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Pennsylvania • Neurodegenerative
Pennsylvania offers federal and state disability benefits for people with Huntington’s Disease. You may qualify for SSDI, SSI, Medicaid, and special work supports. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what programs are available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a work history and enough Social Security credits. Your disability must prevent you from working for at least 12 months and meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. Huntington’s Disease is listed as a qualifying condition. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must meet SSA criteria. SSI is not based on work history. Both programs require medical proof of your disability [1].
In Pennsylvania, Huntington’s Disease is recognized as a qualifying disability for both SSDI and SSI. The state’s Bureau of Disability Determination Services (BDD) reviews medical evidence to decide eligibility. SSI recipients in PA automatically qualify for Medical Assistance (Medicaid), which provides health coverage. Pennsylvania also offers special Medicaid programs for people with disabilities who want to work, like the Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) program. These programs have higher income and resource limits than regular Medicaid [1][2][4].
The two main federal disability programs are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for people with a work history. SSI is for people with limited income and resources. Both programs provide monthly cash benefits. SSI recipients also get Medicaid in Pennsylvania. SSDI recipients get Medicare after 24 months [1][2].
Pennsylvania offers several programs for people with Huntington’s Disease:
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. You can use the money for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation. Pennsylvania has its own ABLE program. The age limit to open an ABLE account is increasing from 26 to 46 in 2026 [5].
SSDI has no income or asset limits. SSI has strict limits: $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple in 2025. Asset limits are $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. MAWD has higher income and resource limits than regular Medicaid [1][4].
You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes to Social Security and your County Assistance Office. For more details, see the guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes [1].
Contact your local County Assistance Office or call 1-866-550-4355 for help with disability and Medicaid applications in Pennsylvania.
Yes, if your SSDI benefit is low, you may get both SSDI and SSI. This is called concurrent benefits. SSI will supplement your income up to the federal benefit rate. You must meet the income and asset limits for SSI [1].
Yes, Huntington’s Disease is a qualifying disability for both SSDI and SSI. You must provide medical proof that your condition prevents you from working for at least 12 months [1][2].
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. The PA Bureau of Disability Determination Services will review your medical evidence [1][2].
Yes, SSI recipients in Pennsylvania automatically qualify for Medical Assistance (Medicaid). This gives you health coverage without a waiting period [1].
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. PA also has the MAWD program for people who want to work and keep Medicaid [1][4].
MAWD is a Medicaid program for people with disabilities who want to work. It has higher income and resource limits than regular Medicaid. You pay a monthly premium based on your income. You can apply at your local County Assistance Office or online [4].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
You can open an ABLE account. ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. Pennsylvania has its own ABLE program [5].
Medicaid waivers let people with disabilities get home and community-based services instead of living in institutions. These programs help people with Huntington’s Disease live at home and get the care they need [6].
Yes, you must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes to Social Security and your County Assistance Office [1].
Medicaid is for people with low income and resources. SSI recipients get Medicaid automatically. Medicare is for people who get SSDI. SSDI recipients get Medicare after 24 months. Medicaid covers more services for people with disabilities [1].
