Your disability benefits. Decoded.
The system is built to confuse you into leaving money on the table. F.R.E.E. Access breaks down what you can earn, what you can save, and what you are owed — in plain language, with real Fall River phone numbers and addresses. Know your rights. Keep your benefits. Build something.
What You Can Earn
The Benefits Cliff
SSDI/SSI work rules, explained. You can work and keep your benefits — but only if you know the numbers. Here they are for 2026.
Deductions can lower your countable earnings
Not all money you earn counts toward the SGA limit. You can deduct:
- Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE)
Out-of-pocket costs you pay because of your disability that are needed to work — accessible transportation, assistive tech, personal care attendants, medical devices.
- Subsidies
If you get extra support on the job (supervision, reduced duties, extra breaks), only the “real value” of your work counts — not your full paycheck.
Example: how deductions work
Below the $1,690 limit — you keep your benefits.
Your rights
- • You do NOT have to use your Ticket to Work to use work incentives
- • You can work part-time and keep benefits
- • You can change your mind about working at any time
- • Benefits are not permanently lost — you can reapply
Work Without Losing Benefits
Ticket to Work
A FREE, voluntary Social Security program for people on SSI or SSDI. It helps you find a job with support — and your decision to use it will NOT affect your current benefits.
How it works
- 1Social Security mails you a “Ticket.”
- 2You take it to an Employment Network (EN) that provides job support.
- 3MassAbility (formerly MRC) is an EN right here in Fall River.
- 4You and the EN build an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) — your job goals and the services you need.
- 5Services are provided at NO COST to you.
Good to know
Once you sign the Plan, you cannot work with another EN unless you take back your Ticket — but you CAN change your mind and choose a different EN if it is not working out.
Save Without Losing Benefits
ABLE Accounts (Attainable®)
A tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. Money grows tax-free and comes out tax-free for qualified disability expenses. In Massachusetts it is called the Attainable Savings Plan, run by MEFA and Fidelity.
Who is eligible?
You qualify if the onset of your disability happened before age 46. This is about when the disability started, not your current age. Diagnosed at 75 but the condition began at birth? You still qualify.
What can the money be used for?
Qualified disability expenses: education, housing, transportation, employment support, assistive technology, personal support services, health care, and financial management.
How to open an Attainable account
- 1Visit mefa.org/attainable
- 2Confirm eligibility (onset before age 46)
- 3Complete the online application
- 4Choose your investment options
- 5Start saving
Money You May Be Missing
Tax Credits
Federal and Massachusetts tax benefits for people with disabilities. Many go unclaimed every year simply because people do not know they exist.
Credit for the Elderly or Disabled
Federal (Schedule R). For those 65+ or retired on permanent & total disability with taxable disability income. Non-refundable — reduces tax owed.
Medical Expense Deduction
Federal. If you itemize, deduct medical expenses above 7.5% of AGI — care, prescriptions, assistive tech, medical transport, home modifications.
Child & Dependent Care Credit
Federal. If you pay for care for a disabled dependent so you can work, you may claim up to 35% of care expenses (depending on AGI).
MA Child & Family Tax Credit
Massachusetts. Raised from $180 to $440 per dependent — and this INCLUDES adults with disabilities.
MA Earned Income Tax Credit
Massachusetts. Increased from 30% to 40% of the federal EITC. Significant for low- and moderate-income workers.
MA Disabled Veterans Credit
Massachusetts. For honorably discharged wartime veterans with 10%+ service-connected disability, Purple Heart recipients, and qualifying surviving spouses.
Free tax help in Fall River
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites offer free, IRS-certified filing. Call 211 for locations. Info at Mass.gov/TaxCuts.
Beware of scams
No one can guarantee you a credit you do not qualify for. Only work with certified tax preparers or IRS-certified VITA volunteers.
Real People, Real Numbers
Disability Resource Directory
The offices, agencies, and hotlines that actually serve Fall River. Tap any phone number to call, or any address to open the map.
National Hotlines & Online
For Local Businesses
Get paid to be accessible
Two federal tax incentives and a Massachusetts credit reward you for removing barriers and hiring people with disabilities. The government helps cover the cost — and F.R.E.E. Access sends you loyal customers.
Disabled Access Credit
IRS Form 8826. 50% of eligible expenses between $250 and $10,250, per year. For small businesses with 30 or fewer employees OR $1M or less in gross receipts. Covers ramps, interpreters, Braille/large-print, equipment, and website accessibility.
Barrier Removal Deduction
Section 190. Businesses of ANY size. Up to $15,000/year for qualified architectural and transportation barrier removal to meet ADA requirements. You can use this AND the Disabled Access Credit in the same year.
MA Disability Hire Credit
$2,000 OR 30% of wages (whichever is less) per qualified employee with a disability, per year. Employee must be certified by MassAbility as having a disability under the ADA.
Join the F.R.E.E. Access Network
Offer a discount to customers with disabilities and get listed in our directory of verified accessible businesses. You gain loyal customers, show real community commitment, and receive a “Verified Accessible” window decal. The business directory is launching next — get in early.
Sign Up Your BusinessFigures verified as of January 2026
F.R.E.E. Access is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Benefit rules and dollar amounts change — confirm current figures with the agency or a certified professional before making decisions.