Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

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Disabled man with elderly mother.

Information and resources about Supplemental Security Income 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.

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.

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.

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!

Benefits For People With Disabilities

Information from the Social Security Administration about programs available to people with disabilities. Information includes how to apply, on-line forms, and a link to the benefit eligibility screening tool.

Application for a Social Security Card

From the Social Security Administration: Use this form 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]

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.

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.

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!

Application for a Social Security Card

From the Social Security Administration: Use this form 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]

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.

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.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the Supplemental Security Income program. (February 2019)

Supplemental Security Income Guide

This booklet from the Social Security Administration explains what Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is, who can get it and how to sign up for SSI. [PDF] (Last updated March 2022) Please click on the link below

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]

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!

Benefits For Children With Disabilities

This booklet from the Social Security Administration is written primarily for the parents and caregivers of children with disabilities and adults disabled since childhood. It illustrates the kinds of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits a child with a disability might be eligible for and explains how SSA evaluates disability claims for children. [PDF]

Benefits For People With Disabilities

Information from the Social Security Administration about programs available to people with disabilities. Information includes how to apply, on-line forms, and a link to the benefit eligibility screening tool.

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.

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)

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]

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] (January 2022)

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. (July 2020) [PDF]

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.

Understanding Supplemental Security Income - Spotlight on Rights and Responsibilities

Information from the Social Security Administration spotlighting your Rights and Responsibilities as an SSI recipient. (2021 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. [PDF] (January 2022)

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.

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.

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)

STAY CONNECTED with the Lifeline Telephone and Broadband Assistance Program

The Lifeline Program is a federal government benefit that provides eligible low-income consumers a monthly discount on their phone or internet bill. The benefit can be used for voice (telephone), Broadband internet Access Service (or BIAS, usually called internet service), or a combined telephone/internet service product from a landline or wireless provider.

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 2021)

Supplemental Security Income: An Overview

Brief overview of the Supplemental Security Income program from the National Organization for Social Security Claimants' Representatives.

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.

Ticket to Work Program: A Beneficiary's Guide

The Ticket to Work Program of the Social Security Administration was designed by Congress to allow you to test your ability to work while continuing to receive cash and health care benefits and gradually become self-supporting. This provides information on who is eligible for the program and how it can help you obtain self-suffficiency.

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)

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