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Parkinson’s Disease Disability Benefits Guide

Is Parkinson’s Disease a Disability?

Can You Get Disability for Parkinson’s Disease?

Yes, Parkinson’s Disease, a progressive neurological condition marked by tremors, stiffness, and movement difficulties, is recognized as a disability eligible for Social Security benefits.

This recognition stems from the profound impact it can have on an individual’s ability to perform daily tasks and maintain employment. For eligibility, the condition must significantly impair one’s functional capabilities for a minimum of 12 months.

Man with Parkinsons Disease holds his wrist

How Does the SSA Define Parkinson’s Disease?

Individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease may qualify for Social Security disability benefits, provided they can demonstrate that the disease significantly limits their ability to engage in gainful employment. The application process necessitates thorough documentation of medical conditions, including detailed medical evidence of the Parkinson’s diagnosis and its severity, and, in some cases, a vocational assessment to evaluate the impact of the condition on the applicant’s job capabilities. The SSA pays particular attention to how the symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as motor function impairments and non-motor symptoms, affect the applicant’s ability to work, both before the diagnosis and as the disease progresses.

To qualify as disabled with PD, your condition must either meet the requirements of listing 11.06 in their Blue Book or severely affect your ability to work full-time at any job. For those affected by this potentially life-altering affliction, SSA provides support for compensation and treatment options that may help patients try to gain some level of control over their lives again.

Official Criteria from the SSA Blue Book Parkinson’s Disease

To meet the SSA’s disability criteria for Parkinson’s Disease, applicants must provide:

  1. Diagnosis Confirmation
    Documentation from a neurologist confirming a Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis.
  2. Clinical Evidence
    Detailed clinical history, examination findings, and treatment responses.
  3. Motor Function Assessment
    Evidence of significant rigidity, bradykinesia, or tremor in two extremities, impacting the ability to stand, balance, or use the upper limbs.
  4. Treatment Response
    Records showing the efficacy and side effects of prescribed treatments.
  5. Neurological Test Results
    If available, results from neurological imaging tests supporting the diagnosis.

How Do I Get Approved for Benefits with Parkinson’s Disease?

Approval for disability benefits for those with Parkinson’s Disease hinges on meeting specific SSA criteria outlined for neurological disorders. Meeting these criteria often involves:

  • Providing conclusive medical evidence of a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
  • Demonstrating significant motor function impairments despite treatment in ONE of the following ways:
    • Being unable to control both of arms or legs (or one of each) despite 3 months’ worth of treatment
    • Difficulty balancing while standing/walking, rising from a seated position & using the arms
    • Marked physical problems along with a marked limitation in thinking skills, interacting socially & completing tasks effectively at some level worse than moderate but less than extreme
  • Showcasing how these impairments limit work capacity.

Automatic approval might be granted if the individual’s condition aligns precisely with these criteria.

Common Challenges for Parkinson’s Disease Disability Approval

Securing disability benefits for Parkinson’s Disease can be challenging due to:

  • Fluctuating Symptoms
    The variability in symptoms can complicate the demonstration of consistent disability.
  • Non-Motor Symptoms
    Difficulty in documenting non-motor symptoms like cognitive impairments or mood disorders that affect work ability.
  • Treatment Side Effects
    Proving that treatment side effects contribute to disability can be complex.
  • Early Stage Cases
    Individuals in the early stages of Parkinson’s may find it particularly challenging to prove substantial work impairment.

Parkinson’s Disease Calculator

Find Out Your Disability Check Amount

Navigating the aftermath of Parkinson’s Disease can be challenging, and understanding your potential disability benefits shouldn’t add to that stress. Our Parkinson’s Disease Disability Benefit Calculator is designed to provide you with an estimate of the monthly financial support you might expect from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

  • SSDI Benefits Calculator

SSDI Benefits Calculator

In 2024, you could be eligible for up to $3,822/month in SSDI benefits.
How It Works:
  1. Input Basic Information: Provide general information about your work history and earnings.
  2. Calculate: Our calculator processes the information based on SSA’s benefit formulas to give you an estimated monthly benefit amount.
  3. Get a Free Consultation:  Get matched with a Parkinson’s Disease disability lawyer to provide free advice.

Note: This calculator provides an estimate and does not guarantee specific benefit amounts. For a detailed assessment, consider scheduling a consultation with a disability benefits advisor.

Government Benefits for Parkinson’s Disease

What Benefits Can I Claim After Parkinson’s Disease?

Life after Parkinson’s Disease brings significant changes, but financial support from government benefits can ease the transition. No matter what type of Parkinson’s Disease, you may qualify for various forms of assistance tailored to your needs.

Eligibility and Types of Benefits for Parkinson’s Disease

No matter what type of Parkinson’s Disease, you may be eligible for a range of benefits aimed at addressing your specific needs. These include:

  • Parkinson’s Disease Disability Benefits
    Financial assistance provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to those who cannot work due to a medical condition expected to last at least one year or result in death.
  • Healthcare Coverage
    Access to necessary medical treatments, rehabilitation services, and prosthetic devices through programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation
    Services aimed at helping you return to work, including job training, career counseling, and adaptive equipment.
  • Special Housing Grants
    Financial assistance for home modifications to accommodate mobility needs, ensuring your living environment supports your independence.

Explore these options to enhance your quality of life and secure the support you deserve.

How to Apply for Disability
  1. Identify Your Eligible Benefits
    Start by understanding which benefits you’re eligible for based on your specific type of and its impact on your daily life. Take our Benefits Case Evaluation to see if you qualify.
  2. Gather Necessary Documentation
    Collect medical records, employment history, and any other documents that prove your and its effects on your ability to work and perform daily activities. Download the Disability Starter Kit to help you keep track of everything you neeed to apply for SSDI.
  3. Submit Your Applications
    Apply for Social Security disability insurance through the SSA government website or see if you qualify to get matched with a Parkinson’s Disease disability lawyer.
  4. Follow Up
    Stay proactive in your communication with agencies to track your application status and respond to any requests for additional information.
Resources and Support

Navigating government benefits can be complex. Various resources are available to assist you, including:

  • Disability Advocates
    Professionals who can guide you through the application process, ensuring you submit thorough and accurate applications.
  • Support Groups
    Communities of individuals who have undergone similar experiences, offering insights, advice, and emotional support.

By accessing the government benefits for Parkinson’s Disease you’re entitled to, you can focus on what truly matters—your health, well-being, and the journey ahead.

2 Minutes To See If You Qualify

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April 19, 2023

Written by Anna Barnett

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