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Pennsylvania • Chronic Illness
Pennsylvania residents with cancer can access federal and state benefits, including SSDI, SSI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. These programs help cover medical costs, living expenses, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) requires a work history and payment of 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 use the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability, which includes many types of cancer if they are severe enough to prevent substantial gainful activity [1].
In Pennsylvania, cancer patients may qualify for SSDI if they have enough work credits. SSI is available for those with limited income and resources, with strict limits: $943/month for an individual and $2,000 in assets in 2025. SSI recipients automatically get Medical Assistance (Medicaid), which covers medical costs without a waiting period. Pennsylvania also offers the Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) program, which has higher income and asset limits and is designed for people with disabilities who work. MAWD requires proof of disability, such as an SSDI award letter, and proof of work [1][4].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are tax-free. Pennsylvania residents can open ABLE accounts. The age limit for eligibility will increase from 26 to 46 in 2026, expanding access to more people with disabilities [5].
Report any changes in income, work, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in benefit reductions or repayment. Keep records of all communications with Social Security and Medicaid agencies. Use the SSI/SSDI Work Incentives guide to understand how work affects benefits [1].
Contact your local County Assistance Office or call the PA DHS Consumer Service Center for help with applications and questions.
Yes, if your cancer is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least a year. You may qualify for SSDI if you have a work history, or SSI if you have limited income and resources. Both programs cover many types of cancer [1][2].
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person. You’ll need medical records and proof of income. For Medicaid, apply through COMPASS or your County Assistance Office. For MAWD, provide proof of work and disability [4].
SSDI is for those with a work history and Social Security tax payments. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both provide monthly benefits and access to health coverage [1].
Yes, during a trial work period, SSDI recipients can earn up to $1,550/month without losing benefits. SSI recipients can work but face benefit reductions. MAWD is designed for working people with disabilities [1][4].
Yes, SSI recipients in Pennsylvania automatically qualify for Medical Assistance (Medicaid), which covers medical costs without a waiting period. SSDI recipients get Medicare after 24 months [1].
MAWD is Medicaid for working people with disabilities. You must prove disability (SSDI award or doctor’s letter) and work (paystub or employer letter). MAWD has higher income and asset limits than SSI [4].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify eligibility and requirements with official agencies.
Yes, through an ABLE account. ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free [5].
In 2025, the SSI income limit is $943/month for an individual. Earnings above this reduce your benefit. MAWD has higher limits and is designed for working people with disabilities [1][4].
Report any changes in income to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in benefit reductions or repayment. Keep records of all communications with Social Security and Medicaid agencies [1].
Yes, cancer patients may qualify for SSDI, SSI, Medicaid, MAWD, and Medicaid waivers for home and community-based care. ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without losing benefits [1][4][5][6].
