Social Security Disability Average Monthly Payments in Pennsylvania

October 21, 2022 | Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability Average Monthly Payments in Pennsylvania

You might be eligible for Social Security disability benefits if you cannot work. Two federal programs pay monthly benefits to disabled individuals who cannot work. 

The first program is designed for individuals who worked and paid into the Social Security Fund through self-employment taxes and/or payroll deductions. That program is the Social Security Disability Insurance program, or SSDI.

The second program is for low-income individuals who have not worked enough to qualify for SSDI benefits. That program is the Supplemental Security Income program, or SSI.

The average monthly payments for Social Security disability in Pennsylvania depend on several factors, including your work history and your eligibility requirements for the programs.

You file your Social Security disability payments application with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA reviews your application to determine if you meet the general eligibility requirements. 

If so, it forwards your application to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Disability Determination (BBD). The BBD process an average of 145,000 disability claims each year.

The BBD reviews your application to determine if you are eligible for SSDI benefits. If not, it reviews the application to determine eligibility for SSI disability benefits. 

Calculating Payments for SSDI Benefits in Pennsylvania 

Calculating Payments for SSDI Benefits in Pennsylvania 

SSDI benefits are based on work credits and lifetime earnings. You must earn a specific number of work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits. A person can earn up to four work credits per year based on their income. 

If you meet all requirements for SSDI disability, your monthly disability payments are calculated based on your average income for the past 35 years. The SSA uses the years in which you had the highest income if you have worked over 35 years before becoming disabled. 

According to the SSA, the maximum SSDI benefit for 2022 in Pennsylvania is $3,345 per month. The amount is reviewed each year and can be adjusted based on increases in the national cost of living rates. 

The maximum SSDI benefit you can receive each month is well above the average Social Security benefits paid in 2022. The average monthly Social Security benefits paid in January 2022 to all disabled workers was $1,358.

Calculating Payments for SSI Benefits in Pennsylvania 

Calculating Payments for SSI Benefits in Pennsylvania 

Your monthly payment for SSI disability benefits is based on your assets, income, and resources. It is a need-based program.

The federal government sets maximum benefits for SSI monthly payments.

The maximum SSI disability payments in Pennsylvania in 2022 are:

  • $841 per month for people who live on their own
  • $1,261 per month for couples who live on their own
  • $560.67 for a person who lives with another person and shares household expenses
  • $840.67 for couples who live with another person and share household expenses

The maximum amount can be reduced if the person receives assistance from a family member or benefits from resources that help them with their support. However, individuals who receive SSI benefits in Pennsylvania can typically receive the following:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to help pay for food
  • Medicaid health insurance 

The state may also have other government and social services available that recipients of SSI can access. 

Applying for Social Security Disability in Pennsylvania 

Applying for Social Security Disability in Pennsylvania 

Before you can receive disability benefits, you must file your Social Security disability application. Many people are denied disability benefits. They are forced to appeal the decision to fight for the disability benefits they deserve.

Common reasons given for denying applications for Social Security disability benefits include:

  • The applicant’s condition does not meet the definition of a disability
  • Mistakes and errors in the application
  • Incomplete and missing information
  • Failure to follow the doctor’s treatment plan
  • Lack of medical evidence
  • Exceed the maximum income for Social Security disability 
  • Assets and resources exceed the maximum amounts for SSI benefits
  • Failing to attend an independent medical examination or consultative exam
  • Disability will not last at least 12 months or result in death

In some cases, the SSA denies an application because the person was convicted of specific crimes or their disability was based on alcoholism or drug addiction. 

However, a denial does not mean that you cannot receive Social Security disability benefits. It does mean that you must take prompt action to file an appeal. The first appeal is a reconsideration. Another person reviews your file to decide if you are eligible for benefits.

If the reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. You should consider hiring an attorney if you do not have a Lancaster Social Security disability lawyer. An experienced lawyer represents the Social Security Administration, so you need an experienced lawyer on your side to fight for the benefits you need.

If you need an attorney in Pennsylvania, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954

Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963