Welcome to Disability Benefits Help, an organization committed to helping claimants across the United States receive approval for disability benefits.
Since applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a difficult process, a disability attorney or advocate may increase your chances of being awarded benefits by helping accurately and favorably complete the complex paperwork, ensuring that all deadlines are met, and providing you with representation at a hearing. After submitting our web form, you will receive a 100% FREE evaluation of your disability claim. Disability attorneys and advocates receive compensation if you are awarded back benefits. We have no affiliation with the Social Security Administration, the agency at which you can apply for Social Security disability at no cost.
It can be scary to think about how you’re going to pay the bills if you’re disabled and can’t work. Disability benefits in Massachusetts are available to any state resident who has either worked in the past but can’t work now, or who has never been able to work because of a disability.
When you apply for Social Security disability benefits in Massachusetts you may be approved for a monthly benefit payment that can help you pay for your rent or mortgage, food, utilities, and other bills.
Understanding The Definition Of Disability In Massachusetts
The definition of disability in Massachusetts and the definition of disability used by the Social Security Administration are similar. Both effectively mean that in order to have your application for disability benefits approved you will have to show proof that you are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity.
Substantial gainful activity is just another way of saying work. If you can prove that you can’t do any kind of work that you could get paid for then you may be approved for Social Security disability benefits. To qualify for Social Security disability benefits you must also expect that your condition will make it impossible for you to work for at least a year.
If your application for disability benefits is approved you may also be able to get other types of aid from Massachusetts and the Federal government like housing assistance, WIC or SNAP, help with utility bills, or reduced-cost medical care.
What Disabling Conditions Qualify In Massachusetts?
There are more than 200 physical and mental health conditions that qualify for Social Security disability benefits. If you have one of the conditions that are listed in the SSA’s Blue Book, and you can prove that you meet the requirements listed in the Blue Book for that condition, you may be approved for disability benefits.
To find out if the medical condition you have is recognized by the Social Security Administration You can search the Blue Book on the SSA’s website, or you can visit your local SSA office to read through the Blue Book there.
When you are preparing your application, it’s recommended that you gather as much proof of your disability as you can get. The more documentation you have showing that your disability meets the Blue Book standards the more likely it is your application will be approved.
You also need work credits to be approved for one type of disability benefit. Work credits are earned when you get paid for a job. You can earn up to 4 credits per year. The number of work credits you will need to qualify for disability benefits in Massachusetts depends on your age and how many years you worked.
Types of Disability Benefits Available in Massachusetts
There are two different types of disability benefits available in Massachusetts: SSDI or SSI. SSDI is for people who have recently become disabled, and SSI is for people who have been disabled all their lives.
Massachusetts Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
If you have worked in the past because you were not disabled, then you should apply for SSDI. SSDI is a disability benefit paid to people who have been working, but now have a medical condition that makes it impossible for them to work.
In order to qualify for SSDI in Massachusetts you must show that you have a condition listed in the Blue Book and that you won’t be able to work for at least 12 months. You will also need to show that you have earned the required amount of work credits for your age. The average monthly SSDI payment in Massachusetts in 2024 is $1493.30
Massachusetts Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a disability benefit created to help people who have never been able to work because they have been disabled all their lives. Typically, a child who has a disability will apply for SSI just before their 18th birthday. They are eligible to receive SSI once they turn 18.
If you’re a parent and you’re not disabled, but you have a child that is, you may apply for SSI for your child. If your application is approved you will need to submit documentation of how the money is spent each month to prove it’s being spent on the child’s expenses.
There is an income cap because SSI is only supposed to go to parents who really need it for their child. You will have to show that your total household income is below the income cap set by the SSA. To prove your income is below the cap you will need to submit W-2s, tax returns, or other financial documents that show your total income.
State of Massachusetts Disability Programs
Massachusetts is one of only a handful of states that has state-sponsored short-term disability coverage for workers. It’s called the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program. It provides paid leave benefits for various reasons, including personal medical leave for an individual's own serious health condition.
Usually, there is a 30-day waiting period for short-term disability coverage. And, if you become disabled, you can apply for benefits after you have been disabled for seven days.
If your previous employer offers long-term disability coverage and you opted into that, you can receive both long-term disability benefits and SSDI.
However, the combined total of your benefits can’t be more than your pre-disability salary. If you have both long-term disability benefits and SSDI your SSDI will be reduced in whatever amount is necessary to bring your total benefit under your previous salary.
Find A Disability Lawyer In Massachusetts
Many people are confused by the process of applying for SSDI or SSI. Talking to a disability lawyer in Massachusetts is the best way to get reliable answers to your questions and get the correct information for your state. A disability lawyer can be a big help throughout the application process. Your Massachusetts disability lawyer can help you do things like:
- Evaluate Your Case
- Gather Medical Evidence
- Prepare and File Your Application
- Navigate Complex Regulations.
- Represent You at Hearings
- Communicate with SSA for you
- Challenge Denial
- Ensure Accurate Documentation
- Advise on Work History and Eligibility
Don’t worry about the cost. You don’t have to pay any money upfront to talk with a Massachusetts disability attorney. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation now to get connected with a Massachusetts disability attorney who can answer your questions and give you advice.
How Much Disability Can You Receive in Massachusetts?
If the application for Social Security disability benefits in Massachusetts is approved you could receive the maximum disability benefit payment of $3,822 a month from the Social Security Administration. If you are approved for SSI the maximum SSI benefit is $943 for one person, and $1,415 a month if you are married to someone that also receives SSI.
To find out what your Social Security benefit payment could be, use our disability benefit calculator. Then, reach out to a Massachusetts Social Security lawyer who can help you start your application.
