What does the Homestead law mean by a "disabled person"?

A disabled person is defined as an individual who has any medically determinable permanent physical or mental impairment that meets the disability requirement of supplemental social security income. In most cases, an individual is considered disabled – for the purpose of this law – if he or she cannot engage in any gainful activity as a result of the physical or mental impairment.

If you are declaring a homestead to benefit a disabled person, either an original or certified copy of the disability award letter issued by the United States Social Security Administration, or a certification letter signed by a licensed physician registered with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine must be attached to the homestead form. Disabled persons must meet the disability requirements stated in 42 U.S.C. 1382c(a)(3)(A) and 42 U.S.C. 1382c(a)(3)(C) as in effect at the time of recording.