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Pennsylvania • Chronic Illness
Pennsylvanians with asthma may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), state Medicaid (including MAWD for workers), and special savings accounts. Eligibility depends on asthma severity, work history, and income. This guide explains how to apply, what to expect, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) with asthma, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or to result in death[1][4]. SSDI requires a work history and payment of Social Security taxes, while SSI is based on financial need and does not require work credits[1]. Both programs use the same medical criteria, but SSI also has strict income and resource limits. If your asthma is controlled with medication and does not significantly impact your ability to work, you may not qualify.
Pennsylvania does not have a state disability program—residents must apply for federal SSI or SSDI[4]. However, Pennsylvania offers Medicaid, including the Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) program, which provides health coverage even if you are working. To qualify for Medicaid or MAWD, you must meet income and resource limits and prove both disability and employment (for MAWD)[3]. Medicaid eligibility is broader than SSI/SSDI; even if you do not qualify for federal disability, you may still qualify for Medicaid based on income and household size.
Start by gathering your medical records, work history, and financial information. You can apply for SSI/SSDI online through the Social Security Administration, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. For Pennsylvania Medicaid or MAWD, apply online (COMPASS), by phone, in person at your County Assistance Office, or by mail[3]. Keep copies of all documents and follow up regularly.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are federal programs for people with disabilities. SSI is need-based, while SSDI is based on work history. Both require that asthma significantly limits your ability to work for at least 12 months[1][4]. SSDI recipients may also qualify for Medicare after a waiting period. The average SSDI payment in Pennsylvania is $1,777.47 per month; SSI averages $631.22, but amounts vary based on income and resources[4]. Learn about the differences at our <a href='/guides/ssi-ssdi'>SSI vs SSDI</a> guide.
Pennsylvania Medicaid provides health coverage based on income and household size. Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) is a special Medicaid program for Pennsylvanians with disabilities who work, offering higher income limits and a 5% monthly premium based on your income[3]. If you are working and have asthma but do not qualify for SSI/SSDI, MAWD may be a good option. Pennsylvania does not have a separate state disability program[4]. For home and community-based care, see our <a href='/guides/medicaid-waivers'>Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)</a> page.
Pennsylvanians with disabilities can open an ABLE account to save money without losing federal benefits. Funds in an ABLE account do not count toward SSI or Medicaid asset limits. Learn more at our <a href='/guides/able-accounts'>ABLE Accounts</a> guide.
SSI has strict income and resource limits (about $1,000 in assets for an individual). MAWD allows higher income limits than regular Medicaid—you may still qualify even if you work and earn above traditional Medicaid limits[3]. Actual income limits change annually and vary by household size. See our <a href='/tools/ssi-income-estimator'>SSI Income Estimator</a> for current figures.
Report any changes in income, work, or living situation to Social Security or your County Assistance Office promptly to avoid overpayments. Overpayments must be repaid and can affect future benefits. See our <a href='/guides/overpayments-and-reporting'>Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes</a> guide for detailed information.
Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) lets Pennsylvanians with disabilities who work keep Medicaid—even if their income is too high for regular Medicaid.
Yes, you may qualify for Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD), which has higher income limits than regular Medicaid and requires you to be working. SSI and SSDI require that your asthma prevents you from substantial gainful activity, but MAWD allows you to work and receive benefits. Always report your work activity when you apply.
Initial decisions take about 6 months, but many applicants are denied and must appeal, which can take over two years. You can speed up the process by providing complete medical records and following up regularly[4].
No, Pennsylvania does not have a state disability program. Residents must apply for federal SSI or SSDI[4]. However, Pennsylvania offers Medicaid and MAWD for workers with disabilities.
You have the right to appeal. Many applicants are approved after appeals, especially if they add new medical evidence or get help from an advocate. Contact Disability Rights Pennsylvania for assistance[7].
Yes, through the MAWD program, which allows you to work and pay a monthly premium based on income[3]. Even if you do not qualify for SSI/SSDI, you may qualify for MAWD if your asthma meets disability criteria and you are working.
Disclaimer: Information on this page is for general guidance only and may not reflect your specific circumstances. Always consult official agencies or trained professionals before making decisions about benefits. While we work to ensure accuracy, benefits programs change frequently.
Asthma must be severe enough to interfere with your ability to work for at least 12 months and not be controlled by medication. You need medical proof—such as hospitalization records, breathing tests, and doctor notes—to show how it limits your daily activities.
Apply online at COMPASS.state.pa.us, by phone at 1-866-550-4355, in person at your County Assistance Office, or by mail[3]. Have your work history, medical records, and proof of income ready.
Yes, funds in an ABLE account do not count toward SSI or Medicaid asset limits, letting you save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility.
