Disability Benefits, Financial Assistance & Healthcare Support
Understanding disability benefits and healthcare programs can be confusing, especially when different programs have different eligibility requirements, applications, and rules. Whether you’re applying for benefits for the first time, trying to understand what assistance may be available, or helping a family member navigate the process, knowing where to start can make things a little easier.
This page brings together trusted information and resources for people with disabilities and their families throughout Montgomery County. Explore information about SSI and SSDI, Medical Assistance (Medicaid), Medicare, MAWD, PA ABLE accounts, healthcare coverage, assistive technology and medical equipment, financial assistance, and organizations that can help you understand, apply for, or navigate benefits and services.
Montgomery County Community Connections
Benefits Navigation • Information & Referrals • Person-Centered Support
Montgomery County Community Connections helps residents find and connect with health and human service programs throughout the county. Community Connections' "Navicates" help residents understand available services and connect with organizations and programs that may meet their needs.
Best for: Montgomery County residents who aren't sure which benefits or services they may need or where to begin.
Phone: 610-278-3522
PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources
Benefits Navigation • Information & Referrals • Person-Centered Support
PA Link helps people with disabilities and older adults connect with services and supports in their communities. PA Link can help individuals explore available options, connect with local programs, and receive assistance with applications to determine eligibility for funding and services.
Best for: People with disabilities, older adults, caregivers, and families who aren't sure which programs or services may be available or need help navigating their options.
SSI & SSDI Disability Benefits
What's the Difference Between SSI and SSDI? Both SSI and SSDI are disability programs administered by the Social Security Administration, but they have different eligibility requirements.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): provides monthly payments to eligible people with disabilities or blindness and adults age 65 and older who have limited income and resources.
Eligibility is based largely on financial need and meeting Social Security's applicable age, disability, or blindness requirements.
SSI Information:
https://www.ssa.gov/ssi
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI provides benefits to eligible people who meet Social Security's definition of disability and have sufficient work history through jobs covered by Social Security.
Unlike SSI, SSDI eligibility is generally based on a person's work history rather than financial need.
SSDI Information:
https://www.ssa.gov/disability
Social Security Administration
SSI • SSDI • Disability Applications • Benefit Information
The Social Security Administration is the official federal agency responsible for SSI and SSDI. Individuals can use Social Security resources to learn about eligibility, apply for benefits, check an application or appeal status, and manage existing benefits.
Best for: Anyone who wants official information about SSI or SSDI or is ready to begin a disability benefits application.
Disability Benefits:
https://www.ssa.gov/disability
Apply for Benefits:
https://www.ssa.gov/apply
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
SSI/SSDI • Employment • Benefits Counseling • Ticket to Work
KenCrest participates in Social Security's Ticket to Work program and provides employment supports and benefits counseling for eligible people receiving SSI or SSDI who are interested in working. Benefits counseling can help individuals better understand how employment and earnings may affect their benefits.
Best for: SSI or SSDI beneficiaries ages 18–64 who are working, considering employment, or want to understand how employment may affect their benefits.
Montgomery County SOAR Case Management
SSI/SSDI Application Assistance • Homelessness • Case Management
SOAR—SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery—is designed to help eligible individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness navigate the SSI/SSDI application process.
Montgomery County works with local organizations to provide SOAR case management and application assistance.
Best for: Eligible Montgomery County residents who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and need hands-on assistance applying for SSI or SSDI.
Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
What Is Medical Assistance? Medical Assistance, also known as Medicaid, provides healthcare coverage to eligible Pennsylvanians. Eligibility can depend on factors such as income, age, disability, household circumstances, and the specific Medical Assistance program.
Coverage may include doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, behavioral healthcare, medical equipment, home and community-based services, and other medically necessary care, depending on the individual's coverage and eligibility.
Medical Assistance • Applications • Renewals • Benefits
COMPASS is Pennsylvania's online system for applying for and managing many public benefits, including Medical Assistance.
Individuals and families can use COMPASS to see if they may qualify, apply for benefits, submit renewals, and manage benefit information.
Best for: People who want to apply for Medical Assistance or manage Pennsylvania benefits online.
Montgomery County Assistance Office
Medical Assistance • Eligibility • Applications • Benefits
The Montgomery County Assistance Office helps administer Pennsylvania public benefit programs for eligible Montgomery County residents, including Medical Assistance.
Best for: Residents who need help with a Medical Assistance application, eligibility, case information, renewals, or other state-administered benefits.
Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD)
Employment • Disability • Medical Assistance
Pennsylvania's Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities program allows eligible people with disabilities who are working to receive Medical Assistance coverage while earning income.
Eligibility requirements apply, and participants may be responsible for a monthly premium based on their circumstances.
Best for: Pennsylvanians with disabilities who are working or considering employment and need healthcare coverage.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program most commonly associated with adults age 65 and older, but some people under age 65 may also qualify because of a disability or certain medical conditions.
Medicare has different parts that cover hospital care, medical services, prescription drugs, and other healthcare needs.
Need Help Understanding Medicare?
Free Medicare Counseling • Coverage • Enrollment • Prescription Plans
PA MEDI provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling to Pennsylvanians.
Trained counselors can help people understand Medicare coverage, enrollment, Medicare Advantage, prescription drug plans, Medicare Supplement policies, financial assistance programs, and other Medicare questions.
Best for: Anyone with Medicare—or helping someone with Medicare—who wants free assistance understanding coverage and options.
Disability Savings • Financial Independence • Qualified Disability Expenses
PA ABLE gives eligible people with disabilities a way to save money for qualified disability-related expenses while protecting eligibility for many means-tested benefits.
ABLE savings may be used for eligible expenses such as housing, education, transportation, healthcare, assistive technology, employment support, and other disability-related needs.
Eligibility requirements and program rules apply.
Best for: Eligible people with disabilities and families who want to save for current or future disability-related expenses while considering the impact on public benefits.
Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF)
Equipment Funding • Assistive Technology • Financial Assistance
The Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation helps people with disabilities and older adults understand ways to finance assistive technology and other equipment that supports independence.
PATF can also help individuals explore possible funding resources and financial options.
Best for: People who know what equipment or assistive technology they need but need help figuring out how to pay for it.
Pennsylvania Health Law Project
Medical Assistance • Healthcare Rights • Appeals • Free Legal Help
The Pennsylvania Health Law Project provides free legal assistance and advocacy related to healthcare coverage for eligible Pennsylvanians.
The organization may be able to help with issues involving Medical Assistance eligibility, loss of coverage, denial or reduction of healthcare services, accessing covered services, and other Medicaid-related problems.
Best for: People who are having trouble getting or keeping Medical Assistance or accessing healthcare services that should be covered.
Montgomery County Office of Aging Services
Medicare • Benefits • Aging Services • Caregiver Support
The Montgomery County Office of Aging Services connects older adults and their families with programs that can support health, safety, independence, and the ability to remain in the community.
Services may include benefits information, Medicare counseling, caregiver support, in-home services, and connections to other assistance programs.
Best for: Montgomery County residents age 60 and older, caregivers, and families helping an older adult navigate benefits and services.
Montgomery County Caregiver Support Program
Caregivers • Respite • Benefits Counseling • Financial Support
The Caregiver Support Program provides support to eligible caregivers, which may include care management, benefits counseling, education, respite, and reimbursement for certain caregiving-related expenses.
Eligibility requirements and reimbursement limits apply.
Best for: Eligible family and unpaid caregivers who need support caring for an older adult or qualifying person with a disability.