Pennsylvania offers federal and state disability benefits—including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities—to support individuals with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. Eligibility and benefits vary by program and individual circumstances. This guide explains how to apply, what to expect, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability programs like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medical condition (or combination of conditions) that severely limits your ability to work for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. SSI has strict income and resource limits, while SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security tax contributions[1][2][4]. For children under 18 with dyslexia, SSI eligibility depends on the severity of functional limitations and family income/resources[4]. Most adults with dyslexia do not qualify unless their condition is part of a broader disability that prevents substantial gainful activity[2].
Pennsylvania’s main state-specific supports for people with disabilities are Medicaid and Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD). MAWD is unique because it allows higher income and resource limits than regular Medicaid, as long as you are working and have a disability[3]. There is no state-specific cash disability program for dyslexia—support comes through federal programs and Medicaid. Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Disability Determination Services (BDD) reviews medical eligibility for SSI and SSDI, but there are no additional state-level benefits for learning disabilities like dyslexia[2]. If you do not qualify for Medicaid, check the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for kids or explore Medicare Part D Extra Help for prescription drug costs[5].
SSI/SSDI Application Steps
Medicaid/MAWD Application Steps
Social Security Administration (SSA) Programs
Other Federal Supports
Pennsylvania Medicaid and MAWD
Other State Programs
Pennsylvania ABLE Accounts Pennsylvania residents with disabilities that began before age 26 can open an ABLE account to save money (up to $100,000) without affecting SSI eligibility. ABLE accounts help pay for qualified disability expenses—see our ABLE Accounts guide for details.
|Program|Individual Monthly Income Limit|Resource Limit| |---|---|---| |SSI (2025)|$943|$2,000| |Medicaid (Regular)|Varies by household size|$2,000| |MAWD|No set limit; premiums based on income|$10,000 maximum, but rules are complex[3]| |CHIP|Up to $3,755 (family of 2) to $8,547 (family of 4)|None[5]|
Actual eligibility depends on household size and other factors. Check with your local office or use our SSI Income Estimator tool.
Always report changes in your income, resources, living situation, or work status to the Social Security Administration and your County Assistance Office. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay—see our guide on avoiding overpayments for help.
If you need immediate help with food, shelter, or utilities, contact your County Assistance Office or call the PA Department of Human Services at 1-800-692-7462.
If you want to work but worry about losing benefits, explore MAWD for health coverage and consult our guide to SSI & SSDI Work Incentives.
Adults with dyslexia alone are unlikely to qualify for SSDI. SSDI requires a medical condition severe enough to prevent substantial work, and dyslexia rarely meets this standard unless combined with other disabling conditions[2].
Children with severe dyslexia may qualify for SSI if their learning disability causes marked and severe functional limitations and their family’s income and resources are within federal limits[4].
Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) is a Pennsylvania Medicaid program for people with disabilities who work. It has higher income limits than regular Medicaid and requires a monthly premium based on income[3].
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office. Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Disability Determination Services will review your medical eligibility[2].
Options include Medicaid, MAWD, CHIP for children, and (after 24 months) Medicare for those on SSDI. Each program has its own eligibility rules—check with your County Assistance Office or use COMPASS.state.pa.us to apply[3][5].
Yes, if you are approved for MAWD, you pay a monthly premium of 5% of your countable income[3].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Yes, both programs have work incentives. SSDI allows a trial work period. SSI benefits are reduced as your earnings increase. See our SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide for details.
You can appeal the decision. For SSI/SSDI, request reconsideration and, if needed, a hearing. For Medicaid, contact your County Assistance Office for help with appeals[2][3].
No, Pennsylvania does not offer state-funded cash disability benefits specifically for dyslexia. Support comes through federal programs (SSI, SSDI) and health coverage (Medicaid, MAWD, CHIP)[2][3][5].
An ABLE account lets you save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. Funds must be used for qualified disability expenses—see our ABLE Accounts guide for more.
