Pennsylvania • Rare/Genetic

Cystic Fibrosis Benefits in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Medicaid programs for people with Cystic Fibrosis. Eligibility depends on work history, income, and medical criteria. Special programs like MAWD help those who want to work while keeping health coverage.

SSDI is for those with a work history and Social Security taxes paid.
SSI is for those with limited income and resources, no work history needed.
Pennsylvania Medicaid covers medical costs for eligible residents.
MAWD helps people with disabilities work and keep health coverage.
Cystic Fibrosis is considered a disability if it meets SSA criteria.
You can apply online or at a local County Assistance Office.
Some benefits may be affected by income or work.
Contact your local office for help with applications.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-06

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Eligibility

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a significant work history and have paid Social Security taxes. You need enough work credits, usually 40, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability started. Your medical condition must meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability, meaning it is expected to last at least one year or result in death and prevents you from doing substantial work [6].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources. You do not need a work history. Your disability must meet SSA criteria, and your income and assets must be below strict limits. In 2025, the income limit is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. The asset limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple [1].
Both programs require that your disability significantly impairs your ability to work and earn a living [2].

In Pennsylvania, people with Cystic Fibrosis may qualify for SSDI if they have enough work credits and meet the medical criteria. The average SSDI benefit in 2025 is $1,537/month, with a maximum of $3,822/month. There are no income or asset limits for SSDI [1].
SSI is available for those with limited income and resources. In Pennsylvania, SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medical Assistance (Medicaid), which provides immediate health coverage [1].
Pennsylvania also offers the Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) program. MAWD allows people with disabilities to work, earn more money, and keep full medical coverage. To qualify, you must be between 16 and 64, have a disability that meets SSA standards, be employed, have countable income below 250% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, and have $10,000 or less in countable resources [4].
Some people may qualify for both SSDI and SSI if their SSDI benefit is low enough to allow SSI to supplement their income [1].

How to apply in Pennsylvania

Check if you meet the eligibility requirements for SSDI or SSI.
Gather your medical records, proof of income, and work history.
Apply online at the Social Security Administration website or at your local County Assistance Office.
For MAWD, apply online through COMPASS, by phone, in person, or by mail.
Submit all required documents and follow up on your application status.

Step 1: Review the eligibility requirements for SSDI and SSI. Make sure you have enough work credits for SSDI or meet the income and asset limits for SSI [1].
Step 2: Gather all necessary documents, including medical records, proof of income, work history, and identification.
Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at the Social Security Administration website, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office [2].
Step 4: If you want to apply for MAWD, you can do so online through COMPASS, by phone at (866) 550-4355, in person at your local County Assistance Office, or by mail using form PA 600WD [5].
Step 5: Submit proof of work (paystub or employer letter) and proof of disability (SSDI award letter or medical documentation) with your MAWD application [5].
Step 6: Wait for a decision. The Bureau of Disability Determination Services will review your medical eligibility and make a determination [2].
Step 7: If approved, you will receive benefits and information on how to report changes in your situation [1].

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly benefits to people with disabilities who have a work history and have paid Social Security taxes. Benefits are based on lifetime earnings. There are no income or asset limits. After 24 months, recipients are eligible for Medicare [1].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly benefits to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. No work history is required. SSI recipients are automatically eligible for Medicaid in Pennsylvania [1].

Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD): Allows people with disabilities to work and keep full medical coverage. Eligibility requires employment, a disability that meets SSA standards, income below 250% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, and resources of $10,000 or less. Benefits include doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital stays, and more [4].
Medicaid: Provides health coverage for eligible low-income individuals, including those with disabilities. SSI recipients in Pennsylvania automatically qualify for Medicaid [1].
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): These programs provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities who need long-term care. Contact your local County Assistance Office for more information [internal_link].

Money & Banking

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid. Contributions are tax-free, and funds can be used for qualified disability expenses. Pennsylvania offers the ABLE United program [internal_link].

For SSI in 2025, the income limit is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. The asset limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple [1].
For MAWD, countable income must be below 250% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, and resources must be $10,000 or less [4].
SSDI has no income or asset limits, but benefits may be reduced if you earn above the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit [1].

It is important to report any changes in your income, work status, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands and loss of benefits. Always report changes promptly to the Social Security Administration or your local County Assistance Office [internal_link].

Tips & Gotchas

Need Help Applying?

Contact your local County Assistance Office or call the Social Security Administration for help with your application. You can also apply online through COMPASS for state programs.

Contacts

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Phone: 1-800-692-7462
Website
For questions about Medicaid and MAWD.
Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Website
For questions about SSDI and SSI.

FAQs

Can I get disability benefits for Cystic Fibrosis in Pennsylvania?
Yes, if your Cystic Fibrosis meets the Social Security Administration's definition of disability, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You must show that your condition prevents you from working and earning a living [1][2].
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI in Pennsylvania?
SSDI is for people with a work history and Social Security taxes paid. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, no work history needed. Both programs have different eligibility requirements and benefit amounts [1].
How do I apply for disability benefits in Pennsylvania?
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at the Social Security Administration website, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. For MAWD, apply online through COMPASS, by phone, in person, or by mail [2][5].
What is MAWD and who is eligible?
MAWD is a Pennsylvania program that allows people with disabilities to work and keep full medical coverage. Eligibility requires employment, a disability that meets SSA standards, income below 250% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, and resources of $10,000 or less [4].
Can I work and still get disability benefits in Pennsylvania?
Yes, SSDI recipients can earn up to $1,550 monthly during a trial work period without losing benefits. SSI recipients can work but face benefit reductions. MAWD allows people with disabilities to work and keep health coverage [1][4].
Do I need a work history to get SSI in Pennsylvania?

Official resources

Apply for a Social Security Disability Determination(state_agency)
SNAP benefits have changed: here's what you need to know(state_agency)
Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities | Department of Human Services(state_agency)
How Does Someone Become Eligible? | Disability Benefits | SSA(federal)

Related Purple guides

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility requirements.

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