Filing for Disability in Massachusetts
When disability claims are medically reviewed in Massachusetts, 36.1% are approved — below the national average of 36.5%. This rate measures how often claims are approved at medical review, not all applications filed.
In prototype states, denied claims skip reconsideration and go directly to a hearing. The 10 prototype states are: Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, and Pennsylvania. Learn how prototype states differ →
Your Chances at the Initial Level
Medical approval rate = allowances / completed medical determinations at DDS.
Nat'l avg: 36.5%
Nat'l avg: 38.5%
Nat'l avg: 42.2%
Know Your Numbers
Massachusetts approves 36.1% of initial disability claims. That’s 0.4 percentage points below the national average of 36.5%. Understanding your state’s data before you file helps you prepare.
Get your free personalized Approval Guide with your local approval data, condition context, and next-step guidance.
Get Your Free GuideWhat You Could Receive
National payment amounts by program. Individual amounts vary based on earnings history and state supplements.
Avg New SSDI Award
$1,810/mo
Max SSDI Benefit
$4,152/mo
SSI Individual Rate
$994/mo
SSI Couple Rate
$1,491/mo
SSDI amounts based on your earnings record. SSI is the 2026 federal rate; some states add a supplement. How benefits are calculated →
Medical Approval Rate Over Time
Monthly medical approval rates (allowances / determinations at DDS) for Massachusetts vs. the national average. Data covers Feb 2021 – Jul 2026 (monthly).
Massachusetts's medical approval rate has fallen from 42.9% to 36.1% over this period.
At a Glance — July 2026
Monthly activity and current caseload at the state DDS office
Approval Rate
36.1%
Claims Filed
3,690
Determinations
2,696
Pending Claims
13,311
If Your Claim Is Denied
Hearing
In prototype states, denied claims skip reconsideration and go directly to a hearing. Hearing office assignment is based on your ZIP code, not state lines — some residents may be assigned to an office in a neighboring state.
Boston
Hearing OfficeBoston · 6 judges · 9.0 months wait · 1,966 pending
approval
Lawrence
Hearing OfficeLawrence · 5 judges · 9.0 months wait · 1,548 pending
approval
Springfield
Hearing OfficeSpringfield · 6 judges · 9.0 months wait · 1,804 pending
approval
Detailed Breakdown
Initial Rates
- Concurrent
- 16.3%
- Disabled Child
- 73.8%
SSDI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,180
- Approved
- 466
SSI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 878
- Approved
- 403
SSDI + SSI Combined
- Claims Reviewed
- 638
- Approved
- 104
Disabled Child (SSI)
- Claims Reviewed
- 313
- Approved
- 231
What to Do Next
Review Massachusetts's medical approval rates above to understand how your state compares.
Gather your medical records, treatment notes, and any test results that document your condition. See our evidence guide →
Get a free case review — we can connect you with a disability advocate who handles claims in Massachusetts. Start here →
Learn More
Filing for Disability in Massachusetts?
Claimants who understand their state’s approval data and process are better prepared. Get a free, personalized Approval Guide with your state’s rates, local offices, and a documentation checklist.
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