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Pennsylvania • Chronic Illness
If you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Pennsylvania, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI or SSI, plus state programs for healthcare and financial help. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Pennsylvania, you must have a medical condition that stops you from working and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the term "substantial gainful activity" (SGA) to set the income limit for working while disabled. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for most people with disabilities. If you earn more than this, you usually cannot get benefits unless you are in a trial work period.
For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need enough work credits based on your past work and Social Security taxes paid. Most adults need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), there is no work history requirement, but you must have limited income and resources. The 2025 SSI income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. The asset limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple[1].
Both SSDI and SSI require that your COPD meets SSA's definition of disability, which means it must severely limit your ability to work and earn a living[2].
In Pennsylvania, the Bureau of Disability Determination Services (BDD) reviews your medical records to decide if you meet the federal disability criteria for SSDI or SSI. You must provide proof of your COPD diagnosis, treatment history, and how it affects your daily life and ability to work. Pennsylvania does not have its own separate disability program, but state agencies help with applications and connect you to extra benefits like Medicaid and Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD).
If you get SSI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid (Medical Assistance) in Pennsylvania, which covers healthcare costs. SSDI recipients get Medicare after a 24-month waiting period. Some people with COPD may qualify for both SSDI and SSI if their SSDI benefit is low. Pennsylvania also offers MAWD for people with disabilities who work, with higher income and asset limits than regular Medicaid[1][4].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. In Pennsylvania, you can open an ABLE account if your disability started before age 26 (this will increase to 46 in 2026). You can save up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit). Withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are tax-free. Funds can be used for things like rent, groceries, assistive technology, and medical costs[5].
You must report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to the SSA or state agency within 10 days. Failing to report can lead to overpayments and penalties. If you get an overpayment, you may have to pay it back, but you can request a waiver if it was not your fault. Always keep records of your reports and communications[1].
Contact your local County Assistance Office or call the PA DHS Consumer Service Center for help with applications and questions.
Yes, you can work and still get benefits. SSDI has a trial work period where you can earn up to $1,550 per month without losing benefits. SSI benefits are reduced as your income goes up. There are work incentives to help you keep benefits while you try to work[1].
You need medical records from your doctors, including diagnosis, treatment history, test results, and how COPD affects your daily life and ability to work. The SSA and Pennsylvania BDD will review this evidence to decide if you qualify[2].
If you get SSI, you automatically get Medicaid in Pennsylvania. SSDI recipients get Medicare after a 24-month waiting period. Both cover doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions[1].
SSDI is for people with a work history and Social Security taxes paid. SSI is for people with low income and resources, no work history needed. Both require that your COPD meets SSA's definition of disability[1].
Yes, if your SSDI benefit is low, you may get both SSDI and SSI. This is called "concurrent benefits." SSI will make up the difference up to the federal benefit rate[1].
MAWD is a Medicaid program for workers with disabilities in Pennsylvania. It has higher income and asset limits than regular Medicaid. You pay a 5% premium based on countable income. It helps cover healthcare costs for people with COPD who work[4].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need medical records, proof of income, and other documents. The Bureau of Disability Determination Services will review your medical eligibility[2].
If denied, you can appeal within 60 days. You may need to go to a hearing. You can get help from a disability advocate or attorney. Keep all records and communications[2].
Yes, you can open an ABLE account to save money without losing benefits. The limit is $18,000 per year (2025). Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like rent, groceries, and medical costs[5].
Yes, you must report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to the SSA or state agency within 10 days. Failing to report can lead to overpayments and penalties[1].
