Massachusetts Disability Resources
If you just got hurt on the job, received a diagnosis, or need to understand what Massachusetts offers for people with disabilities, this page covers the major programs and how to access them.
Workers' Compensation
The Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) handles workers' comp claims.
What to do if you're hurt at work:- Report the injury to your employer immediately.
- Seek medical treatment -- you may choose your own doctor.
- Your employer must report the injury to their insurer.
- Notify your employer as soon as possible.
- File a formal claim within 4 years.
- All Massachusetts employers must carry workers' compensation insurance.
- Temporary total disability pays 60% of average weekly wage.
- Employee chooses the treating physician.
- Phone: 617-727-4900 / 1-800-323-3249
- Web: mass.gov/dia
State Disability Programs
Massachusetts has Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), which covers both family leave and personal medical leave.
- Provides up to 20 weeks for personal medical leave and 12 weeks for family leave.
- Pays up to 80% of wages (with cap).
- Apply at paidleave.mass.gov
Medicaid
Massachusetts Medicaid is called MassHealth.
How to apply:- Online at mahealthconnector.org
- By phone: 1-800-841-2900
Vocational Rehabilitation
The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) provides vocational rehabilitation services.
Contact:- Phone: 617-204-3600 / 1-800-245-6543
- Web: mass.gov/mrc
Disability Rights
Disability Law Center is Massachusetts's federally designated Protection and Advocacy organization. Contact:- Phone: 617-723-8455 / 1-800-872-9992
- Web: dlc-ma.org
Veterans Services
The Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services provides state-level assistance.
Contact:- Phone: 617-210-5480
- Web: mass.gov/veterans
State Employment Protections
Massachusetts has strong disability protections under Chapter 151B, which prohibits disability discrimination for employers with 6 or more employees.
Where to file a complaint:- Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD): 617-994-6000
- Web: mass.gov/mcad
Key Contacts
| Agency | Phone | Website | |--------|-------|---------| | Dept. of Industrial Accidents | 1-800-323-3249 | mass.gov/dia | | Paid Family & Medical Leave | See website | paidleave.mass.gov | | MassHealth (Medicaid) | 1-800-841-2900 | mahealthconnector.org | | Rehabilitation Commission | 1-800-245-6543 | mass.gov/mrc | | Disability Law Center | 1-800-872-9992 | dlc-ma.org | | MCAD | 617-994-6000 | mass.gov/mcad | | Social Security Administration | 1-800-772-1213 | ssa.gov |