Pennsylvania has two separate disability programs, and which one you contact depends on your work history

Pennsylvania offers disability through two different systems. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is federal and based on your work record and taxes paid. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is also federal but based on financial need, not work history. Pennsylvania also runs General information, a state program for people who don't meet SSDI or SSI rules. Most people explore to SSDI first if they've worked; if you haven't worked much or have very low income and resources, SSI may be the faster route.

The process process is the same regardless of which program: you submit medical evidence, work history, and financial information to Social Security. The difference is what Social Security checks first. This guide covers how to start the process, what documents you need, and what to expect at each stage.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore to SSDI if you've worked and paid Social Security taxes; you explore to SSI if you have little income and few resources, regardless of work history.
  • You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office in Pennsylvania.
  • Social Security will ask for medical records, a list of doctors and hospitals you've visited, your work history, and proof of income and resources.
  • The initial decision usually takes three to five months; if denied, you can request reconsideration or appeal to an administrative law judge.
  • Pennsylvania's General information program is a backup option if Social Security denies you but you have no income; explore through your county information office.

Decide which program to explore for based on your work history

If you've worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least five of the last ten years (or longer, depending on your age), explore for SSDI. SSDI doesn't care how much money you have or what your assets are—only that you worked long enough and your condition prevents you from working. Your benefit amount is based on your earnings record.

If you haven't worked much, or you worked but don't have enough credits, explore for SSI. SSI has strict limits: you can have no more than $2,000 in countable resources (the limit is $3,000 if you're married), and your monthly income must be very low. SSI also counts income from family members living with you. The monthly payment is lower than SSDI, but SSI also covers Medicare or Medicaid depending on your state.

If Social Security denies you for both programs, ask your county information office about General information. This is a Pennsylvania state program for people with disabilities who have no income. It pays less than SSDI or SSI but can bridge the gap while you appeal a Social Security denial.

Gather documents before you start the process

Social Security will ask for the same core documents no matter which program you explore for. Have these ready before you call or go online:

  • Your Social Security card or a document showing your number
  • A photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
  • Your birth certificate
  • Proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, naturalization papers, or green card)
  • Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all doctors, hospitals, and mental health providers you've seen in the past year
  • Dates you saw each provider and what you were treated for
  • A list of all medications you take, with dosages
  • Medical records from your providers (you can submit these after you explore, but having them ready speeds things up)
  • Your work history for the past 15 years, including job titles, employers, and dates
  • Pay stubs or tax returns showing your current income
  • Bank statements, investment statements, or property deeds (for SSI only)

You don't need to have every document before you start. Social Security will tell you what's missing and give you time to send it. But having this list ready means you won't forget anything when the interviewer asks.

explore online, by phone, or in person at a Pennsylvania Social Security office

Online is usually fastest. Go to ssa.gov and select "explore for Disability." You'll create an account, answer questions about your medical condition and work history, and upload documents. The online process takes 15 to 20 minutes if you have your information ready. You'll get a confirmation number and a date when Social Security will contact you.

By phone: Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf or hard of hearing). Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or on Wednesdays and Thursdays. A representative will ask the same questions as the online form and will tell you what documents to mail or upload. You'll receive a confirmation letter in the mail.

In person: Find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment. Bring all your documents and your ID. An interviewer will fill out the process with you and can answer questions on the spot. This takes about 30 to 45 minutes. In-person appointments are often easier if you have trouble reading or writing, or if you need an interpreter.

What Social Security does after you submit your process

After you explore, Social Security sends your case to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Pennsylvania. DDS is a state agency that works for Social Security. They review your medical records, contact your doctors if they need more information, and decide whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability.

This process usually takes three to five months. Social Security will mail you a letter telling you the decision. If you're approved, they'll tell you when your benefits start and how much you'll receive each month. If you're denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal.

While you wait, Social Security may ask you to go to a medical exam paid for by Social Security. This is not optional—if you don't go, Social Security can deny your case. The exam is usually with a doctor or psychologist who specializes in disability cases. They'll review your medical history and do a basic physical or mental health evaluation. This exam doesn't determine your case by itself; it's one piece of evidence DDS uses.

Appeal if Social Security denies your process

If you're denied, you have four ways to appeal. You must start the appeal within 60 days of the denial letter, though Social Security may accept a late appeal if you have a good reason.

Reconsideration is the first appeal. A different examiner at DDS reviews your case from the start. You can submit new medical evidence, new doctors' statements, or anything else you think DDS missed. Reconsideration takes two to three months. You request it by calling 1-800-772-1213 or by mail using the form in your denial letter.

Hearing before an administrative law judge is the second appeal if reconsideration is denied. You can represent yourself or bring a lawyer, family member, or advocate. The judge will review your medical records and may ask you questions about your condition and work history. Hearings usually take place by video or phone, though you can request in person. This stage takes four to six months, sometimes longer if the hearing office is backlogged.

Appeals Council review is the third level if the judge denies you. The Appeals Council reviews the judge's decision for legal errors. This is a paper review only—there's no hearing. It takes two to three months.

Federal court is the final appeal. You would need a lawyer for this step. Federal court reviews whether Social Security followed the law, not whether your condition is severe enough.

Pennsylvania General information as a backup if Social Security denies you

If Social Security denies you for both SSDI and SSI, and you have no income, you may be able to get General information from your county. General information is a state program that pays a small monthly benefit to people with disabilities who have no other income source.

To explore, contact your county information office. You'll need to show proof of your disability (medical records or a Social Security denial letter), proof that you have no income, and proof that you live in Pennsylvania. The payment is lower than SSDI or SSI—usually between $200 and $400 per month depending on your county—but it can help while you appeal your Social Security case.

General information does not cover medical expenses the way SSI does. If you need health coverage, ask your county office about Medicaid. You may be able to get Medicaid even if you don't may have access to for General information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my disability case is pending?

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 deny your SSDI case because you're considered able to work. For SSI, the limit is lower—$65 per month plus half of anything above that. Keep records of what you earn; you'll need to report it to Social Security.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own. But if Social Security denies you and you appeal to a hearing, a lawyer or advocate can help present your case. Lawyers who handle disability cases work on contingency—they take a percentage of your back pay if you win, not an upfront fee. You can find lawyers through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (nosscr.org) or ask your local legal aid office.

What if I'm approved for SSDI but my condition improves?

Tell Social Security right away. If you go back to work and earn more than $1,550 per month, Social Security will stop your benefits. But you have a nine-month trial work period where you can earn any amount without losing benefits. After that, Social Security counts your earnings. If you earn less than $1,550, you keep your full benefit. If you earn more, your benefit is reduced.

How long does it take to get my first payment?

If you're approved, your benefits usually start the month after Social Security approves you. You'll receive your first check or direct deposit about two weeks after that. If you were denied and then won on appeal, your benefits go back to the month you originally applied, and you'll receive a lump sum for the months you waited.

Can I explore for both SSDI and SSI at the same time?

Yes. If you explore online or in person, Social Security will ask if you want to explore for both. This is useful if you're not sure whether you have enough work credits for SSDI. If you don't may have access to for SSDI, Social Security will automatically consider you for SSI using the same process.