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Alabama • Neurodegenerative
People in Alabama with Parkinson’s Disease can qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, plus Medicaid and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and Alabama-specific programs.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a disability that meets Social Security’s definition and enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years) [6]. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet the disability criteria [9].
Both programs use the same medical standards for disability. In 2025, you generally cannot earn more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) from work and still qualify for benefits. This is called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) [9].
Parkinson’s Disease is listed as a qualifying condition if it meets certain medical criteria, such as significant movement issues or cognitive decline [6].
In Alabama, the initial medical decision for both SSDI and SSI is made by Alabama’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) [1]. Alabama does not provide extra state payments to SSI recipients, but SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid [1].
Alabama also offers Home and Community Based Waivers for people who are elderly or disabled, including those with Parkinson’s Disease. These waivers provide services like personal care, respite care, and home-delivered meals for those who meet nursing facility level of care and financial eligibility (income limit $2,901/month, resource limit $2,000) [3].
Alabama’s Department of Mental Health provides free benefits counseling for SSDI and SSI recipients, helping with work incentives and reporting changes [7].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Alabama residents can open an ABLE account through the national program. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like medical care, education, and housing [8].
You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Alabama’s free benefits counseling can help you understand reporting requirements and avoid losing benefits [7].
Alabama’s Department of Mental Health offers free benefits counseling for SSDI and SSI recipients. They can help you understand work incentives and reporting requirements [7].
Yes, if you meet the work history requirement for SSDI and the income/resource limits for SSI. Alabama does not add extra payments to SSI, but you can receive both benefits if eligible [1].
No, Alabama does not provide state supplemental payments to SSI recipients. However, SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in Alabama [1].
If you qualify for SSI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid in Alabama. If you have SSDI, you may qualify for Medicaid based on income. You can also apply for Home and Community Based Waivers for extra support [3].
The income limit for SSI in Alabama in 2025 is $943 per month for individuals and $1,415 for couples. Resource limits are $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples [1].
Yes, but your earnings must be below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit of $1,620 per month (2025) for non-blind individuals. Work incentives can help you keep benefits while working [9].
These waivers provide services like personal care, respite care, and home-delivered meals for elderly and disabled individuals who meet nursing facility level of care and financial eligibility. Income limit is $2,901/month, resource limit $2,000 [3].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
The state agency may take 6 to 8 months to decide if your condition meets the criteria for disability. Some conditions may qualify for immediate payments while the decision is pending [5].
SSDI requires work history and is based on your earnings record. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both use the same medical criteria for disability [1].
Yes, Alabama’s Disability Determination Services handles medical reviews. The Alabama Department of Mental Health provides free benefits counseling for SSDI and SSI recipients [7].
You must report changes in income to avoid overpayments. Alabama’s free benefits counseling can help you understand reporting requirements and avoid losing benefits [7].
