Open a Purple account in minutes. Banking built for people with disabilities.
Pennsylvania • Rare/Genetic
People with Prader-Willi Syndrome in Pennsylvania may qualify for federal disability benefits, state Medicaid programs, and ABLE accounts. These programs help cover medical care, daily living costs, and financial independence.
To get federal disability benefits, you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability. This means your condition must be severe enough to stop you from working and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must meet Social Security's rules. Both programs use the same medical standards for disability [1].
Prader-Willi Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that often causes severe health and developmental issues. Most people with Prader-Willi Syndrome qualify for disability benefits because the condition usually prevents them from working [1].
In Pennsylvania, people with Prader-Willi Syndrome can apply for Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) if they are between 16 and 64 years old, have a qualifying disability, are employed, and have income below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. MAWD lets you keep full medical coverage even if you work and earn more money. You must also have $10,000 or less in countable resources. Disabilities include physical, developmental, mental health, or intellectual conditions that meet Social Security's standards [3].
Pennsylvania also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS) for people with disabilities. These waivers can help with long-term care, therapy, and support services [3].
The main federal programs for people with Prader-Willi Syndrome are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for people with a work history and enough Social Security credits. SSI is for people with limited income and resources. Both programs provide monthly payments and may include access to Medicare or Medicaid. ABLE accounts let you save money for disability-related expenses without losing benefits [1][5][6].
Pennsylvania offers Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) for people who work and have a qualifying disability. MAWD covers doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, mental health services, and more. You must be between 16 and 64 years old, have a disability that meets Social Security's standards, be employed, have income below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, and have $10,000 or less in countable resources [3][4].
Pennsylvania also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS). These waivers can help with long-term care, therapy, and support services for people with disabilities. You can apply for these waivers through your local County Assistance Office [3].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing access to SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. You can use the money for qualified disability expenses like rent, groceries, assistive technology, and vehicle adaptations. Starting in 2026, more people will be eligible for ABLE accounts, including those whose disability started before age 46. ABLE accounts offer tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified expenses [5].
For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. For MAWD in Pennsylvania, your countable income must be below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, and you must have $10,000 or less in countable resources. Resident property and one automobile are not counted as assets [3][4].
You must report changes in your income, health, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you do not report changes, you may have to pay back benefits. Always keep records of your income and expenses, and report changes as soon as possible [1][3][4].
Contact Disability Rights Pennsylvania for free help with applications and appeals. Call 800-692-7443 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm [7].
Yes, Prader-Willi Syndrome usually meets Social Security's definition of disability because it causes severe health and developmental issues that prevent most people from working. You can apply for SSI or SSDI if you meet the program rules [1][6].
Yes, Pennsylvania offers Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD). If you work and have a qualifying disability, you can keep full medical coverage as long as your income is below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level and you have $10,000 or less in countable resources [3][4].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing access to SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. You can use the money for qualified disability expenses like rent, groceries, and assistive technology. ABLE accounts offer tax-free growth and withdrawals for qualified expenses [5].
You can apply for MAWD online at COMPASS.state.pa.us, by phone at 866-550-4355, in person at your local County Assistance Office, or by mail. You must provide proof of work and disability, such as a paystub and SSDI award letter [3][4].
Medicaid waivers help people with disabilities get long-term care, therapy, and support services at home or in the community. You can apply for these waivers through your local County Assistance Office. These waivers can help with therapy, home care, and support services [3].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most up-to-date rules and requirements.
Yes, you must report changes in your income, health, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you do not report changes, you may have to pay back benefits. Always keep records of your income and expenses, and report changes as soon as possible [1][3][4].
Yes, if you get disability benefits like SSI or SSD, you are not affected by the new SNAP work rules. You can still get SNAP benefits even if you are between 18 and 64 years old and do not have a dependent child under 14 [2].
MAWD covers doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, mental health services, dental services, drug and alcohol treatment, rehabilitation services, hospice services, and medical transportation services [3].
There is no federal limit on how much you can save in an ABLE account, but your total savings cannot affect your eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. You can use the money for qualified disability expenses [5].
You need medical records, proof of income, and proof of disability (such as an SSI/SSDI award letter). You may also need a letter from your doctor or employer. Always check with the agency for a complete list of required documents [1][3][4].
