The United States Social Security Administration has different programs to help support people with disabilities. It can be a confusing and complex topic to navigate; below is some basic information on SSI & SSDI as well as links to sites that have more specific info on those programs. There are also links to work incentive programs which are important to learn about. 

From the SSA Website:

Who can apply for adult disability benefits online?

You can use the online application to apply for disability benefits if you:

• Are age 18 or older;
• Are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record;
• Are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death; and
• Have not been denied disability benefits in the last 60 days. If your application was recently denied, our Internet Appeal application is a starting point to request a review of the determination we made.

You can now also file for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) online but only if you meet certain requirements. You are eligible to file online for SSI if you:

• Are between the ages of 18 and 65;
• Have never been married;
• Aren’t blind;
• Are a U.S. citizen residing in one of the fifty states, District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands;
• Haven’t applied for or received SSI benefits in the past; and
• Are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance at the same time as your SSI claim. Find out if you are eligible to receive Social Security Disability Benefits.

Link to information on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) & Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/

Social Security Online Application
http://www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/apply.html

SSA Brochure for Transition Age Youth 

Need help understanding your benefits?  You are not alone!  There are several organizations that can help you better understand and maximize your benefits.

 Click below to download a helpful brochure on work incentives and benefits planning! 

Benefits Brochure

MRC Benefits Counseling

• Ages 16-adulthood
  Consultation and information for those receiving SSI/SSDI benefits, who need help understanding eligibility and the impact work may have on their benefits.

 Kathleen Kelly, MPA
Student Benefits Counselor/Transition
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)

5 Middlesex Avenue, 3rd Floor
Somerville, MA 02145
(857) 319-1021 (Voice)
(617) 776-1331 (FAX)
Kathleen.Kelly@mass.gov

Click here for the Work Without Limits Benefits Counseling website

From the Work Without Limits Website: 

Are you receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?  Do you want to know how work will affect your benefits?  If so, contact the Work Without Limits team of highly skilled Benefits Counselors.

Work Without Limits Benefits Counseling provides:

• Information on how earnings will affect:
• Cash benefits (SSI/SSDI)
• Health insurance (MassHealth/Medicare)
• Other public benefits (Housing, SNAP, etc.)
• One-on-one counseling
• Trainings for consumers and providers

If you are looking for work or are working:

• Work Without Limits 1-877-YES-WORK (1-877-937-9675).

If you’re not working, but have general questions:  

• Ticket to Work Help Line 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY)

Contact Us
If you are currently receiving SSDI and/or SSI due to a disability and have questions about the impact of your work, please contact us at 1-877-YES-WORK (1-877-937-9675)