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 Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on the Supplemental Security Income program.
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)
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.
The SSI Appeals Process in Pennsylvania Is Changing: What You Need to Know About Reconsideration (Video)
This video from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia explains changes that have gone into effect regarding how you must appeal determinations received that have denied applications for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). (April 2019)
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]
Supplemental Security Income (Video-Spanish)
July 2011 - This Spanish language video from Northwestern Legal Services describes the federal Supplemental Security Income program for the elderly, blind and disabled. Presented by Jing Geng.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
SSI Benefits
Fact sheet on from the Youth Justice Project providing information on Supplemental Security Income Benefits to young people who may be disabled and receiving them or who might qualify for disability benefits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the Supplemental Security Income program. (February 2019)
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.
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.
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)
SSI Overpayments: What to Do if You Got a Notice of Overpayment from Social Security [Video]
This video from Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut and CTLawHelp.org is for people who get SSI (Supplemental Security Income). 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 SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), 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)
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)