Information and resources about Supplemental Security Income issues in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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)
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)