Chronic Pain Benefits in Pennsylvania

To qualify for federal disability benefits in Pennsylvania, your chronic pain must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. You need enough work credits, which depend on your age and how long you've worked. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require that your disability meets Social Security's strict medical standards [1].

SSDI has no income or asset limits, but SSI does. In 2025, the monthly income limit for SSI is $943 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].

If your chronic pain is severe and long-lasting, you may qualify for one or both programs.

In Pennsylvania, eligibility for disability benefits is determined by the federal Social Security Administration, but state agencies help with applications and medical reviews. Pennsylvania residents with chronic pain who qualify for SSI automatically receive Medical Assistance (Medicaid), which covers doctor visits, prescriptions, and more [1].

Pennsylvania also offers the Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) program. MAWD lets people with disabilities work and earn up to 250% of the Federal Poverty Level while keeping Medicaid coverage. To qualify, you must be 16–64, have a qualifying disability, be employed, and have countable income below the limit and resources under $10,000 [4].

If you receive SSDI or SSI, you are not subject to new SNAP work rules, which can help if you are also seeking food assistance [3].

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or in person at a local Social Security office.
• For MAWD, apply online at COMPASS.state.pa.us or at your County Assistance Office.
• Submit all required documents promptly to avoid delays.
• Follow up with SSA or your county office if you don’t hear back within a few weeks.

• Step 1: Collect your medical records, work history, and proof of income and assets.
• Step 2: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or in person at a local Social Security office. You can also start at your County Assistance Office [2].
• Step 3: For MAWD, apply online at COMPASS.state.pa.us, by phone (866-550-4355), in person at your County Assistance Office, or by mail with form PA 600WD. You’ll need proof of work (paystub or employer letter) and proof of disability (SSDI award letter or medical documentation) [5].
• Step 4: Submit all required documents, including photo ID, proof of address, and medical evidence of chronic pain.
• Step 5: Follow up with SSA or your county office if you don’t receive a response within a few weeks. Keep copies of all documents.
• Step 6: If approved, report any changes in income, work, or health to avoid overpayments [1].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For those with a work history. Monthly benefit based on earnings. No income or asset limits. Medicare after 24 months [1].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For those with limited income and resources. Monthly benefit up to $943 (individual) in 2025. Medicaid eligibility in PA [1].
• Concurrent Benefits: Some may qualify for both SSDI and SSI if SSDI is low [1].

• Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD): Lets people with disabilities work and keep Medicaid. Income limit is 250% of Federal Poverty Level, resources under $10,000. Covers doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, and more. Premium is 5% of countable income [4][5].
• Medicaid (Medical Assistance): Automatic for SSI recipients in PA. Covers a wide range of health services [1].
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): For those needing long-term care at home. Not specific to chronic pain, but may be available if you meet criteria [internal_link].
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings for people with disabilities. Can save up to $100,000 without losing SSI [internal_link].

Pennsylvania residents with chronic pain may open an ABLE account if their disability began before age 26. ABLE accounts let you save up to $100,000 without losing SSI benefits. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like medical care, education, and housing [internal_link].

• SSDI: No income or asset limits.
• SSI: $943/month (individual), $1,415/month (couple) in 2025. Assets: $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple) [1].
• MAWD: Income under 250% of Federal Poverty Level, resources under $10,000 [4].

You must report changes in income, work, or health to SSA or your county office. Failure to report can lead to overpayments and penalties. If you get an overpayment, contact SSA or your county office to set up a repayment plan [internal_link].

• Disability Rights Pennsylvania
  Phone: 800-692-7443

  Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00 am–3:00 pm

  Website

  Free legal help for disability applications and appeals.

• Can chronic pain qualify for disability in Pennsylvania?

  Yes, if your chronic pain is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. You must meet Social Security's medical standards and provide medical evidence [1].

• What is the difference between SSDI and SSI in PA?

  SSDI is for those with a work history and Social Security taxes paid. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both require a qualifying disability [1].

• Do I need to stop working to get disability benefits?

  No. You can work during a trial period on SSDI and still get benefits. SSI has income limits, but you can work and get partial benefits [1].

• How do I apply for disability benefits in PA?

  Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or in person at a local Social Security office. For MAWD, apply online at COMPASS.state.pa.us or at your County Assistance Office [2][5].

• What medical evidence do I need for chronic pain?

  You need medical records from doctors, specialists, or hospitals that show your chronic pain is severe and long-lasting. Include treatment history and how it affects your ability to work [1].

• Can I get Medicaid if I have chronic pain in PA?

  Yes. SSI recipients automatically get Medicaid in PA. If you work, you may qualify for MAWD, which also provides Medicaid coverage [1][4].