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Pennsylvania • Chronic Illness
Pennsylvanians with kidney disease may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), Medicaid, and special programs that help people work while keeping health coverage. Eligibility depends on income, resources, and medical status.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, your kidney disease must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least one year or be life-threatening. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) requires a work history and enough Social Security tax payments. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs use the Social Security Administration's definition of disability, which includes conditions that cause marked and severe functional limitations [1].
For children, SSI considers both the child's and household's income and resources. If the child is blind or has a disability, they must not earn more than set limits ($1,620/month for non-blind, $2,700/month for blind in 2025) [5].
In Pennsylvania, you may qualify for Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) if you are between 16 and 64, employed, have a disability that meets SSA standards, and have countable income below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level and $10,000 or less in countable resources. MAWD lets you work and keep full Medicaid coverage. Resident property and one automobile are not counted as assets [3].
Other state programs may include Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with care needs related to kidney disease. Eligibility for these waivers depends on income, resources, and level of need [3].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for disability-related expenses like medical care, housing, and education. Pennsylvania offers the ABLE United program [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
For SSI, income and resource limits are strict. For MAWD, countable income must be below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level and resources under $10,000. Resident property and one automobile are not counted [3].
You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you get too much, you may have to pay it back. Report changes as soon as possible to avoid problems [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Disability Rights Pennsylvania offers free legal help and guidance. Call 800-692-7443 during intake hours for help with your application [7].
Yes, if your kidney disease is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least one year or is life-threatening. You may qualify for SSI or SSDI based on your income, resources, and work history [1].
MAWD is a Medicaid program for working people with disabilities. You must be 16-64, employed, have a disability that meets SSA standards, and have income below 250% FPL and resources under $10,000 [3].
You can apply online, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. Gather medical records and proof of income before applying [1].
Yes, work incentives let you keep benefits while earning income. MAWD lets you work and keep Medicaid coverage. Report changes to avoid overpayments [3].
Disability Rights Pennsylvania offers free legal help and guidance. Call 800-692-7443 during intake hours for help with your application [7].
Yes, SNAP provides food assistance. People getting disability benefits are exempt from some work requirements. Apply at your local County Assistance Office [2].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like medical care and housing [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
Report changes in income, resources, or living situation as soon as possible to avoid overpayments. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Yes, children with kidney disease may qualify for SSI if they meet the disability and income/resource requirements. The child's and household's income and resources are considered [5].
You can appeal the decision. Disability Rights Pennsylvania can help you with the appeal process. Call 800-692-7443 for free legal help [7].
