Social Security Disability Laws in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania claimants still follow the same federal SSA appeal deadlines as everyone else, so reconsideration, ALJ hearing, Appeals Council, and federal-court review windows should be tracked carefully from each denial notice.

The Social Security Act defines disability as an inability to engage in substantial gainful activity because of a medically determinable impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

SSA evaluates whether a claimant is engaging in substantial gainful activity under federal regulations, and current earnings thresholds are updated annually. For 2026, SSA’s published SGA amount is $1,690 per month for non-blind individuals.