If you have a disability that prevents you from working in Pennsylvania, then you need to learn as much as possible about Social Security Disability. This will help you to see if you qualify for these benefits as well as helping you to understand the process of applying and what to expect along the way. The Social Security Administration explains that SSDI is only available if you have worked because it is only for workers who have earned the coverage.
The goal of SSDI is to help provide you some income while you cannot work to earn a living. The rules about these benefits are very strict. There are specific definitions on what qualifies as a disability and you must meet them to be eligible. A disability only qualifies if it is severe and will last at least one year. You must be unable to do work of any kind.
Do note that the system does offer a program to help you get back to work without taking your benefits completely away so you can transition back to the workforce without having financial worries. This is the Ticket to Work program and it provides employment support services and benefits to make it easier for you to go back to work.
You may get SSDI at any age as long as you have had employment that earned you the right to these benefits. So, children, for example, have not worked, so they could not get these benefits. This information is for education only and is not legal advice.
