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.
Apply Online For Social Security Retirement Benefits
Social Security offers this online retirement application that you can complete in as little as 15 minutes.
Online Services: Apply For Retirement, Disability or Medicare Benefits and Other Services from the Social Security Administration
From this 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 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
Social Security offers this online retirement application that you can complete in as little as 15 minutes.
Online Services: Apply For Retirement, Disability or Medicare Benefits and Other Services from the Social Security Administration
From this 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.
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.
Do you get your benefits from Social Security on a DEBIT CARD?
Information from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia on "Direct Express" - the only official card for getting your Social Security, SSI, and SSDI benefits. It is free to sign up and can be used without fees. [PDF]
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]
Social Security Retirement Benefits
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on your entitlement to Social Security Retirement benefits. (Posted: August 2018)
Social Security and SSI Overpayments
This multimedia presentation explains the facts about Overpayments in the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income programs, including when an overpayment might occur and what you can do when you are informed that an overpayment is being assessed against you. (November 2012)
Apply Online For Social Security Retirement Benefits
Social Security offers this online retirement application that you can complete in as little as 15 minutes.
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.
Online Services: Apply For Retirement, Disability or Medicare Benefits and Other Services from the Social Security Administration
From this 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.
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. (2022) [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
Social Security is part of the retirement plan for almost every American worker. It provides replacement income for qualified retirees and their families. This section of the SSA website helps you better understand the program, the application process, and the online tools and resources available to you.
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.