Massachusetts Social Security Disability Lawyers Blog

January 27, 2026

How Long Will a Disability Hearing Take in Massachusetts? Using SSA’s Hearing-Wait Data the Right Way

If you are out of work after an injury, and your Social Security Disability claim has reached the hearing stage, the waiting can feel endless. Rent is still due, medical bills keep arriving, and you may be trying to manage pain, treatment, and daily life on a tighter budget. One of the most common questions we hear is urgent and straightforward: How long will my disability hearing take in Massachusetts?

The honest answer is that timelines vary, and the best estimates come from understanding what the Social Security Administration (SSA) is actually measuring when it publishes hearing wait-time data. Used correctly, SSA data can help you set expectations and plan. Misused, it can create false hope or unnecessary panic.

Below is a clear, Massachusetts-focused guide to what happens at the hearing level, what SSA’s published numbers do and do not mean, and what you can do now to protect your claim, with help from an experienced social security disability lawyer when needed.

December 13, 2025

SSDI + Medicare in December: Open Enrollment Last-Minute Moves

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

December is the month when paperwork choices ripple into next year’s medical access and costs. If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance and are on Medicare, or will be eligible soon, Open Enrollment is your chance to make sure the plan you use on January 1 fits your medications, specialists, and budget. Because plan formularies and networks change every year, standing still can be as risky as making the wrong choice. Here is how to check your options, avoid common pitfalls, and protect your SSDI case from unintended consequences.

Start With Your Medications And Doctors

Begin by making a fresh list of your daily medications, including exact names, dosages, and the pharmacies you prefer. For each plan you are considering, check whether those drugs are covered, what tier they fall into, and whether prior authorization or step therapy is required. A plan that looks inexpensive on the premium can become costly if your key medication moves to a higher tier. Next, verify that your specialists and hospitals remain in-network for 2026. This is especially important for Bostonians receiving care at large systems such as MGB, BIDMC, or BMC; a slight network shift can mean longer travel time, fewer appointment options, or delays in procedures.

November 20, 2025

Appealing an SSDI Denial Over the Holidays: Timelines and Tips

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Receiving a denial of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits is stressful at any time of year, and when it happens during the holidays, it can feel overwhelming. You may be trying to manage family obligations, travel, and end-of-year finances. Yet, the Social Security Administration still expects you to meet strict deadlines and follow detailed appeal procedures.

The good news is that a denial is not the end of your claim. Most SSDI cases are initially denied, but many are later approved on appeal, especially when the applicant has received legal guidance. Below is a clear, practical overview of how SSDI appeals work, how holiday schedules can affect your deadlines, and when to reach out to Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers for help

Understanding SSDI and the Appeal Process

September 26, 2025

SSDI Update: What Massachusetts Families Need to Know Now

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

If you rely on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), September brought several changes and deadlines worth your attention. Below, we break down what’s new, what’s coming next, and how these updates affect beneficiaries in Massachusetts and across the United States. As always, if you have questions about eligibility, denials, appeals, or overpayment notices, we at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers are here to help at (617) 777-7777.

The Big One: Electronic-Only Payments Deadline (September 30)

Federal benefits, including SSDI, are moving away from paper checks. September 30 marks the cut-off for beneficiaries who still receive a physical check to switch to an electronic option. This is designed to reduce the loss or theft of checks, expedite delivery, and lower administrative costs.

August 28, 2025

SSDI News You Can Use: What Changed in August and September 2025

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

As advocates for individuals living with disabilities, we utilize our SSDI blog to translate government updates into actionable guidance. The last two months have brought several meaningful developments that affect how benefits are paid, how quickly some claims are processed, and what to expect from next year’s cost-of-living adjustment. Below, our SSDI advocates break down each change, explain who is affected, and share simple action steps you can take now.

Electronic payments are becoming the rule: paper checks end September 30, 2025

The U.S. Department of the Treasury will stop issuing paper checks for most federal payments on September 30, 2025, and that includes Social Security Disability Insurance. If you are one of the relatively small number of people still receiving a paper check, you will need to switch to direct deposit or to the Treasury-sponsored Direct Express debit card. Treasury is steering the change to cut fraud, speed up delivery, and reduce costs. You can enroll in several ways, including contacting your bank, using your my Social Security account, visiting GoDirect.gov, or calling the Electronic Payment Solution Center at 800-967-6857.