Find out about Pennsylvania's state supplemental payments, plus how to appeal a denial of Social Security disability or SSI and whether you qualify for Medicaid.
Disabled Pennsylvania residents can apply for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), programs that provide a monthly cash benefit. While these are federal programs (both run by the Social Security Administration, or SSA), a Pennsylvania state agency makes the initial disability determination, based on the SSA's definition of disabled. Also, Pennsylvania pays an extra supplement to some recipients of SSI. The State of Pennsylvania does not provide short-term disability benefits.
How Do I Apply for Benefits in Pennsylvania?
You can call the SSA at 800-772-1213 to apply over the phone or set up an appointment to apply in person. Pennsylvania has sixty SSA field offices, so there should be one near you if you would rather get in person help with your application. (To locate your field office visit, the SSA's website and enter your zip code in the locator. )
If you are applying for SSDI, you can apply online at www.ssa.gov/pgm/disability.htm. When you fill out your online application, the SSA will assign you an application number. Make sure to keep this number because you will need it to track your application status.
How Much SSI Can I Receive in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania provides a supplemental payment to some SSI recipients, depending on their living situation. The amounts below include both federal and state payments:
|
Independent living status (no supplement) |
|
|
Eligible person |
$771.00 |
|
Eligible couple |
$1,157.00 |
|
Living in someone else's household |
|
|
Eligible person |
$514.00 |
|
Eligible couple |
$771.34 |
|
Domiciliary care (DOMCARE) |
|
|
Eligible person |
$1,205.30 |
|
Eligible couple |
$2,104.40 |
|
Personal care boarding home (PCBH) |
|
|
Eligible person |
$1,210.30 |
|
Eligible couple |
$2,114.40 |
|
Medicaid facility |
|
|
Eligible person |
$30.00 |
|
Eligible couple |
$60.00 |
The SSA manages and pays the state supplement for Pennsylvania; for more information, contact the SSA.
Bureau of Disability Determination
Pennsylvania's Bureau of Disability Determination (BDD) works with the SSA to determine whether a Pennsylvania applicant meets the SSA's definition of disabled. The BDD, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (L&I), has three main locations: Harrisburg, Greensburg, and Wilkes-Barre. You may be contacted by a claims examiner from the BDD while your disability determination is being made.
How Can I Find a Disability Lawyer in Pennsylvania
If you want help with your disability claim or appeal, you can find an experienced disability attorney in your area by going to our Pennsylvania disability lawyers page.
Legal Information & Books from Nolo
Talk to a Disability Lawyer
Need a lawyer? Start here.
How it Works
- Briefly tell us about your case
- Provide your contact information
- Choose attorneys to contact you
Boost Your Chance of Being Approved
Get the Compensation You Deserve
Our experts have helped thousands like you get cash benefits.
How It Works
- Briefly tell us about your case
- Provide your contact information
- Choose attorneys to contact you
Copyright ©2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo ® Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and Consumer Health Data Notice.
Your Privacy Choices