Social Security Disability Lawyers Near Me | SSDI Massachusetts, MA

Introduction: Why SSDI Denials Matter to Massachusetts Residents

Each year thousands of Massachusetts residents apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. According to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) annual statistical report, roughly two-thirds of first-time SSDI claims nationwide are denied. Bay Staters are no exception. Whether you live in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, or a smaller community like Pittsfield, an SSDI denial threatens your financial stability, health care access, and independence. Understanding your appeal rights under federal law—and how they play out locally—is crucial. This guide explains the legal framework, common denial reasons, appeal deadlines, and the Massachusetts-specific resources that can help you fight back.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

Federal Right to Benefits

The Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. §401 et seq.) guarantees workers who have paid FICA taxes the right to disability insurance if they meet medical and non-medical criteria. Two key regulations govern entitlement:

• 20 C.F.R. §404.1505 – Defines disability as the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months or expected to result in death.

• 20 C.F.R. §404.130 – Explains how insured status is earned through “quarters of coverage.”

Claimants also have the right to written notice of any adverse decision and to pursue a multilevel appeal within specific time frames (20 C.F.R. §404.904-922).

Massachusetts-Specific Considerations

While SSDI is a federal program, the SSA contracts with the Massachusetts Disability Determination Services (DDS)—part of the state’s Rehabilitation Commission—to make the initial disability decision. Knowing how DDS evaluates claims can help you supply the right medical evidence early.

Massachusetts workers may also be eligible for related state programs, such as MassHealth (Medicaid), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) vocational services, once an SSDI application is pending or approved.

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

• Insufficient Medical Evidence – DDS could not verify objective findings (e.g., MRI, lab work) supporting your limitations.

• Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Finds You Can Still Work – Under 20 C.F.R. §404.1545, SSA assesses exertional and non-exertional abilities. If the decisionmaker finds you can perform past relevant work—or adjust to other work—benefits are denied.

• Earnings Above Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) – In 2024, average gross earnings above $1,550 per month for non-blind claimants generally trigger a technical denial (20 C.F.R. §404.1574).

• Lack of Insured Status – You must have earned enough work credits and not allowed your “date last insured” (DLI) to lapse.

• Failure to Cooperate – Missing consultative exams, forms, or deadlines leads to “insufficient evidence” denials.

Understanding which category your denial falls into helps tailor your appeal evidence.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations

Key Appeal Deadlines

Federal regulations give you 60 days from the date you receive the denial letter (assumed five days after the mailing date) to file the next appeal level (20 C.F.R. §404.909 and §404.933). Missing the deadline usually forfeits your claim unless you can show good cause under 20 C.F.R. §404.911.

Four-Step Appeal Process

• 1. Reconsideration – A new DDS team reviews your file. Median processing time in Massachusetts is roughly 12 weeks, but submit new evidence immediately.

• 2. Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing – Hearings are held by the Office of Hearings Operations (OHO). Massachusetts claimants appear (in person or video) at Boston, Lawrence, Springfield, or Providence OHOs. ALJ decisions carry the greatest reversal rate—over 50% nationally when claimants are represented.

• 3. Appeals Council Review – Located in Falls Church, VA; examines ALJ error or new evidence.

• 4. U.S. District Court – Massachusetts residents file in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts (Boston, Worcester, or Springfield divisions). Judicial review is limited to whether SSA applied correct legal standards and substantial evidence.

Because each level builds on the last, presenting complete medical and vocational evidence early can shorten the process.

Attorney Representation Rules

Federal law (42 U.S.C. §406) caps attorney fees at 25% of past-due benefits or $7,200, whichever is less, unless a higher fee is approved by a federal court. In Massachusetts, disability representatives must either be:

• Licensed Massachusetts attorneys in good standing with the Board of Bar Overseers, or

Qualified non-attorney representatives authorized under SSA’s Representative Program.

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

1. Read the Denial Letter Carefully

Identify whether the denial is technical (e.g., work credits) or medical. Technical denials often require new applications; medical denials move through appeals.

2. Mark Your Calendar

Count 65 days from the decision date (60 days plus the 5-day mailing presumption) and circle it in red. File your reconsideration before that date—even if evidence is still pending. Late filings require a good-cause statement.

3. Gather Objective Medical Evidence

• Primary care and specialist treatment notes

• Hospital discharge summaries

• Diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT, X-ray)

• Lab results

• Physical therapy or mental health notes

Under 20 C.F.R. §404.1519a, SSA may schedule a consultative examination, but your treating physician’s detailed opinion generally carries more weight (20 C.F.R. §404.1520c).

4. Document Non-Medical Evidence

Statements from former employers, co-workers, and family members about daily-living limitations can be persuasive, especially for conditions that fluctuate (fibromyalgia, PTSD, MS). Keep a daily symptom diary.

5. Consider Legal Representation Early

National SSA data show that represented claimants are nearly three times more likely to win at the hearing level. Massachusetts attorneys often work on contingency and front the cost of medical records, reimbursed only if you win.

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

You do not have to wait until the ALJ stage. Many successful Massachusetts claimants hire counsel immediately after an initial denial. A knowledgeable massachusetts disability attorney can:

• Obtain persuasive medical source statements that track the SSA’s “paragraph B” mental-health criteria or specific exertional limits.

• Draft legal briefs citing vocational rulings (e.g., Medical-Vocational Rule 201.06).

• Cross-examine the vocational expert at your hearing.

• Monitor file uploads to ensure the ALJ sees every exhibit.

Because attorney fees are regulated and no upfront payment is required, the risk-to-benefit ratio generally favors retaining counsel.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Key SSA Offices in Massachusetts

Boston Social Security Field Office 10 Causeway St., Room 148, Boston, MA 02222 Phone: 1-800-772-1213 Worcester Field Office 51 Myrtle Street, Worcester, MA 01608 Springfield Field Office 70 Bond Street, Springfield, MA 01104

Massachusetts OHO Hearing Locations

• Boston OHO – 10 Causeway St., Room 148, Boston, MA 02222

• Lawrence OHO – 439 South Union St., Building 2, Lawrence, MA 01843

• Springfield OHO – 1441 Main St., Suite 450, Springfield, MA 01103

• Providence OHO (serves some SE MA cases) – 1 Dorrance Plaza, Providence, RI 02903

Medical Providers Familiar With Disability Documentation

• Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) – Boston

• UMass Memorial Medical Center – Worcester

• Baystate Medical Center – Springfield

• Berkshire Medical Center – Pittsfield

Although SSA cannot require any specific doctor, obtaining longitudinal care from large teaching hospitals often yields detailed electronic records and specialist opinions.

Community & Government Resources

MassLegalHelp – Free legal information for low-income Massachusetts residents. Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission – Vocational counseling and independent living services. MassHealth – Health coverage that can bridge the gap while you appeal. SSA Disability Benefits – Official SSA page describing eligibility and online appeal filing.

Conclusion

SSDI denials are common, but they are not the final word. Federal regulations, strict timelines, and Massachusetts-based resources give you multiple opportunities to prove your disability. By acting quickly, gathering robust medical evidence, and—when appropriate—retaining an experienced massachusetts disability attorney, you can significantly improve your odds of success.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney regarding your specific situation.

If your SSDI claim was denied, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation and claim review.