Legal Question in Social Security Law in Pennsylvania

Re: savings

If you worked at least 5 out of the last 10 years and paid FICA (Social Security Tax), you should be entitled to a specific, monthly disability benefit. There is no means test and your personal assets cannot be questioned nor your benefit lessened.

If you did not work enough and pay into FICA enough, and thus do not qualify for Disability, you may still be eligible for SSI. SSI is a welfare program and your monthly benefits may be adjusted (down to zero) if you have assets (not including your home), income or resources in excess of the limits. Retirement accounts may be included in the calculation if you have current access to them. Social Security cannot take your assets but it may lower you SSI benefit. Check with the local Social Security office about the limits if you are only eligible for SSI.