Can You Get Disability for Parkinson's Disease?
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease and Its Impact on Daily Life and Work
Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement mainly due to a loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. The condition can significantly restrict a person’s ability to hold a job due to physical impairments limiting movement and negatively affecting balance and coordination.
Tremors from Parkinson’s Disease can also affect mental health, contributing to sleep disturbances that lead to fatigue, anxiety, mental fog, and depression. This can make even more sedentary roles, such as office work, difficult to participate in.
Does Parkinson’s Disease Qualify for Disability Benefits?
People with disabling conditions may be eligible for disability benefits if they meet the Social Security Administration’s requirements. The SSA lists the criteria for certain qualifying conditions in its so-called Blue Book. Parkinson’s Disease is recognized as a qualifying impairment under listing 11.06—Parkinsonian syndrome.
SSDI and SSI Eligibility Basics
Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, pays benefits to those who can no longer work because of a disabling condition. To qualify for disability benefits, you must have worked long enough and accrued sufficient work credits by paying payroll taxes. The required amount is typically 20 credits over the past 10 years for adults aged 31 and above. As of 2024, you earn one credit for every $1,730 in wages earned and can accumulate up to four credits annually.
Similarly, you must have a qualifying disability that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The condition must be documented by medical evidence, and you must prove it significantly limits your ability to do basic work activities.
In addition, for those lacking sufficient work credits for SSDI, the needs-based Supplemental Security Income program, or SSI, could be a viable alternative. You must meet the same medical criteria to qualify. However, the program does not require work credits.
Meeting SSA Blue Book Listing 11.06: Parkinsonian Syndrome
To meet the SSA’s Blue Book criteria of Parkinson’s, your condition must satisfy one of the following criteria:
- Significant disorganization of motor function in two extremities, specifically interfering with walking or hand use
- Marked physical limitations combined with severe mental impairments, including problems remembering information, concentrating, and managing oneself
To build your case, collect relevant evidence such as the following:
- Reports from neurologists
- Movement tests
- MRIs
- Treatment history
- Medication responses
- Documentation of symptom progression over time.
How to Apply for Disability for Parkinson’s Disease
You can take the following steps to apply for disability for Parkinson’s Disease:
When to Apply for Disability With Parkinson’s
It is crucial to file at the onset of your condition, especially as symptoms worsen and work becomes more difficult. The SSA is aware that Parkinson’s is a progressive disease. Because of this, they do not expect you to wait until you are bedridden to apply. By submitting an early application, you take control of the situation, allowing them to evaluate your claim while your symptoms are emerging, you are still actively treating and documenting your condition, and you are not in a financial crisis.
How To File Your Claim
You can file for disability online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local SSA office. You also have the option to allow a representative to file for you, including a family member, friend, or professional advocate. To file, you will need the following documentation:
- Medical records proving the existence and extent of your condition
- Work history from the last 15 years
- Income details, especially for SSI
- Personal info, such as SSN, date of birth, and citizenship status
What Happens After You Apply
Once you submit your application for disability benefits, it will go to the SSA field office to be processed and confirm basic eligibility. After this, a state agency will receive your case, and examiners and medical consultants will evaluate your condition. This process typically takes between three and six months. However, your case could take longer if it is complex or you have limited medical documentation.
The SSA may request more medical information from you if what you applied with is insufficient. Similarly, it may schedule a consultative exam with a physician for an independent assessment of your condition. During the exam, the doctor may evaluate your motor skills, muscle strength, reflexes, cognitive function, and emotional condition. Refusing to attend this exam could result in the denial of your claim for noncooperation.
Tips to Improve Your Parkinson’s Disability Claim
The following strategies can strengthen your case and be proactive ways to improve the likelihood of a successful disability claim:
Get Regular Documentation From a Neurologist
Collect documentation from a health care professional showing consistent visits and a record of your condition’s progression. This will be your primary evidence to the SSA that your disease is worsening and affecting your ability to work.
Track Functional Changes in Daily Life
Keep a log of your daily challenges with tasks like dressing, cooking, driving, or walking. The more detailed this is, the better it outlines your difficulties at the hands of Parkinson’s Disease.
Work With a Disability Advocate or Attorney
Pursuing an SSDI or SSI claim is complex. Assistance from a professional advocate gives you the best shot at approval. A disability advocate or attorney can help you understand the application process, gather the necessary documentation, and represent you in any appeals. At Disability Advice, our compassionate team can ensure all proper documentation is included with your application and help you confidently avoid the pitfalls of the claims process. We can also help with the appeals process, if necessary.
Need Help Filing for Disability With Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s Disease is a recognized disability, and you have the right to apply for benefits. However, the approval process can be complex and challenging. If you have worked and paid into social security, and now Parkinson’s prevents you from working, you deserve the benefits you earned.
Contact Disability Advice today for professional guidance and to avoid the common pitfalls in the application or appeal process. We understand the impact of Parkinson’s Disease and are here to help you navigate the system.
- Free case evaluation
- Assist with denied claims
- Ensure you have all documents
- Make the process easy for you
- Understanding Parkinson’s Disease and Its Impact on Daily Life and Work
- Does Parkinson’s Disease Qualify for Disability Benefits?
- Meeting SSA Blue Book Listing 11.06: Parkinsonian Syndrome
- How to Apply for Disability for Parkinson’s Disease
- Tips to Improve Your Parkinson’s Disability Claim
- Need Help Filing for Disability With Parkinson’s Disease?
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“Professionalism at its best. From intake to getting my claim started, they are the ones you need. 100% recommend to everyone.”
Pablo P.
“Having never gone through this process before, it was very easy and straightforward. VERY professional and polite.”
Alan A.
“I had a great experience with my representative. She was very friendly and she made the process very easy. I’m glad I had the pleasure to work with her in filing my claim. She provided great customer service.”
Dana C.
“I was very nervous about reaching out for help with disability benefits. This experience was so much easier than what I thought it would be. They were understanding and supportive, and answered all of my questions. I would highly recommend them.”
Alice P.
“One of the best customer service experiences I have ever had. Patient and kind and couldn’t of made my experience better. Thank you for all the help.”
Jama M.
“The person I spoke with was very knowledgeable and very thorough with answering all of my questions and making sure all my information was correct. He was very patient, kind, and was very helpful. I wasn’t sure if I would qualify, and he checked and took all of my information. The process was made very easy, thank you so much for your help.”
Patrice I.