Information and resources about Supplemental Security Income 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)
Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST)
This resource from the Social Security Administration allows you to use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) to find what Social Security benefits you may be eligible to receive. It is NOT an application for benefits.
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. (January 2025)
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. 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 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: 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. (2025)
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. (January 2025)
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. 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. (2025)
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)
Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST)
This resource from the Social Security Administration allows you to use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) to find what Social Security benefits you may be eligible to receive. It is NOT an application for benefits.
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. 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 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.
Has Social Security Told You You've Been Overpaid?
Information from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia on “overpayments” received from the Social Security Administration - when the Social Security Administration (SSA) says they gave you benefits when they shouldn’t have or paid you more than they were supposed to.
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. (2007)
Section 301 Requires Continued Social Security Disability Benefits While Participating in a Vocational Rehabilitation or Similar Program
Information from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia on your right to continue to receive Social Security and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Disability Benefits while participating in a Vocational Rehabilitation or similar program.
Should I Apply for SSI?
Flyer from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia outlining the Benefits of SSI, how to apply for it and how to appeal if your application is denied.
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.
What is the Children's SSI Program?
Information from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia on the children's Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program for low-income children with severe disabilities.
What to do if your SSI benefits were cut off when you turned 18
The Social Security Administration reviews the cases of all teenagers receiving SSI when the recipient turns 18 to see if the recipient meets the adult standard of disability. This resource from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia provides information designed to help teenagers and their families understand how to prepare for the age-18 review and what to do if SSI benefits are cut off.
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.
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.
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. (January 2025)
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] (October 2024)
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 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: 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
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] (January 2025)
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. (2025)
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.
Ticket to Work Program
Ticket to Work is a free and voluntary program that can help Social Security beneficiaries go to work, get a good job that may lead to a career, and become financially independent, all while they keep their Medicare or Medicaid. Individuals who receive Social Security benefits because of a disability and are age 18 through 64 probably already qualify for the program. The program helps individuals with disabilities earn enough so they will not need to rely on Social Security cash benefits.
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)