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Pennsylvania • Rare/Genetic
People with Williams Syndrome in Pennsylvania may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and special programs for workers with disabilities. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources.
To get federal disability benefits in Pennsylvania, you must meet the Social Security Administration's (SSA) definition of disability. This means your condition must be severe, expected to last at least one year or result in death, and prevent you from doing substantial work. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must meet SSA's standards. Both programs use the same medical criteria for disability, but have different financial rules. 1, 2, 6
In Pennsylvania, people with Williams Syndrome may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or both, depending on their work history and financial situation. SSI recipients automatically get Medical Assistance (Medicaid), which covers medical care. Pennsylvania also offers Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD), which lets people with disabilities work and keep their Medicaid coverage even if their income goes above normal limits. To qualify for MAWD, you must be employed, have a disability that meets SSA standards, and have income below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. MAWD has higher asset limits than regular Medicaid. 1, 4, 5
The two main federal disability programs are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with limited income and resources. Both programs provide monthly cash benefits and have strict rules about work and income. SSI recipients also get Medicaid in Pennsylvania. Some people may get both SSDI and SSI if their SSDI benefit is low. 1, 2
Pennsylvania offers several programs for people with disabilities. Medical Assistance (Medicaid) covers medical care for SSI recipients and others who qualify. The Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) program lets people with disabilities work and keep their Medicaid coverage even if their income is higher than normal limits. MAWD has a monthly premium of 5% of countable income. Pennsylvania also has Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which may help people with Williams Syndrome get extra support. 1, 4, 5
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Pennsylvania, you can open an ABLE account if you became disabled before age 26. The account can be used for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and medical care. Contributions are limited each year, but the account grows tax-free. 3
For SSI in Pennsylvania in 2025, the income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. The asset limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. SSDI has no income or asset limits. For MAWD, income must be below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, and assets must be $10,000 or less. 1, 4
It is important to report any changes in your income, work, or medical condition to the Social Security Administration and your local County Assistance Office. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Use the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide to learn how working affects your benefits. 1, 3
Contact Disability Rights Pennsylvania for free help with applications and appeals. Call (800) 692-7443 during intake hours. 4
Yes, if Williams Syndrome causes significant limitations and meets the SSA's disability criteria, and if your income and assets are below the SSI limits, you can qualify for SSI in Pennsylvania. SSI provides monthly cash and Medicaid coverage. [1](#citation-1)
SSDI is for people with a work history who paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs use the same medical rules for disability. [1](#citation-1), [2](#citation-2)
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. For Medicaid or MAWD, apply through COMPASS or your local County Assistance Office. [2](#citation-2), [5](#citation-5)
MAWD is a Medicaid program for workers with disabilities in Pennsylvania. You must be employed, have a disability that meets SSA standards, and have income below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. MAWD lets you work and keep Medicaid coverage. [4](#citation-4), [5](#citation-5)
Yes, SSDI recipients can earn up to $1,550 monthly during a trial work period without losing benefits. SSI recipients can work but face benefit reductions. MAWD lets you work and keep Medicaid coverage. [1](#citation-1), [4](#citation-4)
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
SSI recipients get Medicaid, which covers medical care. SSDI recipients get Medicare after a 24-month waiting period. MAWD provides Medicaid coverage for workers with disabilities. [1](#citation-1), [4](#citation-4)
You can prove disability with medical records, an SSDI award letter, or a letter from your doctor. For MAWD, you can use an SSDI award letter or a doctor's letter. [5](#citation-5)
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Pennsylvania, you can open an ABLE account if you became disabled before age 26. [3](#citation-3)
Yes, you must report changes in income, work, or medical condition to avoid overpayments. Not reporting changes can lead to having to pay back benefits. [1](#citation-1), [3](#citation-3)
You can get help from Disability Rights Pennsylvania, your local County Assistance Office, or by calling the Social Security Administration. [7](#citation-7)
