This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
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)
Check eligibility for Social Security benefits
This resource from the Social Security Administration allows you to find what Social Security benefits you may be eligible to receive. It is NOT an application for benefits. Answer a few questions to see if you qualify for benefits right now. How long it'll take: 10 minutes or less
Find government benefits and financial help
This website of the U.S. government seeks 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. Use the benefit finder tool or search by category to learn which benefits you and your family may be eligible for and learn how to apply for what you qualify for.
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. Written and Audio brochure.
Information for Groups and Organizations Helping Others
Many people, including those with low-income, limited English proficiency, housing instability, or mental health challenges, face barriers to accessing services and benefits. These individuals often rely on groups and organizations to help them get the assistance they need. On this page from the Social Security Administration, you will find a current list of resources and materials that you can use to learn about Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and help spread the word in your community. 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!
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.
Understanding Supplemental Security Income - Spotlight on Rights and Responsibilities
Information from the Social Security Administration spotlighting your Rights and Responsibilities as an SSI recipient. (2025 Edition)
You May Be Able To Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Fact Sheet from the Social Security Administration explaining what Supplemental Security Income is, who is eligible to receive it and how to apply for benefits. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly payments to people who have limited income and few resources. SSI is for people who are 65 or older, as well as for those of any age, including children, who are blind or have disabilities. (2026)
Information for Groups and Organizations Helping Others
Many people, including those with low-income, limited English proficiency, housing instability, or mental health challenges, face barriers to accessing services and benefits. These individuals often rely on groups and organizations to help them get the assistance they need. On this page from the Social Security Administration, you will find a current list of resources and materials that you can use to learn about Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and help spread the word in your community. 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.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
This booklet from the Social Security Administration explains what Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is, who can get it, and how to apply. SSI provides monthly payments to adults and children who have income and resources below specific financial limits, and who meet one of the following criteria: (1) They are age 65 or older; (2) They are blind; or (3) They have a medical condition that keeps them from performing substantial gainful activity, which is expected to last one year or result in death (Disability). (November 2024)
Understanding Supplemental Security Income - Spotlight on Rights and Responsibilities
Information from the Social Security Administration spotlighting your Rights and Responsibilities as an SSI recipient. (2025 Edition)
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)
You May Be Able To Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Fact Sheet from the Social Security Administration explaining what Supplemental Security Income is, who is eligible to receive it and how to apply for benefits. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly payments to people who have limited income and few resources. SSI is for people who are 65 or older, as well as for those of any age, including children, who are blind or have disabilities. (2026)
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)
Check eligibility for Social Security benefits
This resource from the Social Security Administration allows you to find what Social Security benefits you may be eligible to receive. It is NOT an application for benefits. Answer a few questions to see if you qualify for benefits right now. How long it'll take: 10 minutes or less
Find government benefits and financial help
This website of the U.S. government seeks 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. Use the benefit finder tool or search by category to learn which benefits you and your family may be eligible for and learn how to apply for what you qualify for.
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!
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 Groups and Organizations Helping Others
Many people, including those with low-income, limited English proficiency, housing instability, or mental health challenges, face barriers to accessing services and benefits. These individuals often rely on groups and organizations to help them get the assistance they need. On this page from the Social Security Administration, you will find a current list of resources and materials that you can use to learn about Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and help spread the word in your community. 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.
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. It also stresses the need for the client to actively participate in the development of the case. (2007)
Special Needs Trust
Northwestern Legal Services provides an overview of what a Special Needs Trust is, who needs one, and how to get one. (October 2018)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on the Supplemental Security Income program.
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.
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] (March 2026)
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. Written and Audio brochure.
Information for Groups and Organizations Helping Others
Many people, including those with low-income, limited English proficiency, housing instability, or mental health challenges, face barriers to accessing services and benefits. These individuals often rely on groups and organizations to help them get the assistance they need. On this page from the Social Security Administration, you will find a current list of resources and materials that you can use to learn about Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and help spread the word in your community. 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.
Social Security Direct Deposit
Federal law mandates that all federal benefit payments – including Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – be made electronically. This provides 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.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
This booklet from the Social Security Administration explains what Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is, who can get it, and how to apply. SSI provides monthly payments to adults and children who have income and resources below specific financial limits, and who meet one of the following criteria: (1) They are age 65 or older; (2) They are blind; or (3) They have a medical condition that keeps them from performing substantial gainful activity, which is expected to last one year or result in death (Disability). (November 2024)
Understanding Supplemental Security Income - Spotlight on Rights and Responsibilities
Information from the Social Security Administration spotlighting your Rights and Responsibilities as an SSI recipient. (2025 Edition)
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)
Working While Disabled - How We Can Help
This booklet from the Social Security Administration provides information for people who are receiving Social Security disability insurance benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits, but still want to work. It provides an overview of the various work incentive rules and answers many related questions. [PDF] (2026)
You May Be Able To Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Fact Sheet from the Social Security Administration explaining what Supplemental Security Income is, who is eligible to receive it and how to apply for benefits. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly payments to people who have limited income and few resources. SSI is for people who are 65 or older, as well as for those of any age, including children, who are blind or have disabilities. (2026)
Your Social Security Number And Card
You need a Social Security number to work. We use your Social Security number to record your earnings and determine your eligibility for Social Security benefits and certain government services. Many financial institutions, such as banks and credit companies, also ask for your number when you open an account. This provides information from the Social Security Administration on obtaining and Social Security number and card. [PDF] (January 2025)
Your Ticket To Work
Information from the Social Security Administration regarding the Ticket To Work Program and how more Americans with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in the workforce and lessen their dependence on public benefits. Some of the work incentives allow you to keep some Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or SSI benefits, and your Medicaid or Medicare, while you transition to the workplace. (February 2025)
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 at the end of every month. This provides 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.
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)