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Pennsylvania • Mental Health
Pennsylvania residents with anxiety disorders may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, plus state programs such as Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD). These programs provide financial help, healthcare, and work incentives for those whose anxiety limits their ability to work.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, your anxiety disorder must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and must be expected to last at least one year or result in death. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. You generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require medical proof that your anxiety disorder meets Social Security’s definition of disability.
Some people qualify for both programs at once, called concurrent benefits.
[Source: SSA.gov, DisabilityResources.org]
In Pennsylvania, anxiety disorders must meet the same federal criteria for SSI and SSDI. The state’s Bureau of Disability Determination Services reviews medical evidence to decide if your anxiety is disabling. Pennsylvania also offers Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD), which lets people with disabilities work and keep Medicaid coverage. To qualify for MAWD, you must be 16–64 years old, have a paying job, and meet income and resource limits (countable income below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, resources below $10,000). If your income rises, you can keep MAWD under the Workers with Job Success category if you make less than 600% of the Federal Poverty Level.
[Source: pa.gov, DisabilityResources.org]
Start your application here: SSA.gov, COMPASS.state.pa.us
Step 1: Collect Documents
Step 2: Apply for Federal Benefits
Step 3: Apply for State Benefits
Step 4: Follow Up
Step 5: Report Changes
[Source: pa.gov, SSA.gov, COMPASS.state.pa.us]
Both programs offer work incentives, like trial work periods and benefit reductions instead of immediate loss.
[Source: SSA.gov, DisabilityResources.org]
[Source: pa.gov, DisabilityResources.org]
Pennsylvania offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities. These accounts let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use funds for education, housing, transportation, and other qualified expenses. Contributions are tax-free, and earnings grow tax-free. To open an account, visit the PA ABLE website or call 1-800-692-7443.
[Source: DisabilityResources.org]
[Source: DisabilityResources.org, pa.gov]
You must report changes in income, work, or health to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes online, by phone, or in person. Keep records of all reports. If you get an overpayment notice, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan.
[Source: DisabilityResources.org, pa.gov]
Contact Disability Rights Pennsylvania for free legal help: (800) 692-7443. Live intake hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9:00 am–3:00 pm.
Yes, if your anxiety is severe enough to prevent you from working and is expected to last at least one year. You must provide medical proof and meet federal or state criteria for SSI, SSDI, or MAWD.
SSI is for people with low income and assets, regardless of work history. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both require medical proof of disability.
Gather medical records and proof of income. Apply online at SSA.gov for federal benefits, or at your local County Assistance Office or COMPASS.state.pa.us for state benefits.
MAWD is a Medicaid program for working people with disabilities in PA. You must be 16–64, have a paying job, and meet income and resource limits. It helps you keep Medicaid while working.
Yes, you must report changes to avoid overpayments. Report changes online, by phone, or in person. Keep records of all reports.
Yes, both SSI and SSDI have work incentives. You can earn some income without losing benefits, but there are limits. MAWD also supports working people with disabilities.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check official sources for the most current rules and eligibility.
SSI recipients get Medicaid automatically. SSDI recipients get Medicare after 24 months. MAWD provides Medicaid for working people with disabilities.
It can take several months. The Bureau of Disability Determination Services reviews your medical evidence and may request more information. Respond promptly to avoid delays.
You can appeal within 60 days. Gather more medical evidence and consider getting help from a disability advocate or attorney.
Yes, children can qualify for SSI if they meet the criteria. Parents or guardians must apply and provide medical proof. Children may also get Medicaid.
