What Is the Average Social Security Disability Payment in Pennsylvania?

August 19, 2022 | Social Security Disability

What Is the Average Social Security Disability Payment in Pennsylvania?

If you cannot work due to a disability, you may be able to receive financial assistance from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA is a federal agency, and Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Disability Determination (BDD) is the state agency that works alongside the SSA to determine eligibility. The SSA offers two payment programs: Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). 

The SSDI program provides benefits to those who have recently paid Social Security taxes for a certain amount of time. Individuals can receive payment under the SSI program if they have a qualifying disability and have limited resources. In either case, you will need to apply with the SSA, who will then forward your application to the BDD.

The amount you can receive will depend on the program you qualify for and the specific facts and circumstances surrounding your disability. Continue reading for further insight into these programs and what type of payment you might qualify for in the State of Pennsylvania.

The SSDI Program: How To Qualify and Average Payments

SSDI is the primary program offered by the SSA; it is the program that most U.S. citizens pay into with their income taxes. In order to qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be an insured worker, an insured worker’s child, or an insured worker’s widow(er)
  • Have worked and paid Social Security taxes recently and for a long enough time period
  • Meet the SSA’s medical disability requirements
  • Not currently performing any “substantial work,” as the SSA defines the term

Assuming your application is approved, the amount you receive will depend on your work history and average earnings. Typically, you can expect to receive between $800 and $1,800 per month, with the average being roughly in the middle at $1,300, depending on the year. You can click here to input your information into the SSA’s calculator for personalized insight into how much you might receive.

The SSI Program: How To Qualify and Average Payments 

The SSI program does not require you to pay into Social Security with taxes. This program is intended to help people who have little resources and who have become disabled. In order to qualify, the following criteria must be met:

  • Little-to-no income or resources
  • Be a U.S. citizen or meet the requirements to receive benefits as a non-citizen
  • Meet the SSA’s medical disability requirements
  • Not currently performing any “substantial work,” as the SSA defines the term

If you meet these criteria and your application is approved, the amount you can receive is determined by the category you fall under on this chart. 

For instance, if you are eligible under the “independent living status” category, you would receive $841 per month in the year 2022. Compare this with the “living in someone else’s household” category, where an individual person would receive $560.67 monthly.

Do I Need an Attorney To Help With Applying for Social Security Benefits?

It is wise to consult with a Social Security disability attorney before applying for either the SSDI or SSI programs. Overall, most initial applications are not approved by the SSA (if your application is denied, you have appeal options, however). You must support your application with significant medical evidence; it can be confusing to know when it is sufficient.

An attorney can guide you through submitting your application and help ensure that you’re putting yourself in a position to receive as much as you can in benefits. 

Keep in mind that most social security disability lawyers in Pennsylvania offer a free consultation to review your case, so it won’t hurt your pocket to reach out for initial legal advice.

If you’ve been injured in a personal injury, 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