Pennsylvania residents who have become ill or injured and can’t work can apply for Social Security disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. If you have worked in the past but now, you’re unable to work Social Security disability benefits in Pennsylvania can provide the money you need to pay for housing, food, utilities, and other basic expenses.
Understanding The Definition Of Disability In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania uses the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. That is, you must be unable to engage in any kind of substantial gainful activity, which is work that you are paid for. You must expect that your illness or condition will make it impossible for you to work for at least one continuous year or expect that your illness will result in death.
If you can’t do any kind of work that you have done before or had training or education in and you don’t expect that you’ll be able to work for at least one year then you can apply for Social Security disability benefits.
What Disabling Conditions Qualify In Pennsylvania?
There are more than 200 physical and mental health conditions that are considered disabling by the Social Security Administration and by the state of Pennsylvania. The Social Security Administration keeps a list of all those conditions called the Blue Book. You can search through the Blue Book on the SSA’s website, or you can view a copy at your local SSA office.
Once you find the condition that you have in the Blue Book you need to check the listing requirements carefully. Each listing in the Blue Book has specific requirements. You must submit as much medical documentation as you can showing that you meet those requirements before your application for disability benefits will be approved.
When you apply for disability benefits in Pennsylvania you will also need to show that you have earned work credits. You can earn up to 4 work credits per year that you work. Work credits are based on the hours that you work and the salary you make.
Types of Disability Benefits Available in Pennsylvania
There are two different types of disability benefits available in Pennsylvania. You may qualify for either SSDI or SSI.
Pennsylvania Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI benefits are traditional disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. These are the benefits that you can get if you have worked all your life but then developed an illness or sustained an injury that makes it impossible for you to work.
The amount of money that you receive is based on unique factors like how many work credits you have, your age, and the severity of your illness. The average national SSDI payment is around $1,685.
Pennsylvania Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a different type of disability benefit. Low-income parents who have a child who is disabled and who are having trouble meeting expenses can apply for SSI on behalf of their child.
If approved, SSI is paid to the parents to help with the child’s living and medical costs. Parents must document how all the money is spent and prove it’s being spent only on the child’s expenses. Parents must also provide financial documents showing their total household income falls below the SSA’s income cap.
When the child turns 18, they can apply for SSI on their own, and use that benefit money to pay for their own living and medical expenses.
State of Pennsylvania Disability Programs
The state of Pennsylvania does not offer short-term disability benefits through the state, but you can buy private short-term disability or long-term disability coverage from private companies. Often employers work out deals with insurance companies to offer short-term and long-term disability benefits to their employees, so you may have coverage and not know it.
Short-Term Benefits
Short-term disability benefits can be used to pay for necessities while waiting for disability benefits to be approved and paid. Typically, you can apply for short-term benefits if you are expected to be unable to work for a week or longer. Most short-term disability programs pay benefits for up to 30 weeks. There can be a 7-day or 30-day waiting period for short-term disability benefits depending on your policy details.
Short-term disability premiums are based on coverage levels and the salary that you were getting at the time you became disabled. They are paid using after-tax money.
Long-Term Benefits
Long-term disability benefits pay money to people who can no longer work because of an accident, injury, or illness. You can receive both long-term disability benefits and SSA disability benefits. However, the amount of SSDI that you receive may be reduced depending on the amount of long-term disability benefits you are receiving. The total of the two types of benefits cannot be more than your previous salary.
Find A Disability Lawyer In Pennsylvania
If you need help applying for disability benefits in Pennsylvania, or if your application has been denied by the SSA, you should speak with a disability lawyer taking cases in Pennsylvania. A disability lawyer in Pennsylvania can help you with things like:
- Filling out the application paperwork
- Talking you through the application process.
- Advising you on what medical documentation you need.
- Helping you meet deadlines.
- Arguing your appeal.
There is no charge to speak with a Pennsylvania disability lawyer upfront. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation right now to be connected to an independent disability lawyer subscribed to our website and taking cases in Pennsylvania.
How Much Disability Can You Receive in Pennsylvania?
There are a lot of factors that affect how much benefit money you receive. If you are receiving SSDI you could receive up to $3,822 per month. However, the average SSDI payment is $1,685 per month.
The maximum SSI payment that you could receive for yourself or a child is $943, or $1,415 if you and your spouse both receive SSI.
To find out how much benefit money you may qualify for based on your unique circumstances use our benefits calculator and then speak with a disability lawyer taking cases in Pennsylvania about your case.
