Where to start your process in Pennsylvania
You can explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through Social Security itself, not through the state of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania does not run its own disability program — you work directly with the federal Social Security Administration, whether you live in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or anywhere else in the state.
You have three ways to start: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or in person at your local Social Security office. The online process is available 24 hours a day. If you call or visit an office, you'll reach Social Security staff who can answer questions specific to your situation and walk you through what you'll need to provide.
Pennsylvania residents can find their nearest Social Security office by entering their zip code at ssa.gov/locator. Many offices now offer appointments rather than walk-ins, so calling ahead is usually faster than showing up without one.
Key Takeaways
- You explore to Social Security directly, not to Pennsylvania — the state does not run its own disability program.
- You can start online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office in person.
- Social Security will ask for medical records, work history, and proof of your condition before making a decision.
- The process typically takes three to six months for an initial decision, though some cases take longer.
- If Social Security denies your claim, you can request reconsideration or appeal to a judge.
What documents you need to gather before you explore
Social Security will ask for several types of documents. Have these ready before you start, whether you explore online or by phone — it speeds up the process and means you won't have to hunt for things later.
You'll need proof of your identity (a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate), proof of citizenship or legal residency (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), and your Social Security number. You'll also need your most recent W-2 form or tax return to show your work history.
The most important documents are medical records that show your condition and how it limits what you can do. Gather records from every doctor, hospital, therapist, or specialist who has treated you — especially recent records from the past three months. If you don't have copies, you can ask your doctor's office to send them to Social Security, but it's faster if you provide them yourself. Social Security will also contact your doctors directly to request records, but that can add weeks to the timeline.
The online process process step by step
If you explore at ssa.gov, you'll create an account and fill out the process in sections. You don't have to finish it all at once — you can save your progress and come back later. The system will ask about your medical condition, when it started, which doctors you see, your work history, and your living situation.
Be as specific as possible when describing your condition and what you cannot do. Instead of writing "back pain," describe what the pain prevents you from doing: "I cannot sit for more than 20 minutes without severe pain" or "I cannot lift anything heavier than 5 pounds." Social Security uses these details to match your limitations against job requirements.
After you submit the online process, Social Security will send you a confirmation number. Write it down or save it — you'll use it to check on your case status. Social Security may contact you by phone or mail to ask follow-up questions or request additional documents.
explore by phone or in person in Pennsylvania
If you call 1-800-772-1213, a Social Security representative will walk you through the process over the phone. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Have your documents nearby so you can answer questions about your medical history, work, and living situation. The representative will tell you what else Social Security needs and how to send it in.
If you visit a Social Security office in Pennsylvania, bring all your documents with you. The staff can review them on the spot, answer questions, and submit your process the same day. Offices are typically open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though hours vary by location. Many offices now require an appointment — call ahead or book one online at ssa.gov/locator.
Whether you explore by phone or in person, Social Security will give you a receipt or confirmation number. Keep this for your records.
What happens after you submit your process
After you submit, Social Security sends your file to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Pennsylvania. This is a state agency that works with Social Security to review medical evidence and make the initial decision on your case.
The DDS office will request medical records from your doctors and may schedule you for a consultative exam — a medical evaluation paid for by Social Security to gather more information about your condition. You are not required to pay for this exam.
The entire process typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical evidence or if your case is complex. You can check the status of your process anytime by logging into your Social Security account online or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Understanding the decision and what to do if you're denied
Social Security will mail you a written decision letter explaining whether your claim was approved or denied. If you're approved, the letter will tell you when your benefits start and how much you'll receive each month.
If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to challenge the decision. You can request reconsideration, which means a different Social Security examiner will review your case. You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to request reconsideration. You can do this online, by phone, or by mail.
If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is a more formal process where you can present evidence and testimony. Many people hire a disability representative or attorney at this stage, though you don't have to. Representatives are paid only if you win — typically 25% of your back pay, up to a maximum set by Social Security.
Pennsylvania-specific resources and support
Pennsylvania has several organizations that offer free information about disability benefits. The Pennsylvania Disability Rights Network provides legal help and advocacy for people with disabilities. The Work Incentives Planning and information (WIPA) project, funded by Social Security, offers free counseling about how work affects your benefits if you're already receiving SSDI or SSI.
If you need help understanding your rights or navigating the process, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging and Disability — Pennsylvania has one in each county. They can connect you with local resources and sometimes provide representation at hearings.
Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania and Community Legal Services both serve low-income Pennsylvanians and may be able to help with disability cases if you meet their income limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while my disability process is being reviewed?
Yes. You can work and earn money while waiting for a decision. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may decide you're able to work and deny your claim. The exact limit changes each year. If you're approved, you may be able to continue working under Social Security's work incentive programs, which allow you to earn money without losing all your benefits.
How much will I receive if I'm approved?
Your monthly payment depends on your work history and earnings record. There's no set amount — Social Security calculates it based on how much you paid into the system through payroll taxes. On average, SSDI payments range from $600 to $3,800 per month, but your amount will be different. You can see an estimate by creating an account at ssa.gov.
What if I don't have medical records from my doctors?
Tell Social Security which doctors you've seen, and they will request the records directly. This takes longer — usually several weeks — but it's still part of the normal process. If you haven't seen a doctor recently, Social Security may schedule a consultative exam to gather medical evidence. You don't pay for this exam.
Do I need a lawyer to explore?
No. You can explore on your own without a lawyer or representative. However, if your claim is denied and you appeal to a judge, having a representative can improve your chances. Many representatives work on contingency, meaning they're paid only if you win.
How do I check on my process status?
Log into your Social Security account at ssa.gov, or call 1-800-772-1213 and have your confirmation number ready. You can also visit your local Social Security office in Pennsylvania and ask a representative to check for you.