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.
Application for a Social Security Card
Apply for a Social Security card online or use the official application form. Use the official form from the Social Security Administration to apply for (1) An original Social Security card; (2) A replacement Social Security card; or (3) A change of information on your record. [PDF] (December 2024)
Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST)
This resource from the Social Security Administration allows you to use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) to find what Social Security benefits you may be eligible to receive. It is NOT an application for benefits.
Change name with Social Security
If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or need to correct your name for other reasons, you must tell Social Security so you can get a replacement SSN card with your correct legal name. Click on the link below for information and how to complete your application on the Social Security Administration website.
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.
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: Social Security Administration
This webpage of the Social Security Administration described the online services available from Social Security including apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits online. The page allows you to create a My Social Security account. you can use to 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!
Plan for Retirement - Social Security Retirement Estimator
Apply for your monthly Retirement benefit anytime between age 62 and 70. Social Security will calculate your payment based on your lifetime earnings. The amount will be higher the longer you wait to apply, up until age 70. The Retirement Estimator produces estimates that are based on your actual Social Security earnings record.
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. (11/20224)
Social Security Benefit Application - Medicare
Online Medicare application from the Social Security Administration. Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. You’ll sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B through Social Security, so you can make both retirement and Medicare choices and withhold any premiums from your benefit 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. This serves as a resource guide for social workers and other care providers to assist clients with determining eligibility and applying to these federal programs.
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.
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] February 2025.
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. This serves as a resource guide for social workers and other care providers to assist clients with determining eligibility and applying to these federal programs.
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. (JUNE 27, 2023)
Application for a Social Security Card
Apply for a Social Security card online or use the official application form. Use the official form from the Social Security Administration to apply for (1) An original Social Security card; (2) A replacement Social Security card; or (3) A change of information on your record. [PDF] (December 2024)
Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST)
This resource from the Social Security Administration allows you to use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) to find what Social Security benefits you may be eligible to receive. It is NOT an application for benefits.
Online Services: Social Security Administration
This webpage of the Social Security Administration described the online services available from Social Security including apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits online. The page allows you to create a My Social Security account. you can use to 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. Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. You’ll sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B through Social Security, so you can make both retirement and Medicare choices and withhold any premiums from your benefit payments.
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.
Change name with Social Security
If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or need to correct your name for other reasons, you must tell Social Security so you can get a replacement SSN card with your correct legal name. Click on the link below for information and how to complete your application on the Social Security Administration website.
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.
Plan for Retirement - Social Security Retirement Estimator
Apply for your monthly Retirement benefit anytime between age 62 and 70. Social Security will calculate your payment based on your lifetime earnings. The amount will be higher the longer you wait to apply, up until age 70. The Retirement Estimator produces estimates that are based on your actual Social Security earnings record.
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. (11/20224)
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)
A Guide to Legal Issues for Pennsylvania Older Adults
The guide is designed to provide information about legal issues faced by Pennsylvania’s older residents and their caregivers. The authors and publishers intend to assist older adults make appropriate choices so they can maximize their personal autonomy, minimize costs, navigate the maze of government benefits and protect themselves against predators seeking to deceive, exploit or defraud them. The materials in this guide were current as of the date of publication. May 2025.
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. Social Security Disability benefits provide disability protection in the form of monthly cash benefits to disabled workers and their families for the duration of the disability, depending upon their eligibility to receive such benefits. Disabled widows, widowers, or disabled surviving divorced spouses aged 50 through 59 who meet the other requirements for entitlement to widow's or widower's insurance benefit may qualify for monthly cash benefits. Disabled children of Social Security recipients may also qualify. (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.
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.
Change name with Social Security
If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or need to correct your name for other reasons, you must tell Social Security so you can get a replacement SSN card with your correct legal name. Click on the link below for information and how to complete your application on the Social Security Administration website.
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] February 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Representative Payees
Answers for Frequently Asked Questions about Representative Payees from the Social Security Administration. A representative payee is a person or an organization appointed to receive the Social Security or SSI benefits for anyone who can’t manage or direct the management of his or her benefits.
Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number
Information from the Social Security Administration on protecting your Social Security number and preventing identity theft. Learn how to prevent identity theft and what you can do if you fall victim to these criminals. [PDF] (October 2024)
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.
If You Are Self-Employed
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. (2025)
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: Social Security Administration
This webpage of the Social Security Administration described the online services available from Social Security including apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits online. The page allows you to create a My Social Security account. you can use to 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. Social Security will appoint a suitable representative payee (payee) who manages the payments on behalf of the beneficiaries. Generally, they look for family or friends to serve as payees. When friends or family members are not able to serve as payees, they look for qualified organizations. Social Security also offers the option to advance designate up to three individuals who could serve as payee for you if the need arises.
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. (11/20224)
Social Security Benefit Application - Medicare
Online Medicare application from the Social Security Administration. Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. You’ll sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B through Social Security, so you can make both retirement and Medicare choices and withhold any premiums from your benefit payments.
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.
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. (JUNE 27, 2023)
What You Need To Know About Misleading Advertising
This 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. (March 2022)
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. This serves as a resource guide for social workers and other care providers to assist clients with determining eligibility and applying to these federal programs.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Representative Payees
Answers for Frequently Asked Questions about Representative Payees from the Social Security Administration. A representative payee is a person or an organization appointed to receive the Social Security or SSI benefits for anyone who can’t manage or direct the management of his or her benefits.
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 will appoint a suitable representative payee (payee) who manages the payments on behalf of the beneficiaries. Generally, they look for family or friends to serve as payees. When friends or family members are not able to serve as payees, they look for qualified organizations. Social Security also offers the option to advance designate up to three individuals who could serve as payee for you if the need arises.
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. (JUNE 27, 2023)