Social Security and Supplemental Security Income

Social Security is a federally funded program that provides income to millions of Americans, including retired workers, people with disabilities, and eligible dependents and survivors. Managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA), benefits are primarily determined by work history, disability status, or, in the case of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), financial need.  Note we use SSA instead of spelling Social Security Administration. 

The Social Security Administration offers financial support for people with disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefit, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These programs have different eligibility rules and benefits. However, all disability-based programs require a qualifying disability: a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that prevents substantial gainful activity and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. In 2026, the earnings limit to be considered unable to be employed is $1,690 a month  

Types of Benefits

1. Retirement benefits are based on employment earnings with a qualifying work history beginning at age 62. A qualifying work history is typically a minimum of 10 years. Full retirement age (67) for those born after 1960 is higher and there are incentives for delaying retirement until 70 years. Retirement at those ages means an increased monthly benefit amount. 
2. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides funds for those who have a qualifying work history, a qualifying disability, and meet income limits. https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/massachusetts-disability-benefits-social-security-disability-insurance-ssi.html  
3. Disabled Adult Child benefit (DAC) provides funds to a person with a disability when they depend on their parent who has a qualifying work history and is retired, disabled, or deceased. This benefit also is considered SSDI. This SSA brochure explains “adult child” benefits on page 7.  
4. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is based on financial need and does not require a work history. For people with little or no income and assets, SSI provides financial assistance to those who are age 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability and you should apply at 18 years.  It helps to cover basic living expenses such as food and housing. Unlike payroll-funded Social Security, SSI is funded by general taxes and is not based on work history.  For an adult age 18 or older with a qualifying disability, eligibility is determined by their individual income and assets, so their family’s resources are not counted in the individual’s income eligibility. SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid, which provides health coverage for low-income individuals as well as SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly known as food stamps) | Mass.gov  Some states, such as Massachusetts, offer additional payments to eligible SSI recipients. For more information about eligibility for the State Supplemental Program (SSP), see here: Learn about Massachusetts State Supplement Program eligibility and payments | Mass.gov  

You can apply for Social Security or SSI here. 

How to Apply for Social Security Benefits

To apply for social security benefits, you can complete the application online, in-person, by calling your local social security office or 800-772-1213. Apply online at Apply for Social Security Benefits | SSA. You will be asked to create an account using your personal information, such as your social security number, birth date, address and email address. 

If you need in-person help, you must make an appointment before you visit. To locate your nearest social security office by zip code, check here: Social Security Office Locator, SSA Office Locator   

Required Documentation for Disability Benefits

• Your Social Security Number 
• Medical records from your healthcare providers, including doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics, and caseworkers 
• Laboratory and test results 
• Contact information (names, addresses, phone numbers, and fax numbers) of your healthcare providers 
• A list of all medications you are currently taking 
• Employment history, including the names of your employers and descriptions of your job duties for the past 15 years 
• If you are filing for a child, you will also need to provide school records related to your child’s disability. 

In Massachusetts, applications are assigned to MassAbility (formerly MRC), which is responsible for reviewing medical evidence and determining whether the applicant’s impairment meets the qualifying disability standard to receive benefits. After reviewing your application and disability documentation, you are informed of approval or denial by SSA. 

Your Right to Appeal Disability Decision

If you aren’t approved for benefits, you have 60 days to appeal the denial. The first step in a disability appeal is “reconsideration.” At the reconsideration level, a different examiner reviews your file and decides whether the initial denial was incorrect. About 20% of Massachusetts claims are approved at this stage. 

If denied after reconsideration, you may request a hearing with an administrative law judge. Social Security’s Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) schedules and conducts disability hearings across Massachusetts. 

Social Security Benefits Counselors Help

Massachusetts provides Social Security Benefits Counselors and other programs to help people with disabilities understand social security requirements and access their benefits. Benefits Counselors support new applications, analyze situations to help families apply for and receive benefits, and can help at all stages of the process. They also provide counseling on how to maintain benefits while working at a job. If you live in the tan area of the state, contact Project Impact’s MassAbility Benefits Counselors. If you are in the reddish-brown areas of the state, contact Work Without Limits, Benefits Counseling – Work Without Limits. 

Because eligibility rules are complex and individual circumstances vary, individuals and families are strongly encouraged to consult with a certified Social Security Benefits Counselor before applying or returning to work.  The map below is from “Work Without Limits.” 

Additional Social Security Resources

• https://benefits.com/social-security-disability/massachusetts/How Massachusetts SSDI and SSI Benefits Work
• Frequently Asked Questions | SSA More than 200 of the most commonly asked questions about social security benefits and their answers.
• Disability Starter Kits | Disability | SSA Link to disability starter kit for information about the specific documents and the information required to apply for social security. The kits also provide general information about the disability programs and our decision-making process that can help take some of the mystery out of applying for disability benefits.
• Download Adult Child Disability Starter Kit with application information  

Tips for Success with Social Security Administration (SSA)

• Adults with disabilities living with family can apply for Social Security (SS) or SSI at age 18 years 
• Consult with Social Security Benefits Counselor 
• Provide information and documents required 
• Respond quickly to all inquiries from SSA 
• Keep SSA updated on changes in contact information, income, assets, work or disability status 
• Appeal negative decisions  
• There is a 24-month waiting benefit before you can receive Medicare if you do qualify for SS benefits as an adult