Filing for Disability in Pennsylvania
When disability claims are medically reviewed in Pennsylvania, 36.4% are approved — below the national average of 37.0%. This rate measures how often claims are approved at medical review, not all applications filed.
Your Chances at the Initial Level
Medical approval rate = allowances / completed medical determinations at DDS.
Nat'l avg: 37.0%
Nat'l avg: 38.9%
Nat'l avg: 42.3%
Know Your Numbers
Pennsylvania approves 36.4% of initial disability claims. That’s 0.6 percentage points below the national average of 37.0%. Understanding your state’s data before you file helps you prepare.
Get your free personalized Approval Guide with your local approval data, condition context, and next-step guidance.
Get Your Free GuideWhat You Could Receive
National payment amounts by program. Individual amounts vary based on earnings history and state supplements.
Avg New SSDI Award
$1,824/mo
Max SSDI Benefit
$4,152/mo
SSI Individual Rate
$994/mo
SSI Couple Rate
$1,491/mo
SSDI amounts based on your earnings record. SSI is the 2026 federal rate; some states add a supplement. How benefits are calculated →
Medical Approval Rate Over Time
Monthly medical approval rates (allowances / determinations at DDS) for Pennsylvania vs. the national average. Data covers Feb 2021 – Mar 2026 (monthly).
Pennsylvania's medical approval rate has fallen from 37.7% to 36.4% over this period.
At a Glance — March 2026
Monthly activity and current caseload at the state DDS office
Approval Rate
36.4%
Claims Filed
7,615
Determinations
6,971
Pending Claims
18,373
If Your Claim Is Denied
Reconsideration
If your initial claim is denied, you can request reconsideration — a new review by a different examiner. Is reconsideration worth it? →
Recon Approval Rate
13.0%
Recon Claims Pending
5,226
Hearing
If reconsideration is also denied, your case goes to a hearing. Hearing office assignment is based on your ZIP code, not state lines — some residents may be assigned to an office in a neighboring state.
Elkins Park
Hearing OfficeElkins Park · 13 judges · 8.0 months wait · 2,806 pending
approval
Harrisburg
Hearing OfficeHarrisburg · 4 judges · 8.0 months wait · 1,544 pending
approval
Johnstown
Hearing OfficeJohnstown · 2 judges · 7.5 months wait · 873 pending
approval
Philadelphia
Hearing OfficePhiladelphia · 5 judges · 10.0 months wait · 1,280 pending
approval
Philadelphia, PA (East)
Hearing OfficePhiladelphia · 3 judges · 8.0 months wait · 1,058 pending
approval
Pittsburgh
Hearing OfficePittsburgh · 7 judges · 8.0 months wait · 2,038 pending
approval
Seven Fields
Hearing OfficeMars · 7 judges · 7.5 months wait · 1,804 pending
approval
Wilkes-Barre
Hearing OfficeWilkes-Barre · 11 judges · 8.0 months wait · 3,422 pending
approval
Detailed Breakdown
Initial Rates
- Concurrent
- 24.8%
- Disabled Child
- 44.8%
Reconsideration Rates
- Concurrent
- 9.4%
- Disabled Child
- 22.5%
SSDI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 2,873
- Approved
- 1,174
SSI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 2,645
- Approved
- 1,005
SSDI + SSI Combined
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,453
- Approved
- 360
Disabled Child (SSI)
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,223
- Approved
- 548
Recon Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 2,080
- Approved
- 270
What to Do Next
Review Pennsylvania's medical approval rates above to understand how your state compares.
Gather your medical records, treatment notes, and any test results that document your condition. See our evidence guide →
Get a free case review — we can connect you with a disability advocate who handles claims in Pennsylvania. Start here →
Learn More
Filing for Disability in Pennsylvania?
Claimants who understand their state’s approval data and process are better prepared. Get a free, personalized Approval Guide with your state’s rates, local offices, and a documentation checklist.
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