Pennsylvania Disability Resources
If you just got hurt on the job, received a diagnosis, or need to understand what Pennsylvania offers for people with disabilities, this page covers the major programs and how to access them.
Workers' Compensation
The Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers' Compensation handles claims.
What to do if you're hurt at work:- Report the injury to your employer within 21 days (report within 120 days to preserve full rights).
- Seek medical treatment -- for the first 90 days, you must use a provider from your employer's list (if they have one).
- After 90 days, you may choose your own physician.
- Notify your employer within 120 days.
- File a formal claim petition within 3 years.
- Nearly all Pennsylvania employers must carry workers' compensation insurance.
- Temporary total disability pays 66 2/3% of average weekly wage.
- Employer may direct care for first 90 days via a posted provider panel.
- Phone: 717-772-4447 / 1-800-482-2383
- Web: dli.pa.gov/businesses/compensation
State Disability Programs
Pennsylvania does not have a state disability insurance program. Apply through federal SSDI/SSI.
Medicaid
Pennsylvania Medicaid is called Medical Assistance (MA).
How to apply:- Online at compass.state.pa.us
- By phone: 1-866-550-4355
Vocational Rehabilitation
The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) helps people with disabilities find employment.
Contact:- Phone: 1-800-442-6351
- Web: dli.pa.gov/individuals/disability-services/ovr
Disability Rights
Disability Rights Pennsylvania is the state's federally designated Protection and Advocacy organization. Contact:- Phone: 215-238-8070 / 1-800-692-7443
- Web: disabilityrightspa.org
Veterans Services
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs provides state-level assistance.
Contact:- Phone: 717-861-8000 / 1-800-547-2838
- Web: dmva.pa.gov
State Employment Protections
Pennsylvania has the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, which prohibits disability discrimination for employers with 4 or more employees.
Where to file a complaint:- Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission: 717-787-4410
- Web: phrc.pa.gov
Key Contacts
| Agency | Phone | Website | |--------|-------|---------| | Bureau of Workers' Compensation | 1-800-482-2383 | dli.pa.gov | | Medical Assistance (Medicaid) | 1-866-550-4355 | compass.state.pa.us | | Office of Vocational Rehabilitation | 1-800-442-6351 | dli.pa.gov | | Disability Rights Pennsylvania | 1-800-692-7443 | disabilityrightspa.org | | Human Relations Commission | 717-787-4410 | phrc.pa.gov | | Social Security Administration | 1-800-772-1213 | ssa.gov |