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Pennsylvania • Chronic Illness
Pennsylvania residents with heart disease can qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSDI, SSI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, your heart disease must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses strict medical criteria to decide if your condition meets their definition of disability. You must also meet program-specific requirements:
Both programs require medical evidence showing your heart disease is severe and long-lasting [1].
In Pennsylvania, residents with heart disease can apply for both SSDI and SSI through the Social Security Administration. The Bureau of Disability Determination Services (BDD) in Pennsylvania reviews medical evidence to decide if your heart disease meets federal disability standards. If you qualify for SSI, you automatically get Medical Assistance (Medicaid) in Pennsylvania, which covers healthcare costs. Pennsylvania also offers the Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) program, which has higher income and asset limits for people who want to work while getting benefits. MAWD is a good option if you have heart disease and want to keep working part-time [1][2][4].
ABLE accounts let Pennsylvanians with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for things like medical care, housing, and transportation. The disability must have started before age 26 (will increase to 46 in 2026). Contributions grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free. You can open an ABLE account through the state program [5].
You must report changes in income, work, or health to Social Security and the County Assistance Office. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. If you get an overpayment, you may have to pay it back. You can ask for a waiver if you cannot afford to repay. Always keep records of your reports and any letters from the agencies [1][4].
Contact your local County Assistance Office or call the PA DHS Consumer Service Center for help with applications and questions about eligibility.
Yes, if your heart disease is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. You may qualify for SSDI if you have a work history, or SSI if you have limited income and resources. Medical evidence is required [1][2].
You need medical records from your doctor showing your diagnosis, treatments, and how your heart disease limits your ability to work. The SSA and Pennsylvania BDD will review this evidence to decide if you meet their disability standards [2].
SSDI is for people with a work history and no income or asset limits. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs have different eligibility rules and benefit amounts [1].
Yes, SSI recipients in Pennsylvania automatically qualify for Medical Assistance (Medicaid), which covers healthcare costs. You do not have to wait for Medicare like SSDI recipients do [1].
Yes, you can work part-time. SSDI has a trial work period where you can earn up to $1,550/month without losing benefits. SSI benefits are reduced as you earn more. MAWD lets you work and keep Medicaid with higher income limits [1][4].
MAWD is a Medicaid program for workers with disabilities in Pennsylvania. It has higher income and asset limits than regular Medicaid. You must prove you are working and have a disability, such as heart disease [4].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check official government websites for the most current rules and eligibility requirements.
If you get SSI, you automatically get Medicaid. If not, apply through COMPASS.state.pa.us or your local County Assistance Office. You will need to provide proof of income, assets, and disability [4].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. The disability must have started before age 26 (will increase to 46 in 2026). Funds grow tax-free [5].
You must report changes in income to Social Security and the County Assistance Office. Not reporting can lead to overpayments and penalties. Always keep records of your reports [1][4].
Yes, if your SSDI benefit is low enough. You can get both programs at the same time, called concurrent benefits. SSI will supplement your income up to the federal benefit rate [1].
