In the State of Pennsylvania, there are approximately 374,000 individuals receiving monthly disability benefit payments from the Social Security Administration. To qualify in PA for Social Security disability benefits, you must meet the SSA's disability requirements along with meeting the work or income limits set by the SSA.
Pennsylvania SSDI Eligibility
You can apply for Social Security disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). This is a federal agency not a state one, so it doesn’t matter which state you live in as the process is the same whether you apply in Pennsylvania or any other state.
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pathway to Social Security disability (SSD) benefits is dependent on you having worked for several years and, thereby, having paid Social Security contributions in your payroll tax. The SSA calculates your disability benefits payment by using the length of time you have been working since you were 22 years old as well as how many payroll contributions you have made. You must have accumulated a certain level of work credits to be able to be eligible for SSDI benefits. Generally, you accumulate 4 work credits a year, so if you have worked for 18 years since you turned 22, i.e. you are now 40, and have developed a disability, you may have accumulated 72 work credits.
Work credits are not the only factor the SSA assesses to make their decision about your eligibility for benefits. They also carefully assess your medical history, medical records and as much evidence of the medical condition that you have and submit to them alongside your application. Medical evidence can be scans, tests, doctor’s notes, periods in hospital, surgery, etc.—basically anything related to your disability and how it prevents you from working.
Many disability benefits applications in Pennsylvania are initially refused. This is typically due to the fact that the SSA’s inspectors are not convinced that your medical disability is severe enough to justify giving you benefits. The SSA may also think that even though you have a disability that you could still work. You may find that having your doctor complete a Residual Functional Capacity formcould help your chances. The Residual Functional Capacity (RFC assessment) is a test of what you are able to do physically or mentally, e.g. stand up, walk, lift, push, etc.
How Much Is the Disability Benefit Payment in Pennsylvania?
The amount an applicant may receive in disability payments depends on several factors, but the amount is based on federal, as opposed to state, rules. The amount you receive each month varies on a case-by-case basis. For 2023, the maximum monthly disability benefit is $1,470.
There are two separate programs that are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). These are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI).
SSDI is for people who have paid taxes into the Social Security Fund either through their payroll or through self-employment taxes. If you qualify for SSDI, the amount you will receive will depend on how much income you have earned as well as how long you have been employed. Conversely, SSI isn’t related to your tax contributions, and instead is based on need. Thus, SSI payments are determined based on your total income, assets, and resources.
What is the SSDI Disability Application in PA?
If you have gathered all of the information and medical documentation needed to support your application for disability benefits, you will now need to complete an application form. The application form is accessible online, and you can choose to either file it online or at your local SSA office.
It is the Social Security Administration that first reviews applications for disability benefits. If the SSA determines you are eligible for disability benefits, your application will be forwarded to the Bureau of Disability Determination (BDD) who will then decide if your medical evidence qualifies you for disability benefits.
At this stage of the process, an applicant’s medical evidence is requested and then evaluated. An applicant’s medical evidence is provided by their doctors, hospital and any other medical facility that has been responsible for providing medical treatment. The type of medical information that is likely to be requested is as follows:
- a diagnosis for your medical condition;
- when your medical condition started;
- how your medical condition prevents you from participating in daily activities including work;
- results of medical tests;
- what treatment has been administered and its effects.
If there is any doubt that your medical evidence fails to prove you are unable to work, you may have to undergo a residual functioning capacity assessment (RFC). An RFC evaluates your ability to take part in work-related activities like walking, sitting, lifting, carrying and remembering instructions. Your doctor is normally allowed to conduct an RFC.
If your application for a disability benefit is approved, an assessment of your financial situation—including how much you have paid in social security taxes throughout your life thus far—will be made.
The older you are, the more you will have probably paid in social security taxes, meaning that you are more likely to qualify for SSDI. However, if you don’t qualify, your financial situation—including the value of your assets—will be assessed, and you may be eligible to receive SSI in PA. In 2023, the maximum monthly federal SSI payment an individual could receive is $941. The maximum monthly federal SSI payment for a couple in 2023 is $1,371. It is important to note that there is also an income limit regarding the money earned from wages for an individual which is $1,767 and $2,607 for a couple.
How to Apply for Disability in Pennsylvania
How to apply for disability in Pennsylvania starts with you gathering and organizing every medical record that is associated with your claim.
You need to submit the results of diagnostic tests to confirm that your illness or injury qualifies as an eligible medical condition that is listed in the Blue Book published by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The SSA also wants to review the records that describe your treatments and rehabilitation program. Copies of prescription medication receipts and the timekeeping records sent by your employer can improve your chances of receiving financial assistance.
Once you collect and organize the persuasive evidence you need to receive approval for disability benefits, the next step in the process involves submitting an application before the deadline established by the SSA. You must submit an accurate application to ensure the SSA reviews your claim in a timely manner.
Because of its sizeable population, Pennsylvania is home to dozens of Social Security offices where you can submit an application in person.
However, many of the Social Security offices in Pennsylvania remain closed because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Instead of applying for disability in person, you can visit the SSA website to submit a claim.
The SSA typically processes online claims quicker than they process in-person claims. You also have the option to apply for disability in Pennsylvania by phone at 800-772-1213. The SSA responds to phone applications from Monday to Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
The SSA will send you a confirmation email when it receives your application for disability benefits.
Disability Offices in Pennsylvania
This year, thousands more will apply for disability benefits in Pennsylvania alone. Unfortunately, more than sixty percent of Pennsylvania Social Security Disability applications are denied by the Social Security Administration. These applicants must then pursue the lengthy and complicated appeal process in order to obtain the disability benefits they may be entitled to. The good news is that nearly two-thirds of applicants who pursue the second stage of the appeals process, which is a disability hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, are eventually awarded Social Security Disability benefits.
It takes Pennsylvania Social Security Disability applicants anywhere from 267 to 477 days to obtain a hearing before an ALJ. The Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, frequently referred to as ODAR, is the Social Security office that is responsible for the management of Social Security Disability hearings. The area of Pennsylvania that you live in determines which Pennsylvania ODAR office processes your disability hearing and also determines how long you will have to wait to obtain a disability hearing.
Charlottesville, VA ODAR
1470 Pantops Mountain Place
2nd Floor
Charlottesville, Virginia 22911
Phone: (866) 613-2969
Fax: (434) 295-4515
It takes this office an average of nine months to schedule a Social Security Disability hearing. The Charlottesville ODAR office is located in Virginia, but processes the hearings for the some field offices in PA:
303 Cayuga Ave
Altoona, PA 16602
(888) 245-5368
901 University Drive
Suite 2
State College, PA 16801
(866) 864-1516
Elkins Park, PA ODAR
8380 Old York Road
Suite 250
Elkins Park, Pennsylvania 19027
Phone: 866-964-7369
Fax: (215) 887-0541
The Elkins Park ODAR office takes an average of 267 days to schedule a disability hearing and handles the hearings for:
41 N 4th Street
Allentown, PA 18102
(877) 405-6746
555 Main Street
Bethlehem, PA 18018
(610) 691-2451
134 S 4th Street
Easton, PA 18042
(866) 964-5056
444 Lincoln Highway
Fairless Hills, PA 19030
800-772-1213
115 West Avenue
Suite 302
Jenkintown, PA 19046
800-772-1213
2373 Welsh Road
Philadelphia, PA 19114
800-772-1213
Harrisburg, PA ODAR
2 North 2nd Street
8th Floor
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101
Phone: (717) 782-3815
Fax: (717) 236-3150
The average processing time for this office is 342 days and it serves:
200 S Spring Garden Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(866) 635-0507
50 North Third Street
Chambersburg, PA 17201
(888) 327-1176
555 Walnut Street
Harrisburg, PA 17010
(888) 327-1176
1809 Olde Homestead Lane
Suite 104
Lancaster, PA 17601
(888) 384-9919
924 Russell Drive
Lebanon, PA 17042
800-772-1213
208 West 3rd Street
Lewistown, PA 17044
(888) 306-4336
950 Borom Road
York, PA 17404
800-772-1213
Johnstown, PA ODAR
334 Washington Street
Suite 200
Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15901-9954
Phone: (866) 331-7134
Fax: (814) 535-4057
It takes this office an average of 477 days to schedule a disability hearing for Pennsylvania Social Security Disability applicants and services:
302 Liberty Blvd
Dubois, PA 15801
(888) 491-1884
122 West 3rd Street
Greensburg, PA 15601
(877) 748-9768
1265 Wayne Avenue
Suite 310 Prof Center
Indiana, PA 15701
(877) 405-7679
334 Washington Street
Suite 225
Johnstown, PA 15901
(866) 331-7128
Highlands Bus Center – 2B
159 Butler Road
Kitanning, PA 16201
(877) 255-1372
451 Aberdeen Drive
Suite 3
Somerset, PA 15501
(866) 217-7002
Morgantown, WV ODAR
6 Suburban Court
Chestnut Ridge Road
Morgantown, West Virginia 26505
Phone: (304) 285-4250
Fax: (304) 285-4326
The average processing time for this office is fourteen months. The Morgantown ODAR office located in the State of West Virginia schedules hearings for the office in:
942 Morgantown Road
Uniontown, PA 15401
(866) 320-7459
Norfolk, VA ODAR
The Norfolk ODAR office takes an average of ten months to schedule a disability hearing and handles the hearings for:
19001 Park Avenue Plaza
Meadville, PA 16335
(888) 347-9276
Philadelphia, PA ODAR
1601 Market Street, 21st Floor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Phone: (866) 964-6288
Fax: (215) 982-4734
It takes this office an average of 386 days to schedule a disability hearing. The Philadelphia ODAR office serves:
1700 Markley Street
First Floor
Norristown, PA 19401
(800) 772-1213
1234 Market Street
Suite 2000 20th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(800) 772-1213
3400 Aramingo Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19134
(215) 427-0562
Stadium Plaza
3336 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19145
(877) 575-5191
3901 Market Street
Second Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(800) 772-1213
2nd Floor Woodland Village Plaza
6120 Woodland Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19142
(800) 772-1213
1101 West Chester Pike
West Chester, PA 19382
(610) 431-0795
Philadelphia (East), PA ODAR
833 Chestnut Street
Suite 502
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
Phone: (866) 572-9721
Fax: (215) 597-3480
The East Philadelphia ODAR office serves:
807 Crosby Street
Chester, PA 19013
(800) 772-1213
5000 Wissahickon Avenue
Third Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(800) 772-1213
2929 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19132
(800) 772-1213
8645 West Chester Pike
Upper Darby, PA 19082
(800) 772-1213
It takes this office an average of 353 days to schedule a disability hearing.
Pittsburgh, PA ODAR
1000 Liberty Avenue, Suite 2308
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Telephone: (866) 331-2291
Fax: (412) 644-4200
The Pittsburgh ODAR office services the local offices listed below and takes this office an average of 444 days to schedule a disability hearing.
520 5th Avenue
Mckeesport, PA 15132
(866) 964-2037
322 Monroeville Mall
Monroeville, PA 15146
(888) 527-9339
921 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(866) 770-2965
6117 Penn Circle North
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
(877) 405-3575
650 Washington Road
Suite 120
Pittsburgh, PA 15228
(888) 717-1525
RM 310 Melrose Medical Bldg
2708 Brownsville Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15227
(800) 772-1213
4 Allegheny Center
Second Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(877) 405-9203
95 W. Beau Street
Suite 10
Washington, PA 15301
(724) 228-4555
Richmond, VA ODAR
801 East Main Street
4th Floor
Richmond, Virginia 23219-2406
Phone: (804) 771-2977
Fax: (804) 771-2405
The Richmond ODAR office located in the State of Virginia, but schedules the Social Security Disability hearings for:
201 Penn Street
Suite 200
Reading, PA 19601
(866) 274-5960
It takes this office an average of ten months to schedule a disability hearing for Pennsylvania Social Security Disability applicants.
Mars, PA ODAR
One Adams Place, Building B
300 Seven Fields Blvd, Suite 200
Mars, PA 16046
Telephone: (724) 742-4800
Fax: (724) 742-4836
The Seven Fields/Mars ODAR office serves the field offices in:
120 Merchant Street
Ambridge, PA 15003
(866) 331-6401
2105 Ninth Avenue
Beaver Falls, PA 15010
(724) 843-7533
102 Woody Drive
Butler, PA 16001
(877) 583-4102
80 Regina Drive
Cranberry, PA 16319
(888) 848-6464
717 State Street
Suite 500
Erie, PA 16501
(877) 405-2887
295 North Kerrwood Drive
Suite 107
Hermitage, PA 16148
(800) 772-1213
1708 Wilmington Road
New Castle, PA 16101
(866) 331-5286
707 5th Avenue
New Kensington, PA 15068
(800) 772-1213
The average processing time for this office is 476 days.
Wilkes-Barre, PA ODAR
7 North Wilkes-Barre Boulevard
Stegmaier Building, Suite 201
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18702-5242
Phone: (866) 895-1594
Fax: (570) 821-4169
The Wilkes-Barre ODAR office serves Social Security field offices listed below and takes an average of 400 days to schedule a disability hearing.
700 Market Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
(570) 784-6224
9090 Franklin Hill Road
Suite 101
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
(888) 835-6169
88 South Laurel Street
Hazleton, PA 18201
(570) 455-2139
New York Plaza Suite 201A
238 High Street
Pottstown, PA 19464
(610) 327-8258
409 Lackawanna Avenue
Oppenheim Bldg, First Floor
Scranton, PA 18503
(866) 635-0767
150 Susquehanna
Valley Mall Drive
Selinsgrove, PA 17870
(866) 593-3796
1 Elizabeth Street
Suite 1
Towanda, PA 18848
(570) 265-2137
Stegmaier Building Suite 102
7 North Wilkes-Barre Blvd
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
(866) 686-9505
240 West 3rd Street
Suite 100
Williamsport, PA 17701
(866) 558-2572
Disability Determination Services: PA
You should always make sure that you submit all necessary medical documentation and a detailed work history with your initial application for disability. The DDS Offices in PA will then use that information to make a decision on your initial request for benefits. Depending on where in Pennsylvania you live, your claim will be decided by one of the Offices listed below:
351 Harvey Avenue
Greensburg, Pennsylvania 15605
Telephone: 724-836-5100
1171 S. Cameron Street, Room 104
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17104
Telephone: 717-783-3620
P.O. Box R
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18702
Telephone: 570-824-8971