If you cannot work due to a chronic disease or another handicapping condition, you may be eligible for Social Security Administration (SSA) payments. You may be qualified to apply for either Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) depending on your job history. To receive benefits under any of these programs, you must submit an application for benefits to the Social Security Administration along with supporting documents and fulfill the eligibility standards for either SSDI or SSI. If you are interested in the SSDI application process in Massachusetts, click here to know more.
What disability programs in Massachusetts should I apply for?
There are no Massachusetts-specific disability programs, although individuals with impairments can still qualify for benefits through federal and commercial insurance programs.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
The federal government provides SSDI benefits to persons who have worked and paid taxes for years but cannot work due to a medical condition. SSDI provides the highest payout levels of any disability program and includes health insurance (Medicare).
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Americans with a limited work history or who have not worked lately enough to qualify for SSDI may be eligible for SSI. There are income restrictions for SSI. However, it includes Medicaid coverage.
- Veterans disability benefits
These benefits are provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to active and retired veterans, especially those who were injured while serving in the military and are unable to work as a result. You can obtain VA benefits in addition to SSDI or SSI.
- Long-term or short-term private disability insurance
These insurance are available from both private insurers and employers. Payments can be up to 60% of your previous earnings, but you can only qualify if you had a policy before the health condition preventing you from working. If you qualify, your benefits might extend for months or years, depending on your plan. Long-term disability insurance policies may also compel you to apply for SSDI and penalize you if you do not.
Qualifying for disability in Massachusetts
Massachusetts citizens must fulfill stringent medical and technological standards to qualify for disability benefits. Although the technical criteria for SSDI and SSI differ, both programs have the same medical standards.
Medical qualifications
There are two ways to be medically qualified for disability. You need to prove that you have an impairment or qualifying medical condition that makes it difficult for you to work. The SSA will also want proof that your condition is projected to endure at least a year, if not the remainder of your life.
You may be eligible for an accelerated procedure if you have a severe or terminal ailment. For more information, consult a Social Security attorney today.
