Public Benefits - Self-Help Resolurces
Legal Information > Online Applications, Claims and Benefit Screening
Self-Help forms and Online Resources relating to Public Benefits.
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)
Application for Payment of Medicare Premiums, Coinsurance and Deductibles [PDF]
The PA 600M is a mail-in application for payment of the Medicare Part B premium only. It is used to help elderly individuals or individuals with disabilities who are eligible for Medicare to pay some or all of their Medicare Part B premium. A face-to-face interview is not required when using this application. The application cannot be used to apply for Medicaid (Medical Assistance), cash assistance or food stamps. (PA 600 M (AS) 8/19)
Apply for Unemployment Compensation Benefits
This site from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry allows you to file an initial application or file weekly clams and reopen their existing claims for UC benefits via the Internet, telephone or video phone for individuals using American Sign Language.
Apply Online For Social Security Disability Benefits
Online Application for Social Security Disability Benefits
Benefits Check Up for Seniors
BenefitsCheckUp® connects millions of older adults and people with disabilities with benefits programs that can help pay for health care, medicine, food, utilities, and more. See what's available in your area by entering your ZIP code on the site.
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.
COMPASS
COMPASS is an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs and manage benefit information, including SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, LIHEAP and other social service programs.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Use the EITC Assistant
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. Claiming the credit can reduce the tax you owe and may also give you a larger refund. Use this calculator to find out: (1) If you're eligible for the EITC; (2) If you have any qualifying children or relatives; (3) The estimated amount of your credit; and (4) Your filing status.
Filing Weekly Claim Certification for Unemployment Compensation
After filing an application for UC benefits, you must file claims for weeks when you are totally or partially unemployed in order to receive UC. This site from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry will allow you to file your claims online.
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!
Reopen an Existing Unemployment Compensation Claim
If you established an initial claim for UC benefits within the past year, stopped filing for those benefits and wish to resume filing, you can reopen your claim using the methods listed on this website.
Social Security Benefit Application - Medicare
Online Medicare application from the Social Security Administration. Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. You’ll sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B through Social Security, so you can make both retirement and Medicare choices and withhold any premiums from your benefit payments.
Social Security Retirement Benefits
The Social Security Retirement benefit is a monthly check that replaces part of your income when you reduce your hours or stop working altogether. It may not replace all your income so it's best to identify other ways to pay for your monthly expenses as you age.
Apply for Unemployment Compensation Benefits
This site from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry allows you to file an initial application or file weekly clams and reopen their existing claims for UC benefits via the Internet, telephone or video phone for individuals using American Sign Language.
Apply Online For Social Security Disability Benefits
Online Application for Social Security Disability Benefits
COMPASS
COMPASS is an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs and manage benefit information, including SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, LIHEAP and other social service programs.
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!
Reopen an Existing Unemployment Compensation Claim
If you established an initial claim for UC benefits within the past year, stopped filing for those benefits and wish to resume filing, you can reopen your claim using the methods listed on this website.
Social Security Benefit Application - Medicare
Online Medicare application from the Social Security Administration. Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. You’ll sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B through Social Security, so you can make both retirement and Medicare choices and withhold any premiums from your benefit payments.
Social Security Retirement Benefits
The Social Security Retirement benefit is a monthly check that replaces part of your income when you reduce your hours or stop working altogether. It may not replace all your income so it's best to identify other ways to pay for your monthly expenses as you age.