Pennsylvania offers several financial and health benefits for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis, including SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid programs. Understanding eligibility, application steps, and state-specific options can help you access the support you need.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) with Rheumatoid Arthritis, your condition must be severe enough to prevent “substantial gainful activity” (working and earning above a set amount) for at least 12 months or result in death[2]. SSDI requires enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes[2][7]. SSI does not require work history but has strict income and resource limits—$943/month for individuals, $1,415/month for couples, and $2,000/$3,000 in assets (2025)[1]. Both programs use the same medical criteria to determine if Rheumatoid Arthritis limits your ability to work[2]. Working during a trial work period under SSDI is allowed; earnings over $1,550/month may affect benefits[1].
Pennsylvania Disability Determination Services (BDD) evaluates medical eligibility for SSDI and SSI claims, not financial eligibility for SSI[2]. Rheumatoid Arthritis can qualify if it severely limits daily activities and work. For Medicaid, Pennsylvania offers Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) for those ages 16–64, working, with income under 250% of the federal poverty level and less than $10,000 in resources[4]. MAWD requires proof of both work and disability. SSI recipients in PA automatically qualify for Medicaid (called Medical Assistance), while SSDI recipients must wait 24 months for Medicare[1]. Changes to SNAP work rules do not apply if you receive SSI or SSDI[3].
To apply for SSDI or SSI in Pennsylvania, visit the Social Security Administration’s website, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit a local office[2]. Gather medical records, work history, and financial documents. For Medicaid/MAWD, apply online at COMPASS, by phone, by mail, or in person at your County Assistance Office (CAO)[4]. Apply as soon as your condition impacts your ability to work.
Step 1: Collect documents (medical records, proof of income, bank statements, ID, and work history). Step 2: For SSDI/SSI, complete the online application at ssa.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office[2]. Step 3: If you have a low SSDI benefit, you may qualify for SSI—apply for both for maximum support. Step 4: After applying, Pennsylvania’s Disability Determination Services (BDD) will review your medical evidence. Step 5: For Medicaid/MAWD, apply through COMPASS (online), by phone (866-550-4355), by mail, or in person at your CAO[4]. You’ll need proof of work and disability—use pay stubs or an employer letter for work, and your SSDI award letter or a doctor’s statement for disability. Step 6: If denied, you can appeal. Keep records and report changes in work, income, or health to avoid overpayments.
The main federal programs are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI pays based on your work history and Social Security tax contributions; SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history[1][2]. Both require that Rheumatoid Arthritis (or another condition) severely limits your ability to work for at least one year or is expected to result in death[2]. SSDI recipients become eligible for Medicare after 24 months; SSI recipients get Medicaid immediately[1]. ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without losing benefits, with tax-free growth and withdrawals for qualified expenses[5].
Pennsylvania offers Medical Assistance (Medicaid) to SSI recipients right away, with no waiting period[1]. Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) is a special Medicaid program for working people with chronic conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, ages 16–64, with income under 250% of the federal poverty level and resources under $10,000[4]. MAWD charges a monthly premium of 5% of your income. To get MAWD, you must prove you are working and have a disability—SSDI award letters or doctor statements are accepted[4]. Pennsylvania’s ABLE program (PA ABLE) follows federal rules, allowing tax-advantaged savings. State residents should also be aware that most people on SSI or SSDI are exempt from new SNAP work requirements[3].
ABLE accounts let Pennsylvanians with disabilities (onset before age 46, starting 2026) save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. Earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are also tax-free[5]. These accounts are ideal for saving for daily living, medical, or accessibility costs. Learn more about PA ABLE at the state treasury’s website.
SSI income limits (2025): $943/month for individuals, $1,415/month for couples; asset limits: $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple)[1]. SSDI has no income or asset limits, but you must have enough work credits[1]. Medicaid/MAWD in PA: income under 250% of the federal poverty level, resources under $10,000[4]. Trial work period (SSDI): earn up to $1,550/month without losing benefits[1].
Report any changes in income, work, living situation, or health to the Social Security Administration and your County Assistance Office promptly. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Review the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for detailed steps.
Apply as soon as your Rheumatoid Arthritis limits your ability to work. Delays can mean lost benefits. Keep detailed records of your medical care, work history, and correspondence with agencies.
Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) helps you keep health coverage while working. You pay a monthly premium based on income—often much lower than private insurance[4].
Starting in 2026, more Pennsylvanians with disabilities (onset before age 46) will be eligible for ABLE accounts. Save for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid[5].
Yes. SSDI allows a trial work period where you can earn up to $1,550/month (2025) without losing benefits. SSI allows work, but your benefit may be reduced if you earn over the income limit. Always report work and income changes to avoid overpayments[1].
SSDI recipients must wait 24 months for Medicare. You may qualify for Medicaid separately if your income and resources are low enough, or through Pennsylvania’s MAWD program if you are working[1][4].
SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Some people qualify for both (concurrent benefits). See [SSI vs SSDI](/guides/ssi-ssdi) for more details.
ABLE accounts let you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. Earnings are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses do not count against benefit limits[5].
Yes. You can appeal a denied SSDI, SSI, or Medicaid application. Keep all medical and work records, and follow the appeals process outlined in your denial letter.
If your condition improves and you can work, you must report this to Social Security. They may review your case, and your benefits could change.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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No. If you receive SSI or SSDI, you are exempt from new SNAP work requirements in Pennsylvania[3].
You can use your SSDI award letter or a letter from your doctor stating that you have a disability that limits work[4].
Yes. MAWD provides health coverage for working people with disabilities, and work incentives under SSDI/SSDI let you try working without immediately losing benefits[1][4].
Contact your local Social Security office for federal benefits, or your County Assistance Office for Medicaid/MAWD. Both can help with forms and answer questions[2][4].
