Spinal Cord Injury Benefits in Massachusetts

• To qualify for SSDI, you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. This is based on your work history and Social Security taxes paid.
• For SSI, eligibility depends on low income and limited resources. You must be disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability as the inability to do substantial work due to a medical condition expected to last at least one year or result in death.
• For spinal cord injury, SSA uses specific medical criteria to decide if your condition meets their definition of disability.
• Both programs require detailed medical records and may use consultative exams to confirm your disability status.
• You must also meet citizenship or lawful residency requirements.

Sources: SSA Disability Qualifications (accessed 2025-11-06)

• In Massachusetts, the Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews your medical and work history to decide if you qualify for SSDI or SSI.
• DDS uses medical records, job history, and sometimes independent exams to make decisions.
• Massachusetts pays a small state supplement to SSI recipients, increasing the total monthly payment.
• Eligibility for state programs like Medicaid waivers depends on your income, resources, and level of need.
• For spinal cord injury, you may qualify for additional supports such as home care, equipment, and transportation if you meet program rules.
• You must report changes in income, living situation, or medical status to keep your benefits.

Sources: MassAbility DDS (accessed 2025-11-06), Massachusetts SSI Supplement (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Gather your medical records, work history, and personal documents.
• Contact MassAbility Disability Determination Services to start your application.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or in person at a Social Security office.
• Be ready to provide details about your spinal cord injury and how it affects your daily life.
• Follow up with DDS if they request more information or exams.
• Report any changes in your situation to avoid delays or overpayments.

• Step 1: Collect all medical records related to your spinal cord injury, including doctor reports, test results, and treatment plans.
• Step 2: Make a list of your work history for the past 15 years, including job titles and physical requirements.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
• Step 4: MassAbility DDS will review your application and may ask for more information or schedule a consultative exam.
• Step 5: Respond promptly to any requests from DDS to avoid delays.
• Step 6: If approved, you will receive monthly payments. If denied, you can appeal the decision.
• Step 7: Report any changes in income, living situation, or medical status to keep your benefits.
• Step 8: Explore state programs like Medicaid waivers for extra support.

Sources: MassAbility DDS (accessed 2025-11-06), SSA How to Apply (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments based on your work history and Social Security taxes paid.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with low income and limited resources.
• Medicare: Health coverage for SSDI recipients after 24 months of disability.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for SSI recipients and those with low income.
• Work incentives: Programs that let you keep benefits while working, such as the Ticket to Work program.

Sources: SSA Disability Programs (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Massachusetts SSI State Supplement: A small extra payment added to federal SSI for eligible residents.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Programs that help with home care, equipment, and other supports for people with disabilities.
• MassHealth: Massachusetts Medicaid program that covers health care for low-income individuals.
• Work Without Limits: A state program that helps people with disabilities find and keep jobs.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.

Sources: Massachusetts Financial Assistance (accessed 2025-11-06), MassAbility DDS (accessed 2025-11-06), MassHealth (accessed 2025-11-06)

• ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• You can use ABLE funds for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation.
• Massachusetts offers its own ABLE program with state tax benefits.
• Learn more and apply at the Massachusetts ABLE Program (accessed 2025-11-06).

• For SSI in 2025, the maximum federal payment is $967 for an individual and $1450 for a married couple. Massachusetts adds a small state supplement.
• Income includes cash, in-kind support, and deemed income from a spouse or parent.
• Earned income is treated more favorably than unearned income for SSI.
• The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for SSDI in 2025 is expected to be around $1,500 per month for non-blind individuals.

Sources: SSA SSI Payment Amounts (accessed 2025-11-06), Massachusetts SSI Supplement (accessed 2025-11-06)

• You must report changes in income, living situation, or medical status to avoid overpayments.
• Overpayments can happen if you don't report changes or if there is an error in your case.
• If you get an overpayment, you may have to repay it, but you can request a waiver if it wasn't your fault.
• Always keep records of what you report and when.

Sources: SSA Overpayments (accessed 2025-11-06)

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

  Website

  Boston Location: 135 Santilli Way, Everett, MA 02149

• What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

  SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes paid. SSI is for people with low income and limited resources. Both can help with spinal cord injury, but eligibility rules are different.

• How much can I earn and still get SSI in Massachusetts?

  In 2025, the maximum federal SSI payment is $967 for an individual. Massachusetts adds a small state supplement. Your total income must be below certain limits to qualify.

• Can I work while getting SSDI or SSI?

  Yes, there are work incentives that let you keep benefits while working. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for SSDI in 2025 is expected to be around $1,500 per month for non-blind individuals.

• What medical records do I need for a spinal cord injury claim?

  You need doctor reports, test results, treatment plans, and any other records that show how your spinal cord injury affects your daily life and ability to work.

• How long does it take to get a decision on my disability claim?

  It can take several months to get a decision. MassAbility DDS reviews your records and may ask for more information or exams. Responding quickly can help speed up the process.

• What is a Medicaid waiver and how can it help me?

  A Medicaid waiver helps pay for home care, equipment, and other supports for people with disabilities. You must meet income and need requirements to qualify.