The Two Routes to explore in Pennsylvania

You explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through the Social Security Administration, not through the state of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania does not run its own disability program — it administers SSI payments on behalf of Social Security and runs a separate program called Supplemental information for the Aged, Blind and Disabled (SABD), but you cannot explore directly to the state for federal disability benefits.

If you have worked and paid Social Security taxes, you likely may have access to for SSDI. If you have little or no work history, or your work history does not meet Social Security's requirements, you may may have access to for SSI instead. Both programs use the same medical standard for disability, but they have different financial rules and different payment amounts.

Pennsylvania residents can explore through three channels: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or in person at a local Social Security office. The online process is the fastest route and does not require an appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore to Social Security, not to Pennsylvania, even though Pennsylvania processes some payments and runs its own supplemental program.
  • SSDI is for people with a work history; SSI is for people with little or no work history and limited income and resources.
  • Online applications at ssa.gov are faster than phone or in-person applications and do not require an appointment.
  • Pennsylvania residents explore for SSI may also be automatically considered for SABD, a state program that adds money to SSI payments.
  • The process asks for medical records, work history, and financial information; you do not need a lawyer to start, but many people hire one after denial.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather these documents before you begin an process, whether online, by phone, or in person. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or state ID), and a list of all doctors and hospitals that have treated you for your condition.

If you are explore for SSDI, bring your W-2 forms or tax returns from the past 15 years, or a list of employers and dates you worked. If you are explore for SSI, bring proof of your current income (pay stubs, bank statements, or proof of benefits you receive) and proof of your resources (bank account statements, property deeds, or vehicle titles). Pennsylvania counts resources differently than some states — you can own a home and a car without it affecting SSI, but cash and savings above $2,000 will reduce or eliminate your payment.

You do not need medical records in hand when you explore. Social Security can request them from your doctors after you submit your process. However, having a list of your doctors' names, addresses, and phone numbers speeds up the process.

explore Online at ssa.gov

The online process for SSDI or SSI is available at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. You can start the process, save your progress, and return to it later. The form asks for your personal information, work history, medical conditions, current medications, and doctors' names and addresses. It typically takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete if you have your documents ready.

After you submit the online process, Social Security sends you a confirmation number and a receipt. You will receive a notice in the mail within two weeks telling you what happens next. If Social Security needs more information, they will contact you by mail or phone. Do not call to check on your process — Social Security will reach out to you.

Online applications are processed in the same order as phone and in-person applications. There is no speed advantage beyond not waiting for an appointment, but you avoid the risk of miscommunication that sometimes happens over the phone.

explore by Phone or In Person

To explore by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Wait times are often long, especially early in the week. Have your documents ready before you call. The representative will ask the same questions as the online form and will submit your process on the spot.

To explore in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or call the number above. You do not need an appointment for an initial process, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour. Bring original documents or certified copies — a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate; proof of income if you are explore for SSI; and a list of your medical providers. Bring originals because Social Security will not accept photocopies of some documents.

In-person applications can be useful if you have questions or if you have difficulty reading or writing English. A representative can explain the form as you go and answer questions about what information Social Security needs.

Pennsylvania's Supplemental Program and How It Connects

If you are approved for SSI in Pennsylvania, you are automatically considered for SABD (Supplemental information for the Aged, Blind and Disabled). SABD adds money to your SSI payment — the amount varies but is typically $70 to $100 per month. You do not explore separately for SABD; Social Security and Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services coordinate the decision.

SABD has the same income and resource limits as SSI. If you are approved for SSI, you will receive both the federal SSI payment and the Pennsylvania SABD payment in one deposit each month. The combined amount is your total monthly payment.

SSDI recipients do not receive SABD. SSDI is a federal program based on your work record, and Pennsylvania does not add a supplemental payment to SSDI. However, SSDI recipients may be able to receive Medicaid through Pennsylvania after 24 months of SSDI payments, which is a separate benefit.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

Social Security sends your process to a Disability information Services (DDS) office in Pennsylvania. This office, run by the state but following federal rules, reviews your medical records and decides whether you meet Social Security's definition of disability. This process typically takes 3 to 6 months, though it can take longer if your medical records are incomplete or if your condition is complex.

During this time, Social Security may contact you to ask for more information or to schedule a consultative examination — a medical appointment paid for by Social Security to gather information they do not have. You are not required to see your own doctor; Social Security may send you to a doctor they choose. You should still attend this appointment even if you do not think it is necessary, because missing it can result in denial.

You will receive a written decision in the mail. If you are approved, the letter will tell you your payment amount and when your first payment arrives. If you are denied, the letter will explain the reason and tell you how to request reconsideration or appeal.

What to Do If You Are Denied

If Social Security denies your process, you have the right to request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter. Reconsideration means a different examiner at DDS reviews your case, usually with new or updated medical evidence. You can submit additional medical records, test results, or a statement from your doctor explaining why you cannot work.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) within 60 days. This is where many people hire a disability lawyer. Lawyers typically charge 25% of your back pay (the money owed from when you first applied) if you win, capped at $6,000 by federal law. You can represent yourself at a hearing, but statistics show that people with lawyers win more often.

Do not delay requesting reconsideration or a hearing. Missing the 60-day important date closes that option, and you would have to start a new process from the beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you have a work history but it does not quite meet SSDI rules, or if your SSDI payment would be very small, you can explore for both. Social Security will evaluate you for SSDI first. If you do not may have access to for SSDI but you meet the income and resource limits, you may may have access to for SSI instead. You do not need to submit two separate applications — one process covers both programs.

What if I am still working part-time?

You can explore even if you are working. Social Security looks at whether you can do substantial gainful activity — in 2024, that means earning more than $1,550 per month (the amount changes yearly). If you earn less than that, you can still explore. If you are approved and later earn more than the limit, your benefits may stop, but you have work incentives that let you test your ability to work without when ready losing benefits.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own at no cost. Many people are approved without a lawyer. However, if your process is denied and you request a hearing, having a lawyer increases your chances of winning. Most disability lawyers work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Initial decisions usually take 3 to 6 months. Reconsideration takes another 3 to 6 months. A hearing before an ALJ can take 6 months to over a year, depending on how busy the hearing office is. During this time, you do not receive payments unless you are approved.

What if I move out of Pennsylvania?

You can move and keep your benefits. SSDI and SSI are federal programs that work in all 50 states. If you move, notify Social Security by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your new local office. Your payment amount and rules do not change, though some state programs (like SABD in Pennsylvania) end when you move.