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Massachusetts • Physical/Mobility
Massachusetts offers comprehensive support for people with Spina Bifida. Federal programs like SSI, SSDI, and ABLE accounts pair with state Medicaid waivers and personal support services. This guide details eligibility, how to apply step-by-step, work incentives, and unique Massachusetts disability benefits.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) with Spina Bifida, you must have a significant work history and a disability expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[6]. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is based on financial need and limited income/assets, regardless of work history[3]. In 2025, the monthly federal SSI rate is $967 for individuals, $1,450 for couples[4]. Both programs require a medical review of your Spina Bifida and its impact on daily life[3].
If you work, SSDI work incentives let you try a job without losing benefits right away. In 2025, the limit for income from work (Substantial Gainful Activity or SGA) is $1,620/month for non-blind people, $2,700/month if you are blind[2]. SSI counts most income and assets—earned and unearned—when deciding if you qualify[4].
If you became disabled as a child, Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB) may provide monthly payments based on a parent’s work record—check with the SSA for details. If you’re not sure which program fits, see our SSI vs SSDI comparison for more insights (use the internal link for more).
Massachusetts reviews all SSI and SSDI applications through MassAbility Disability Determination Services (DDS)[3]. DDS uses your medical records, job history, education, and input from your health care providers to decide if Spina Bifida affects your ability to work for at least a year[3].
Massachusetts also offers a small state supplement for SSI, increasing the monthly maximum above the federal SSI rate[4]. All determinations are made according to federal law, but the state process includes local medical reviews and appeals. If you are denied, you may appeal—the process starts with a state review.
The state’s Medicaid program (MassHealth) covers many treatments for Spina Bifida, including physical therapy, assistive devices, and home care. There are also Medicaid waivers (HCBS) for people with complex disabilities needing support at home instead of a nursing facility. Eligibility for these waivers depends on medical need and, sometimes, income (see the Medicaid waivers guide on our site for details).
Start early—applications can take months. Gather your medical records, work history, and proof of income/assets.
Online or by phone: Apply for SSI/SSDI at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. For MassHealth, apply online at mass.gov/masshealth.
Contact MassAbility DDS if you have questions: Boston 617-727-1600, Worcester 508-752-5001[3].
Ask for help from local disability groups if forms are confusing.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For adults who have worked and paid into Social Security and now have a disability (like Spina Bifida) that prevents work for at least 12 months[3][6]. Amounts depend on work history and may go up with annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA)[1].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For people with disabilities, including children and adults, who have limited income and assets[4]. In 2025, the federal payment is up to $967/month for individuals, $1,450 for couples[4].
ABLE Accounts: Federal law lets people with disabilities save money in a special account without losing SSI or Medicaid—great for Spina Bifida medical costs or independence[6].
Work Incentives: SSDI offers a 9-month trial work period and extended eligibility if employment is possible[2]. SSI has special rules for earned income[4]. See our SSI & SSDI work incentives guide.
MassHealth: Massachusetts’ Medicaid program covers doctor visits, hospital care, physical therapy, equipment, and home care for people with Spina Bifida. Eligibility depends on income and assets for most programs—higher limits apply for people with disabilities[5].
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Home and Community-Based Services waivers allow people with complex needs (including Spina Bifida) to get care at home instead of a nursing facility. Waivers may cover personal care, respite, home modifications, and more—apply through MassHealth[5].
Massachusetts State Supplement: For SSI recipients, Massachusetts adds a small extra payment each month above the federal SSI rate. The amount depends on your living situation and income[4].
Work Incentives: Massachusetts follows federal SSDI/SSI work rules, but local agencies can help you understand and report income changes[2].
ABLE accounts are special savings accounts for people with disabilities. Massachusetts residents with Spina Bifida can save up to $100,000 in an ABLE account without affecting SSI eligibility. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses—medical care, education, housing, transportation, and more. Learn more in our ABLE accounts guide.
For SSDI in 2025, you can earn up to $1,620/month (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind) during a trial work period without losing benefits[2]. After 36 months, SSDI benefits only stop if you earn above this limit[2].
For SSI, most earned and unearned income counts toward strict monthly limits—$967 for an individual, $1,450 for a couple, minus the first $20 of most income types[4].
MassHealth income limits are higher for people with disabilities; check mass.gov/masshealth for exact amounts and asset rules.
You must report changes in income, work, living situation, or health to SSA and MassHealth as soon as possible. If you get too much money by accident, you may have to pay it back. Learn how to avoid overpayments and correctly report changes in our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.
Massachusetts adds extra money each month on top of federal SSI for people with disabilities. This supplement varies depending on your living situation and income. Always check your award letter for the exact amount.
If you return to work, SSI and SSDI have special rules that let you keep some benefits. For SSDI, you get a 9-month trial work period. For SSI, the first $20 of most income and some work expenses don’t count. This helps you stay independent without losing support.
Massachusetts has local offices for both MassHealth and Social Security. Additionally, local disability advocacy groups can help with forms, appeals, and understanding your rights—just ask for help if you need it.
Yes. SSDI lets you try working for at least 9 months without losing benefits. After that, you have 36 months of extended eligibility as long as your earnings stay below the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025, $2,700 if blind)[2]. SSI also has work incentives, but most income counts against your monthly limit[4].
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security; SSI is for those with limited income and assets, regardless of work history. See our SSI vs SSDI comparison for more info.
The federal SSI rate for 2025 is $967/month for individuals and $1,450 for couples. Massachusetts adds a small supplement, so your total may be slightly higher[4].
No. You must prove your Spina Bifida prevents you from working (for SSDI) or meets SSA’s rules for disability. Medical documentation is required[6].
Yes—an ABLE account lets you save up to $100,000 without losing SSI. The money can be used for qualified disability expenses.
Appeal the decision. The process starts with a state review, then a hearing. Local agencies and legal aid groups can help you.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Rules and benefits may change. Consult official sources and, if needed, a benefits counselor or lawyer before making decisions about your benefits.
Yes. MassHealth covers medical care, equipment, home care, and some home modifications for people with disabilities. There are also Medicaid waivers for in-home care[5].
Tell the SSA and MassHealth immediately—online, by phone, or in person. This can prevent overpayments and keep your benefits accurate.
Yes. MassAbility Disability Determination Services reviews applications and approves claims for SSI/SSDI in Massachusetts[3]. MassHealth handles Medicaid and waiver services[5].
MassHealth covers doctor visits, hospital care, physical therapy, durable medical equipment, home care, and more for people with Spina Bifida.
