people with disabilities who need home and community-based services. Eligibility is based on functional need and income.
• Massachusetts does not have a separate state disability insurance program; federal SSDI and SSI are the main sources of disability income.

Sources: Massachusetts State Supplement Program, Massachusetts FY25 Budget Cash Assistance Increase

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Contact MassAbility Disability Determination Services to start your SSDI/SSI application.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or in person at a local Social Security office.
• For state cash assistance, apply through the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) online or at a local office.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact the Department of Developmental Services or MassHealth.

Sources: Apply for SSDI/SSI in MA, DTA Application

• Step 1: Collect medical records, proof of income, and identification.
• Step 2: Contact MassAbility Disability Determination Services to discuss your eligibility and start the application process.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI/SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. The SSA will review your medical evidence and work history.
• Step 4: If approved for SSI, you may automatically qualify for the Massachusetts State Supplement. If not, apply separately through the DTA.
• Step 5: For state cash assistance (EAEDC), apply online at DTAConnect or at a local DTA office. You will need to provide proof of disability and income.
• Step 6: For Medicaid waivers (HCBS), contact the Department of Developmental Services or MassHealth to learn about eligibility and application.
• Step 7: Report any changes in income, living situation, or medical status to avoid overpayments.

Sources: Apply for SSDI/SSI in MA, DTA Application, Medicaid Waivers in MA

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments based on work history. In 2025, the average payment is around $1,500/month, but varies by individual.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources. In 2025, the maximum is $967/month for an individual and $1,450/month for a couple.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people on SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and resources, often available with SSI.

Sources: SSA Benefits, SSA SSI Payment Rates 2025

• Massachusetts State Supplement Program (SSP): Small monthly payment added to SSI for eligible residents. Contact SSP at (877) 863-1128.
• Emergency Aid to Elders, Disabled and Children (EAEDC): Cash assistance for people with disabilities. In April 2025, the maximum grant will be $441/month for an individual.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Home and community-based services for people with disabilities. Eligibility is based on functional need and income.
• MassHealth: State Medicaid program providing health coverage for people with disabilities and low income.

Sources: Massachusetts State Supplement Program, Massachusetts FY25 Budget Cash Assistance Increase, Medicaid Waivers in MA

• ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• You can save up to $18,000 per year in an ABLE account.
• Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like education, housing, and transportation.
• Massachusetts offers the ABLEnow program. Learn more at ABLEnow.

Sources: ABLEnow MA

• SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.
• Earned income is treated more favorably than unearned income for SSI.
• Massachusetts state cash assistance programs have their own income limits, which are higher than SSI limits.

Sources: SSA SSI Payment Rates 2025, Massachusetts State Supplement Program

• Report any changes in income, living situation, or medical status to the SSA and DTA to avoid overpayments.
• Overpayments can result in repayment demands or benefit reductions.
• Keep records of all changes and communications with agencies.

Sources: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes (internal link)

• MassAbility Disability Determination Services
  Phone: 617-727-1600 or 617-654-7485

  Website

  Boston Location: 135 Santilli Way, Everett, MA 02149
• Massachusetts State Supplement Program (SSP)
  Phone: 877-863-1128

  Website

  For state supplement and cash assistance

• Can short stature qualify for disability benefits in Massachusetts?

  Short stature alone may not qualify for disability benefits unless it causes significant functional limitations or is part of a syndrome that meets SSA criteria. Medical evidence is required to show how the condition affects daily life and work.

• What is the maximum SSI payment in Massachusetts in 2025?

  The maximum federal SSI payment in 2025 is $967/month for an individual and $1,450/month for a married couple. Massachusetts adds a small state supplement to this amount.

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Massachusetts?

  You can apply for SSDI/SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. For state cash assistance, apply through the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA).

• What is the Massachusetts State Supplement Program?

  The Massachusetts State Supplement Program (SSP) adds a small monthly payment to SSI for eligible residents. Contact SSP at (877) 863-1128 for more information.

• What are Medicaid waivers in Massachusetts?

  Medicaid waivers (HCBS) provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. Eligibility is based on functional need and income. Contact the Department of Developmental Services or MassHealth for details.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits in Massachusetts?

  Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits. The SSA allows a certain amount of earned income before benefits are reduced. Work incentives are available to help you keep benefits while working.