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.
SeniorLAW Helpline - 877 PA SR LAW (1-877-727-7529)
The statewide toll-free SeniorLAW Helpline - 877 PA SR LAW (877-727-7529) - provides free legal advice, information and referrals by telephone for all Pennsylvania seniors 60 and over.
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.
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.
Applying and Appealing for Disability at Social Security (Video)
Watch this video from ctlawhelp 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.
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 for Wounded Warriors (Webinar/Video)
This SSA webinar explains the Social Security disability claims process and expedited processing available to wounded warriors. This outreach program will provide general information about Social Security disability benefits as well as topics unique to wounded warriors. (Recorded 11/4/2009)
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.
Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool (B.E.S.T.)
The Social Security Adminisitration's Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) is an online tool that you can use to find out if you could be eligible for benefits from any of the programs Social Security administers. This tool will give you eligibility information based on answers you give on the online form.
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.
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.
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.
Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool (B.E.S.T.)
The Social Security Adminisitration's Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) is an online tool that you can use to find out if you could be eligible for benefits from any of the programs Social Security administers. This tool will give you eligibility information based on answers you give on the online form.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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]
Impact of Criminal Record on Public Benefits in Pennsylvania
Chart from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia outlining the effect on the eligibility for public benefits for people with criminal records.
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. (November 2011)
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)
SeniorLAW Helpline - 877 PA SR LAW (1-877-727-7529)
The statewide toll-free SeniorLAW Helpline - 877 PA SR LAW (877-727-7529) - provides free legal advice, information and referrals by telephone for all Pennsylvania seniors 60 and over.
Applying and Appealing for Disability at Social Security (Video)
Watch this video from ctlawhelp 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.
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)
SSDI Overpayments: What to Do if You Got a Notice of Overpayment from Social Security [Video]
This video is for people who get SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance). It will explain what you can do if Social Security sends you a letter telling you that they are going to take money out of your check for an overpayment. If you get SSI (Supplemental Security Income), we have a different video that will help you because the rules are not the same. If you don't know if you are getting SSI or SSDI, you can call your local Social Security office to ask. (December 2013)
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.
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.
The role of a 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.
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]
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)
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.
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.
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)
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 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 for Wounded Warriors (Webinar/Video)
This SSA webinar explains the Social Security disability claims process and expedited processing available to wounded warriors. This outreach program will provide general information about Social Security disability benefits as well as topics unique to wounded warriors. (Recorded 11/4/2009)
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.
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]
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)
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.