If you live with Parkinson’s Disease in Arkansas, you may qualify for federal (SSI, SSDI), state, and Medicaid benefits. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, income limits, work incentives, and state programs for Arkansans with neurodegenerative conditions.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition (like Parkinson’s Disease) expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, plus enough work credits (usually 40, including 20 in the last 10 years)[2][5]. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your income and assets must be below federal limits ($967/month in 2025 for an individual)[1]. Both programs require your condition to severely limit your ability to work (called Substantial Gainful Activity or SGA). In 2025, earning more than $1,620/month (or $2,700 if you’re blind) means you may not qualify[2].
Arkansas Medicaid covers eligible disabled individuals, including those with Parkinson’s Disease, if you meet state income, resource, and disability requirements[4]. Special programs like ARChoices provide home and community-based services for adults age 21–64 with physical disabilities, and the Workers with Disabilities Medicaid program offers extra support for disabled Arkansans who are employed[4][6]. State-specific details on Parkinson’s Disease are limited; official state Medicaid and Department of Human Services sites are the best sources for current Arkansas guidelines and waivers. The best evidence for disability is strong medical documentation showing how Parkinson’s affects your daily life and ability to work.
Start online at the Social Security Administration (SSA) website for SSI and SSDI claims[5]. Arkansas Medicaid applications can be filed online, by phone, or at a local DHS office[4]. Gather medical records, work history, and financial documents. If denied, appeal within 60 days. Consider contacting a benefits counselor or attorney for complex cases.
Prepare documentation: Get your medical records, Social Security number, work history, income, and asset information. For SSDI, include proof of work credits. For Medicaid, gather pay stubs, tax documents, and any proof of disability.
Apply for federal benefits: File SSI/SSDI claims on the SSA website, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or at a local Social Security office[5].
Apply for Arkansas Medicaid: Submit your application online, by phone, mail, or in person at a local Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) office[4]. If applying for special programs (e.g., ARChoices), mention your disability and service needs.
Follow up: Track your application status online or by phone. If denied, request an appeal in writing within 60 days. For Medicaid, contact DHS directly for updates or help with documentation.
Explore work incentives: If you wish to work while receiving benefits, review Social Security work incentives and Arkansas Workers with Disabilities Medicaid options to protect your coverage[6].
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly cash payments if you have a significant work history and a qualifying disability. Parkinson’s Disease may qualify if it meets duration and severity requirements[1][2].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Offers cash assistance for low-income disabled individuals, including those with Parkinson’s, who meet strict income and resource limits. The 2025 SSI maximum is $967/month for an individual[1].
Disabled Adult Child (DAC): Adults disabled before age 22, including those with Parkinson’s, may qualify for benefits based on a parent’s Social Security record[5].
Medicare: SSDI recipients get Medicare after a waiting period (usually 24 months). SSI recipients may get Medicaid instead.
Arkansas Medicaid: Covers medical care, prescriptions, and therapies for eligible disabled residents[4].
ARChoices: A waiver program for adults age 21–64 with physical disabilities, providing home and community-based services like personal care, respite, and therapy[4].
Workers with Disabilities Medicaid: Allows employed Arkansans with disabilities to keep Medicaid coverage while working[6].
Apply via Arkansas DHS: Use their portal for eligibility checks and to submit applications[4].
State ABLE program: Arkansas is part of the national ABLE program to help people with disabilities save money without losing benefits.
State-specific Parkinson’s Disease support programs beyond Medicaid and waivers are limited. Always check the official Arkansas Medicaid site for the latest available services.
Arkansas ABLE account: Like most states, Arkansas participates in the National ABLE program, letting residents with significant disabilities (onset before age 26) save up to $100,000 without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. Earnings grow tax-free and funds can pay for qualified disability expenses.
SSI income limits (2025): $967/month for individuals, $1,450/month for couples[1]. SSDI does not have a strict income limit, but working above Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)—$1,620/month ($2,700 if blind)—can disqualify you for disability benefits[2]. Medicaid income and asset limits vary—check with Arkansas DHS for current guidelines[4].
Report any income changes immediately to Social Security and Arkansas DHS to avoid overpayments. Overpayments often result from unreported work, inheritance, or SSI/Medicaid asset changes. For help managing changes and appeals, see our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.
If your SSI or SSDI application is denied, you only have 60 days to request an appeal. Keep copies of all your medical records and correspondence with SSA and Arkansas DHS.
Arkansas has special Medicaid rules for employed individuals with disabilities—check with Arkansas DHS to avoid losing coverage when you start working[6].
Yes, if Parkinson’s Disease severely limits your ability to work for at least 12 months, you have enough work credits, and your income stays below SGA ($1,620/month in 2025)[2].
$967/month for individuals, $1,450/month for couples[1].
Apply online, by phone, mail, or in person at your local Arkansas DHS office. Gather medical evidence, proof of income, and residency[4].
The ARChoices waiver covers home and community-based services for adults with physical disabilities, including Parkinson’s, if you meet eligibility requirements[4].
Yes, with limits. For SSDI/SSI, you must not earn above the SGA threshold in 2025 ($1,620/month for non-blind, $2,700/month if blind)[2]. Arkansas also has Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities for employed individuals[6].
You may still qualify for SSI if your income/assets are low enough, or for Disabled Adult Child benefits if a parent is retired, disabled, or deceased and you were disabled before age 22[5].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Processing can take several months. If denied, you can appeal, but you must act within 60 days.
Medicare is federal, available to SSDI recipients after a waiting period. Medicaid is state-run, for low-income disabled people, often with more comprehensive benefits. See our **Medicaid vs Medicare** guide.
Yes. Arkansas participates in the ABLE program, letting you save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
Appeal within 60 days. Consider getting help from a benefits counselor or attorney. Keep detailed medical records and documentation of your disability.
