Muscular Dystrophy Benefits in Pennsylvania

People with Muscular Dystrophy in Pennsylvania may qualify for federal disability benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI requires a work history and enough Social Security credits. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require a medical condition that prevents substantial work and is expected to last at least one year or result in death[1][2][6].

SSDI recipients can earn up to $1,550 monthly during a trial work period without losing benefits. SSI has strict income and asset limits: $943/month for an individual, $2,000 in assets in 2025[1].

Pennsylvania residents with Muscular Dystrophy can get SSI and Medicaid together if they qualify. SSI recipients automatically get Medical Assistance (Medicaid) in PA, which covers doctor visits, prescriptions, and more. SSDI recipients must wait 24 months for Medicare[1].

PA also offers Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD). MAWD lets people with disabilities work, earn more, and keep full medical coverage. To qualify for MAWD, you must be 16–64, employed, have a disability that meets SSA standards, and have income below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level and $10,000 in countable resources[4][5].

• Check if you meet SSDI or SSI work and income rules.
• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply online at ssa.gov or at your local County Assistance Office.
• For MAWD, apply online at COMPASS or at your County Assistance Office.
• Submit proof of work and disability (SSDI award letter or doctor’s letter)[5].

• Step 1: Review eligibility for SSDI (work history) or SSI (income/resources) on ssa.gov[6].
• Step 2: Collect medical records, pay stubs, and proof of disability (SSDI award letter or doctor’s letter).
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI/SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at your local County Assistance Office[2].
• Step 4: If approved for SSI, you will automatically get Medicaid in PA.
• Step 5: If you want to work and keep Medicaid, apply for MAWD through COMPASS, by phone, or at your County Assistance Office. Submit proof of work and disability[5].
• Step 6: Report any changes in income or work status to avoid overpayments[1].

The two main federal programs for Muscular Dystrophy in Pennsylvania are:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For those with a work history. No income or asset limits. Benefits based on lifetime earnings. Medicare after 24 months[1][2][6].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For those with limited income and resources. No work history needed. Medicaid eligibility in PA[1][2].

Both programs require a medical condition that prevents substantial work and is expected to last at least one year or result in death[6].

Pennsylvania offers several programs for people with Muscular Dystrophy:

• Medical Assistance (Medicaid): Automatic for SSI recipients. Covers doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, and more[1][4].
• Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD): Lets people with disabilities work, earn more, and keep full medical coverage. Income limit is 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, $10,000 in countable resources. Premium is 5% of countable income[4][5].
• County Assistance Offices: Help with applications, eligibility, and reporting changes[2][5].

These programs help people with Muscular Dystrophy get the care and support they need while working or living on a fixed income[4][5].

Pennsylvania residents with Muscular Dystrophy can open an ABLE account. ABLE accounts let you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Contributions are tax-free, and funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and more[3].

SSDI: No income or asset limits. SSI: $943/month for an individual, $2,000 in assets in 2025. MAWD: Income below 250% of Federal Poverty Level, $10,000 in countable resources[1][4][5].

Report any changes in income, work, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes. Contact your County Assistance Office or Social Security to report changes and avoid penalties[1].

• Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
  Phone: 1-800-692-7462

  Website

  For Medicaid, MAWD, and general assistance questions.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSDI/SSI applications and questions.

• Can I work and still get disability benefits in Pennsylvania?

  Yes, you can work and keep some disability benefits. SSDI has a trial work period. SSI has strict income limits. MAWD lets you work and keep Medicaid if you meet income and resource rules[1][4][5].

• Do I get Medicaid automatically with SSI in Pennsylvania?

  Yes, SSI recipients in Pennsylvania automatically get Medicaid, which covers doctor visits, prescriptions, and more. SSDI recipients must wait 24 months for Medicare[1].

• What is MAWD and who qualifies?

  MAWD is a Medicaid program for workers with disabilities. You must be 16–64, employed, have a disability that meets SSA standards, and have income below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level and $10,000 in countable resources[4][5].

• How do I prove my disability for benefits?

  You can prove disability with an SSDI award letter or a letter from your doctor. You will also need to submit medical records and proof of work if applying for MAWD[5].

• Can I get both SSDI and SSI in Pennsylvania?

  Yes, some people get both SSDI and SSI if their SSDI benefit is low. SSI can supplement your income up to the federal benefit rate[1].

• What happens if my income changes?

  Report any changes in income to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes. Contact your County Assistance Office or Social Security to report changes[1].