Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Benefits in Pennsylvania

To get federal disability benefits for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Pennsylvania, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means your OCD must be severe enough to stop you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA) and is expected to last at least one year or result in death[6].

There are two main federal programs:

• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): You must have a work history and enough work credits. Most adults need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years[6].
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): This is for people with limited income and resources. You do not need a work history[2].

Both programs require medical proof that your OCD is disabling[2].

In Pennsylvania, eligibility for disability benefits is determined by the Bureau of Disability Determination Services (BDD), which reviews your medical evidence and work history[2]. If your OCD is severe enough to prevent you from working, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI.

Pennsylvania also offers Medical Assistance (Medicaid) for those who qualify for SSI. If you get SSI, you automatically get Medicaid, which covers health care[1]. There are also special programs like Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) for people with disabilities who want to work[4].

To qualify for state programs, you must meet both federal and state requirements, including income and asset limits for SSI and MAWD[1][4].

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or at your local County Assistance Office.
• Submit proof of disability and work history.
• Wait for a decision from the Bureau of Disability Determination Services.
• If approved, you may get cash benefits and health coverage[2][5].

• Step 1: Collect your medical records, proof of income, and work history. You need documentation that shows how OCD affects your ability to work[2].
• Step 2: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at your local County Assistance Office[5].
• Step 3: The Bureau of Disability Determination Services (BDD) will review your application and medical evidence[2].
• Step 4: If approved, you will receive a notice and start getting benefits. SSI recipients also get Medicaid[1].
• Step 5: If denied, you can appeal the decision. You may want to get help from a disability advocate or attorney[7].
• Step 6: If you want to work, ask about work incentives and programs like MAWD[4].

• SSDI: Provides monthly cash benefits based on your work history. No income or asset limits. After 24 months, you get Medicare[1].
• SSI: Provides monthly cash benefits for those with limited income and resources. No work history needed. You get Medicaid[1].
• Concurrent Benefits: If your SSDI is low, you may get both SSDI and SSI[1].

• Medical Assistance (Medicaid): Health coverage for those who qualify for SSI or MAWD. No waiting period for SSI recipients[1].
• Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD): Health coverage for people with disabilities who want to work. Higher income and asset limits than regular Medicaid[4].
• Long-Term Care (LTC) and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): Help for those who need support at home or in the community[5].
• SNAP: Food assistance for those with low income, including those with disabilities[3].

Pennsylvania offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities. These accounts let you save money without losing benefits. You can use the funds for disability-related expenses[internal_link: ABLE Accounts].

• SSDI: No income or asset limits.
• SSI: $943/month for individuals, $1,415/month for couples in 2025. Asset limits: $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples[1].
• MAWD: Higher income and asset limits than regular Medicaid[4].

You must report changes in income, work, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you get too much, you may have to pay it back. Report changes to SSA or your County Assistance Office[internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].

• Disability Rights Pennsylvania
  Phone: 800-692-7443

  Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00 am–3:00 pm

  Website

  Free help with disability benefits applications

• Can I get disability benefits for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Pennsylvania?

  Yes, if your OCD is severe enough to prevent you from working, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You need medical proof and, for SSDI, a work history[2][6].

• What is the difference between SSDI and SSI in Pennsylvania?

  SSDI is for those with a work history and enough work credits. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, no work history needed[1][2].

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Pennsylvania?

  You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at your local County Assistance Office. You need medical records and proof of income[2][5].

• Do I get health coverage with disability benefits in Pennsylvania?

  SSI recipients get Medicaid right away. SSDI recipients get Medicare after 24 months. There are also special programs like MAWD for workers with disabilities[1][4].

• Can I work while getting disability benefits in Pennsylvania?

  Yes, there are work incentives. SSDI has a trial work period. SSI has benefit reductions. MAWD helps people with disabilities work[1][4].

• What is Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD)?

  MAWD is a Pennsylvania program that provides health coverage for people with disabilities who want to work. It has higher income and asset limits than regular Medicaid[4].

• How long does it take to get a decision on my disability application?