The Pennsylvania process Process for Social Security Disability

To explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Pennsylvania, you submit your process to the Social Security Administration — not to the state. Pennsylvania does not run its own disability program; instead, the federal Social Security Administration handles all SSDI and SSI claims, regardless of where you live. You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.

The process itself asks for your work history, medical records, and details about your condition. Social Security then sends your case to a state agency called the Disability information Services (DDS), which is part of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. DDS reviews your medical evidence and decides whether you meet Social Security's definition of disability. This process typically takes three to six months, though it can take longer if Social Security needs more information from your doctors.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore directly to the Social Security Administration online, by phone, or at a local office — Pennsylvania does not accept applications itself.
  • Your process goes to Pennsylvania's Disability information Services, a state agency that reviews medical evidence and makes the initial decision.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical records from your doctors, and a list of jobs you have held in the past 15 years.
  • The decision process takes three to six months on average, and most first applications are denied — you can request reconsideration or appeal if yours is.
  • If you are denied, you have 60 days to ask for reconsideration or to appeal to an administrative law judge.

Where to Start Your process

The easiest route for most people is to explore online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes and you can save your progress and come back to it. You do not need to print anything or visit an office unless Social Security asks you to.

If you prefer to explore by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf or hard of hearing). A representative will walk you through the questions and submit your process on the spot. You can also walk into your local Social Security office in Pennsylvania without an appointment, though wait times vary. To find the office nearest you, use the office locator at ssa.gov/locator.

Whichever method you choose, you will need the same information ready: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a list of your medical providers and the dates you saw them.

Documents You Need Before You explore

Gather these items before you start your process. Having them ready makes the process faster and reduces the chance that Social Security will ask you to send things in later.

Medical records: Get a list of every doctor, hospital, clinic, and mental health provider you have seen in the past few years. Include the dates of your visits and what they treated you for. You do not need to collect the actual records yourself — Social Security will request them from your doctors — but you do need to name the providers so Social Security knows where to look.

Work history: Write down every job you have held in the past 15 years, including the job title, employer name, dates you worked there, and how much you earned. If you are self-employed, include your net earnings.

Proof of identity and citizenship: Have your birth certificate, passport, or state ID ready. If you were not born in the United States, you will also need proof of legal residency or work authorization.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

Once you submit your process, Social Security sends it to Pennsylvania's Disability information Services (DDS). DDS is the state agency that decides whether you meet the medical criteria for disability. You will receive a notice in the mail confirming that your process was received.

DDS will contact your doctors and hospitals to request your medical records. This can take several weeks. If DDS needs more information — for example, if your doctors have not sent records or if the records do not clearly describe your condition — they may ask you to see a doctor for a consultative examination. Social Security pays for this exam; you do not.

While you are waiting, Social Security may contact you by phone or mail if they need to clarify something on your process. Answer promptly and honestly. If you miss a call or letter, your case can be delayed.

Understanding the Decision and What Comes Next

DDS will mail you a decision letter within three to six months. The letter will say either that you are approved, that you are denied, or that your case needs more review. If you are approved, the letter will tell you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month.

If you are denied, the letter will explain why DDS decided you do not meet Social Security's definition of disability. The most common reason is that your condition is not severe enough or is expected to improve. A denial does not mean you cannot try again — you have the right to request reconsideration or to appeal.

You have 60 days from the date on the decision letter to file an appeal or request reconsideration. If you miss this important date, you can still appeal, but you will need to explain why you missed it. Most people who are denied on their first process eventually win on appeal, so do not give up.

The Appeal Process in Pennsylvania

If your process is denied, you have three options: request reconsideration, request a hearing before an administrative law judge, or do both in order.

Reconsideration means DDS will review your case again with any new medical evidence you have. You can submit new doctor's notes, test results, or other records that were not available the first time. Reconsideration takes another two to three months and is denied about 85 percent of the time, but it is worth doing if you have new medical evidence.

A hearing before an administrative law judge is the next step. You can request a hearing even if you do not request reconsideration first, or you can request a hearing after reconsideration is denied. At a hearing, you can present new evidence, answer questions from the judge, and have a representative (such as a lawyer or advocate) speak on your behalf. Many people win at the hearing stage. Hearings typically happen four to six months after you request one, though wait times in Pennsylvania vary by office.

Getting Help With Your process

You can explore on your own, but many people find it helpful to have someone information them. You can work with a Social Security representative payee (someone who helps manage your benefits), a disability advocate, or a lawyer who specializes in Social Security cases.

If you hire a lawyer, they can only charge you if you win your case, and the fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from when your disability began). Many lawyers work on this basis and do not charge upfront. You can find lawyers through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (nosscr.org) or by asking a local legal aid office.

If you cannot afford a lawyer, contact your local legal aid office. In Pennsylvania, you can reach the statewide legal aid hotline at 1-800-322-3061 to find an office near you. Legal aid lawyers can represent you for free if you meet their income limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my process is being reviewed?

Yes. Working does not automatically disqualify you, but if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may decide you are not disabled. The exact limit changes each year. If you are working, report your earnings honestly on your process.

How long does it really take to get a decision in Pennsylvania?

The initial decision from DDS usually takes three to six months. If you appeal and request a hearing, add another four to six months. Some cases take longer if medical records are slow to arrive or if the case is complex.

What if I do not have medical records from my doctors?

Social Security will request them for you once you name your doctors on the process. If your doctors have closed or you have not seen anyone recently, tell Social Security that in your process. They may arrange a consultative exam to gather medical evidence.

Do I have to use a lawyer to win my appeal?

No, but statistics show that people who have representation at a hearing win more often than those who do not. A lawyer or advocate can help organize your medical evidence and prepare you for the hearing. Legal aid can provide free representation if you may have access to.

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

SSDI is based on your work history — you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is based on financial need and is available to people with low income and few resources, regardless of work history. You can explore for both at the same time, and Social Security will determine which one you may have access to for.