Am I eligible for SSDI or SSI benefits?
You are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if you:
- are between the age of 18-65 with a disability,
- employed,
- have earned the required amount of hourly-based work credits, and
- have Social Security coverage
You are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you:
- are 65 or older or have a disability,
- unemployed, or
- are employed but have not earned a required amount of hourly-based work-credits
How to apply for SSDI or SSI benefits
To apply for SSDI or SSI services, visit ssa.org or contact your local Social Security Administration (SSA) Office. You can also use the direct contact links below.
How can I speed up my application?
You can speed up your benefits determination by making sure to submit all the information required, including:
- Your social security number
- Medical records from your physician, therapist, hospital, clinic, and/or caseworker.
- Contact information for the above (address, phone number, and fax number)
- List of all medications you are taking
- Names of your employers/job titles for the last 15 years
Important things to know
- Don’t wait to file your benefits claim. You can still start your application—even if you don’t have all your information available.
Who determines my eligibility for SSDI or SSI?
MassAbility Disability Determination Services (DDS) determines if you are eligible for Social Security Disability (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To help evaluate benefit claims as quickly as possible, DDS uses over:
- 70 in-house medical and mental-health professionals
- 300 medical and mental-health consultants from across Massachusetts
Professionals and consultants will make decisions based on:
- A detailed job history which includes a list of physical requirements of each role you’ve held for the last 15 years
- Your education history
DDS will also evaluate information gathered from:
- Medical care providers
- Mental health providers
- Medical records
- School records
- DDS-authorized examinations performed by a panel of physicians and/or mental health professionals
- Family, friends, and personal acquaintances
Contact MassAbility Disability Determination Services
| Boston Location | Worcester Location |
|---|---|
135 Santilli Way, Everett, MA 02149 | 16 Chestnut Street Suite 300, Worcester, MA 01608 |
| Phone: 617-727-1600 or 617-654-7485 | Phone: 508-752-5001 or 1-800-551-5532 (toll free) |
| Fax: 617-654-7544 or 617-654-7485 | Fax: 508-797-1562 |
File a claim with SSA
Online
Phone 1-800-772-1213 TTY 1-800-325-0778