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.
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]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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]
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.