Social Security

Legal Information

Other Elder Problems

Elderly man.

This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Social Security issues in Pennsylvania.

Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.

Disability Benefits

This booklet from the Social Security Administration provides an overview of the various kinds of disability benefits available through the Social Security Administration. This booklet will tell you who may get benefits, how to apply and what you need to know once benefits start. [PDF]

Information for People Helping Others

Information from the Social Security Administration (SSA) for people who are helping others dealing with the SSA, including assisting others in filing an application for disability benefits. This includes a four-part video series that will walk you through the necessary forms and steps needed to file a complete third-party disability application for the person you are assisting.

Social Security Benefits for People Living with HIV/AIDS

Information from the National Association of Social Workers for people with HIV infection regarding disability benefits available through Social Security. [PDF]

What is a Social Security representative payee?

Information on the duties and responsibilities of a Representative Payee appointed by the Social Security Administration to receive Social Security or SSI benefits for anyone who can’t manage or direct the management of their benefits. A Social Security representative payee is appointed by the Social Security Administration to manage Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefit payments for people who need help managing their money.

Applying and Appealing for Disability at Social Security (Video)

Watch this video from CTLawHelp.org to learn about how to apply and appeal for disability at Social Security. This video covers federal laws so the information in it is true no matter what state you live in. (2013)

Apply Online For Social Security Retirement Benefits

The Social Security Retirement benefit is a monthly check that replaces part of your income when you reduce your hours or stop working altogether. It may not replace all your income so it's best to identify other ways to pay for your monthly expenses as you age.

Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST)

On SSA BEST, you can use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) to find Social Security benefits you may be eligible to receive. It is not an application for benefits and will not send you free money.

Benefits.gov

Benefits.gov is the official benefits website of the U.S. government whose mission is to increase citizen access to benefit information, while reducing the expense and difficulty of interacting with the government. It is a free, online confidential tool that helps you find government benefits you may be eligible to receive.

If You Are Blind Or Have Low Vision - How We Can Help

Information from the Social Security Administration for those who are blind or have low vision regarding benefits you may be eligible for through Social Security. [PDF] (January 2022)

Information for People Helping Others

Information from the Social Security Administration (SSA) for people who are helping others dealing with the SSA, including assisting others in filing an application for disability benefits. This includes a four-part video series that will walk you through the necessary forms and steps needed to file a complete third-party disability application for the person you are assisting.

Online Services: Apply For Retirement, Disability or Medicare Benefits and Other Services from the Social Security Administration

From the webpage of the Social Security Administration, you can apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits online, check the status of an application or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas), print a benefit verification letter, and more – from anywhere and from any of your devices!

Request for Social Security Earnings Information

This form will request verification of employment dates from the Social Security Administration. You may need this if you are having difficulty obtaining dates of employment for a pension, social security application, or personal reason. Please note: fees apply depending on the number of years you are requesting. [PDF] (02-2021) FREE yearly totals of earnings are available at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

Social Security Benefit Application - Medicare

Online Medicare application from the Social Security Administration.

Social Security Benefits for People Living with HIV/AIDS

Information from the National Association of Social Workers for people with HIV infection regarding disability benefits available through Social Security. [PDF]

Social Security Retirement Estimator

The Retirement Estimator produces estimates that are based on your actual Social Security earnings record and has been rated the Federal Government's Best Online Service.

Survivors Benefits

Your family members could be eligible for benefits based on your earnings if you die. Social Security survivors benefits are paid to widows, widowers, and dependents of eligible workers. Detailed information about survivors benefits is provided by the Social Security Administration to help you understand what to expect from Social Security when you or a loved one dies.

Survivors Planner: Planning For Your Survivors

Information from the Social Security Administration about help it can provide for your survivors when you die if you have earned enough Social Security credits through your work.

Applying and Appealing for Disability at Social Security (Video)

Watch this video from CTLawHelp.org to learn about how to apply and appeal for disability at Social Security. This video covers federal laws so the information in it is true no matter what state you live in. (2013)

Disability Benefits

This booklet from the Social Security Administration provides an overview of the various kinds of disability benefits available through the Social Security Administration. This booklet will tell you who may get benefits, how to apply and what you need to know once benefits start. [PDF]

Have You Been Denied Social Security Benefits?

Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the procedure to file an appeal of a denial of Social Security benefits. (February 2019)

Information for People Helping Others

Information from the Social Security Administration (SSA) for people who are helping others dealing with the SSA, including assisting others in filing an application for disability benefits. This includes a four-part video series that will walk you through the necessary forms and steps needed to file a complete third-party disability application for the person you are assisting.

Online Services: Apply For Retirement, Disability or Medicare Benefits and Other Services from the Social Security Administration

From the webpage of the Social Security Administration, you can apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits online, check the status of an application or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas), print a benefit verification letter, and more – from anywhere and from any of your devices!

Preparing for Your Disability Hearing (Video)

This video is for people seeking disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSI and SSD). It explains the disability process, defines a few key terms, and permits an Administrative Law Judge, Vocational Expert, and Medical Advisor to explain their roles. (2007)

Representative Payee - When People Need Help Managing Their Money

Information from the Social Security Administration on its Representative Payment Program, that provides benefit payment management for beneficiaries who are incapable of managing their Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.

Social Security Benefits for People Living with HIV/AIDS

Information from the National Association of Social Workers for people with HIV infection regarding disability benefits available through Social Security. [PDF]

Social Security Disability Benefits

Information from the Erie County Bar Association on whether you might be eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits. (February 2019)

A Guide for Seniors and Their Families: Issues on Aging

Consumer Legal Information Pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association [PDF]

A Guide to Legal Issues for Pennsylvania Senior Citizens [PDF]

The handbook from the Pennsylvania Bar Association provides valuable information on legal issues and questions that concern Pennsylvania's senior citizens and the persons and organizations that care for them. (2016-2017) [PDF Format, 83 pages]

Apply Online For Social Security Retirement Benefits

The Social Security Retirement benefit is a monthly check that replaces part of your income when you reduce your hours or stop working altogether. It may not replace all your income so it's best to identify other ways to pay for your monthly expenses as you age.

Benefit Publications from the Social Security Administration

Large collection of publications providing information on the various programs such as: disability benefits, appeal process, benefits for people with HIV, how workmans' compensation can affect your disability benefits, children with disabilities, info on receiving your payments, benefits for those who are blind or have low vision, details on ticket to work incentives, info on working while disabled, retirement benefits, government pension offset, medicare, windfall provision, survivors benefits, SSI, SSI for non-citizens, food stamps and other nutrition progams, protecting your on social security numbers, and more. Many publications available in Spanish.

How to Report Your Income When You Are Working

Did you know that as an employed recipient of Social Security you are responsible for reporting your earnings? If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you or your representative must promptly report any changes in your work activity. Information on your responsibilities and how to report from Disability Rights Pennsylvania.

Online Services: Apply For Retirement, Disability or Medicare Benefits and Other Services from the Social Security Administration

From the webpage of the Social Security Administration, you can apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits online, check the status of an application or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas), print a benefit verification letter, and more – from anywhere and from any of your devices!

Representative Payee - When People Need Help Managing Their Money

Information from the Social Security Administration on its Representative Payment Program, that provides benefit payment management for beneficiaries who are incapable of managing their Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.

Request for Social Security Earnings Information

This form will request verification of employment dates from the Social Security Administration. You may need this if you are having difficulty obtaining dates of employment for a pension, social security application, or personal reason. Please note: fees apply depending on the number of years you are requesting. [PDF] (02-2021) FREE yearly totals of earnings are available at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

Self Employed: Social Security and Medicare

Fact Sheet from the Social Security Administration for people who are self-employed regarding paying Social Security and Medicare taxes, earning credits, calculating net earnings, and more. (2024) [PDF]

Social Security Benefit Application - Medicare

Online Medicare application from the Social Security Administration.

Social Security Direct Deposit

Information on receiving your benefits from the Social Security Administration by Direct Deposit or through a Direct Express debit card. The Direct Express® card is a debit card you can use to access your benefits and you don't need a bank account.

Social Security Retirement Benefits

The Social Security Retirement benefit is a monthly check that replaces part of your income when you reduce your hours or stop working altogether. It may not replace all your income so it's best to identify other ways to pay for your monthly expenses as you age.

Social Security Retirement Benefits

Information from the Erie County Bar Association on your entitlement to Social Security Retirement benefits. (Posted: August 2018)

Social Security Retirement Estimator

The Retirement Estimator produces estimates that are based on your actual Social Security earnings record and has been rated the Federal Government's Best Online Service.

Apply Online For Social Security Retirement Benefits

The Social Security Retirement benefit is a monthly check that replaces part of your income when you reduce your hours or stop working altogether. It may not replace all your income so it's best to identify other ways to pay for your monthly expenses as you age.

Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST)

On SSA BEST, you can use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) to find Social Security benefits you may be eligible to receive. It is not an application for benefits and will not send you free money.

Benefits.gov

Benefits.gov is the official benefits website of the U.S. government whose mission is to increase citizen access to benefit information, while reducing the expense and difficulty of interacting with the government. It is a free, online confidential tool that helps you find government benefits you may be eligible to receive.

Online Services: Apply For Retirement, Disability or Medicare Benefits and Other Services from the Social Security Administration

From the webpage of the Social Security Administration, you can apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits online, check the status of an application or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas), print a benefit verification letter, and more – from anywhere and from any of your devices!

Social Security Benefit Application - Medicare

Online Medicare application from the Social Security Administration.

Federal Court Finder

Find a federal court location by location or court name, including appellate, district, bankruptcy, probation and pretrial office, or federal defender organization. Each District Court has its own local forms which are generally available on the Court website.

Information for People Helping Others

Information from the Social Security Administration (SSA) for people who are helping others dealing with the SSA, including assisting others in filing an application for disability benefits. This includes a four-part video series that will walk you through the necessary forms and steps needed to file a complete third-party disability application for the person you are assisting.

Request for Social Security Earnings Information

This form will request verification of employment dates from the Social Security Administration. You may need this if you are having difficulty obtaining dates of employment for a pension, social security application, or personal reason. Please note: fees apply depending on the number of years you are requesting. [PDF] (02-2021) FREE yearly totals of earnings are available at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

Social Security Retirement Estimator

The Retirement Estimator produces estimates that are based on your actual Social Security earnings record and has been rated the Federal Government's Best Online Service.

A Guide for Seniors and Their Families: Issues on Aging

Consumer Legal Information Pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association [PDF]

A Guide to Legal Issues for Pennsylvania Senior Citizens [PDF]

The handbook from the Pennsylvania Bar Association provides valuable information on legal issues and questions that concern Pennsylvania's senior citizens and the persons and organizations that care for them. (2016-2017) [PDF Format, 83 pages]

Have You Been Denied Social Security Benefits?

Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the procedure to file an appeal of a denial of Social Security benefits. (February 2019)

Social Security Disability Benefits

Information from the Erie County Bar Association on whether you might be eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits. (February 2019)

Social Security Retirement Benefits

Information from the Erie County Bar Association on your entitlement to Social Security Retirement benefits. (Posted: August 2018)

About Your Social Security Number and Card

A Social Security number is important because you need it to get a job, collect Social Security benefits and get some other government services. You should keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers and avoid giving it out unnecessarily. Learn more about why you need one and how to get a number and a new or replacement Social Security Card.

Apply Online For Social Security Retirement Benefits

The Social Security Retirement benefit is a monthly check that replaces part of your income when you reduce your hours or stop working altogether. It may not replace all your income so it's best to identify other ways to pay for your monthly expenses as you age.

Benefit Publications from the Social Security Administration

Large collection of publications providing information on the various programs such as: disability benefits, appeal process, benefits for people with HIV, how workmans' compensation can affect your disability benefits, children with disabilities, info on receiving your payments, benefits for those who are blind or have low vision, details on ticket to work incentives, info on working while disabled, retirement benefits, government pension offset, medicare, windfall provision, survivors benefits, SSI, SSI for non-citizens, food stamps and other nutrition progams, protecting your on social security numbers, and more. Many publications available in Spanish.

Disability Benefits

This booklet from the Social Security Administration provides an overview of the various kinds of disability benefits available through the Social Security Administration. This booklet will tell you who may get benefits, how to apply and what you need to know once benefits start. [PDF]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Representative Payees

Answers for Frequently Asked Questions about Representative Payees from the Social Security Administration.

Government Pension Offset - A Law that Affects Spouse's Or Widow(er)'s Benefits

If you receive a retirement or disability pension from a federal, state, or local government based on your own work for which you didn’t pay Social Security taxes, SSA may reduce your Social Security spouses or widows or widowers benefits. This fact sheet provides answers to questions you may have about the reduction. (May 2019)

Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number

Information from the Social Security Administration on protecting your Social Security number and preventing identity theft. [PDF] (July 2021)

If You Are Blind Or Have Low Vision - How We Can Help

Information from the Social Security Administration for those who are blind or have low vision regarding benefits you may be eligible for through Social Security. [PDF] (January 2022)

Information for People Helping Others

Information from the Social Security Administration (SSA) for people who are helping others dealing with the SSA, including assisting others in filing an application for disability benefits. This includes a four-part video series that will walk you through the necessary forms and steps needed to file a complete third-party disability application for the person you are assisting.

Online Services: Apply For Retirement, Disability or Medicare Benefits and Other Services from the Social Security Administration

From the webpage of the Social Security Administration, you can apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits online, check the status of an application or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas), print a benefit verification letter, and more – from anywhere and from any of your devices!

Representative Payee - When People Need Help Managing Their Money

Information from the Social Security Administration on its Representative Payment Program, that provides benefit payment management for beneficiaries who are incapable of managing their Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.

Request for Social Security Earnings Information

This form will request verification of employment dates from the Social Security Administration. You may need this if you are having difficulty obtaining dates of employment for a pension, social security application, or personal reason. Please note: fees apply depending on the number of years you are requesting. [PDF] (02-2021) FREE yearly totals of earnings are available at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

Self Employed: Social Security and Medicare

Fact Sheet from the Social Security Administration for people who are self-employed regarding paying Social Security and Medicare taxes, earning credits, calculating net earnings, and more. (2024) [PDF]

Social Security Benefit Application - Medicare

Online Medicare application from the Social Security Administration.

Social Security Direct Deposit

Information on receiving your benefits from the Social Security Administration by Direct Deposit or through a Direct Express debit card. The Direct Express® card is a debit card you can use to access your benefits and you don't need a bank account.

Social Security Retirement Benefits

The Social Security Retirement benefit is a monthly check that replaces part of your income when you reduce your hours or stop working altogether. It may not replace all your income so it's best to identify other ways to pay for your monthly expenses as you age.

Survivors Benefits

Your family members could be eligible for benefits based on your earnings if you die. Social Security survivors benefits are paid to widows, widowers, and dependents of eligible workers. Detailed information about survivors benefits is provided by the Social Security Administration to help you understand what to expect from Social Security when you or a loved one dies.

Survivors Planner: Planning For Your Survivors

Information from the Social Security Administration about help it can provide for your survivors when you die if you have earned enough Social Security credits through your work.

What is a Social Security representative payee?

Information on the duties and responsibilities of a Representative Payee appointed by the Social Security Administration to receive Social Security or SSI benefits for anyone who can’t manage or direct the management of their benefits. A Social Security representative payee is appointed by the Social Security Administration to manage Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefit payments for people who need help managing their money.

What You Need To Know About Misleading Advertising

Fact Sheet warns against misleading advertisers. Don't pay someone else for services which Social Security will do for free, including correcting your name on your social security card, obtaining replacement cards or new cards for children, and obtaining social security statements. (September 2018)

How to Report Your Income When You Are Working

Did you know that as an employed recipient of Social Security you are responsible for reporting your earnings? If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you or your representative must promptly report any changes in your work activity. Information on your responsibilities and how to report from Disability Rights Pennsylvania.

Social Security Benefits for People Living with HIV/AIDS

Information from the National Association of Social Workers for people with HIV infection regarding disability benefits available through Social Security. [PDF]

When Can My Employer Pay Me Less Than the Minimum Wage? - A Fact Sheet for Social Security Beneficiaries

This Fact Sheet from the Disability Rights Pennsylvania will explain the right of Social Security beneficiaries returning to work, like all employees, to be paid the minimum wage, unless your employer gets special certification to pay you less than the minimum wage. It also explains other rights that you have as an employee regardless of your rate of pay. [PDF] (February 2018)

Survivors Benefits

Your family members could be eligible for benefits based on your earnings if you die. Social Security survivors benefits are paid to widows, widowers, and dependents of eligible workers. Detailed information about survivors benefits is provided by the Social Security Administration to help you understand what to expect from Social Security when you or a loved one dies.

Survivors Planner: Planning For Your Survivors

Information from the Social Security Administration about help it can provide for your survivors when you die if you have earned enough Social Security credits through your work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Representative Payees

Answers for Frequently Asked Questions about Representative Payees from the Social Security Administration.

Representative Payee - When People Need Help Managing Their Money

Information from the Social Security Administration on its Representative Payment Program, that provides benefit payment management for beneficiaries who are incapable of managing their Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.

What is a Social Security representative payee?

Information on the duties and responsibilities of a Representative Payee appointed by the Social Security Administration to receive Social Security or SSI benefits for anyone who can’t manage or direct the management of their benefits. A Social Security representative payee is appointed by the Social Security Administration to manage Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefit payments for people who need help managing their money.

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