Disability Benefits (EAEDC, SSI, SSDI)

Brief Explanation of Disability Benefits

1. There are 3 different programs that a person can apply for that might all be called "disability"

   1. EAEDC- this is "Emergency Assistance for the Elderly, Disabled and Children", and is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. the eligibility requirements are as follows: "unable to work due to a physical or mental incapacity which has lasted or will last at least 60 days and meets the Department-established medical standards for disability;". Also, Contrary to popular belief, EAEDC is theoretically indefinite, unlike unemployment insurance. The two are often mixed up but are two separate programs. If you are applying for SSI/SSDI at the same time as EAEDC, they will give you more money, then deduct some amount from your SSI/SSDI check when you get it to pay the extra back that EAEDC gave you 

   2. SSI- this is social security's disability insurance for any low-income individual. you do not have to have paid into Social Security to get it. the eligibility requirements, broadly, are that you are disabled, for 1 year or more, or expected to be disabled for one year or more, and also you have low income 

   3. SSDI- this is like SSI, in that it is for people who are disabled, but you must have paid enough into social security to get this benefit

EAEDC

1. to apply, you go to your local DTA office- listing of offices: https://eohhs.ehs.state.ma.us/DTAOffices/default.aspx

2. Eligibility: 

   • You must have at least one physical or mental health problem that lasts at least 60 days. 

   • You must have trouble supporting yourself through work.

   • The EAEDC disability standard is not as strict as SSI. Your disability does not have to be as severe and you do not need to show it will last 12 months or more.

3. EAEDC FAQ's: http://www.masslegalhelp.org/income-benefits/eaedc-rights

4. DTA online guid (lists all rules, regulations, etc.): http://webapps.ehs.state.ma.us/DTA/PolicyOnline/!SSL!/WebHelp/userguide_test.htm

SSI/SSDI

1. to apply for SSDI, you can go online to this portal- this will lead you a preliminary application: https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dib

2. to apply for SSI you schedule an appointment with a Social security representative at your local SSA office and do an interview. Details of this process at https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/ssi.html

3. For an overview of both programs go to http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/page5-13.html#

4. for information about SSI/SSDI eligibility and application process go to http://severe.net/

If you are on SSI/SSDI and are working/ thinking of going back to work:

1. contact Project IMPACT-" Project IMPACT provides personal benefit counseling to people that get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and are employed or looking for a job. This can help individuals with disabilities understand what may happen when they go to work or increase earnings."

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/statewide-employment-services

2.  contact: Joseph Reale 

   1. 617-204-3854 

   2.  Joseph.Reale@mrc.state.ma.us. 

this page last updated: 9/7/2023