Parkinson’s Disease Benefits in Connecticut

To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Parkinson’s Disease, you must have a medical condition that’s expected to last at least 12 months or result in death and prevents you from working[1][5][7].

• SSDI requires a work history and payment of Social Security taxes, typically 5 of the last 10 years[1][5].
• SSI is for people with limited income and resources, even if they haven’t worked enough to qualify for SSDI[1][6].
• Work limits: In 2025, you can’t earn more than $1,620/month from work (substantial gainful activity, SGA) unless you’re blind[1][7].
• Children and adults: Disabled adult children of retirees may qualify for benefits on a parent’s record if their disability began before age 22 and they meet adult disability rules[5].

In Connecticut, you may also qualify for the State Supplement Program, which adds cash benefits to your SSI or SSDI if you are aged, blind, or disabled and meet state income and asset limits[2][4].

• Age/Disability: Must be 65+ or 18–64 with a disability that meets SSDI/SSI or state blindness criteria[2].
• Income/Assets: Must have another income source (like SSI/SSDI), net income below the state standard, and assets under $1,600 (individual) or $2,400 (couple). A home is exempt but may have a lien[2].
• Medicaid: State Supplement recipients get Medicaid automatically[2].
• ABI Waiver: Adults with an acquired brain injury (not developmental or degenerative) may qualify for Medicaid HCBS, but Parkinson’s Disease generally does not meet the “injury” requirement; check with DSS for current interpretations[4].
• Family Support Grants: For parents of children with developmental disabilities (Parkinson’s is not typically considered developmental)[4].

• Federal: Apply online for SSI/SSDI at the Social Security Administration (SSA) website or call 1-800-772-1213[5][7].
• State: Apply for Connecticut’s State Supplement and Medicaid at DSS regional offices, online at www.connect.ct.gov, or call the Benefit Center at 1-855-626-6632[2][4].
• Gather medical records, work history, and financial documents.
• Help: Consider a disability attorney or legal aid if denied or confused[1][6].

1. Confirm your diagnosis and work history. Make sure your Parkinson’s Disease is well-documented by a doctor and, if applying for SSDI, that you have enough work credits[1][5].
2. Check income and assets. For SSI and State Supplement, your income and resources must be below federal and state limits[1][2][6].
3. Apply for federal benefits. File for SSI or SSDI at ssa.gov or by phone[5][7]. If denied, you can appeal with help from a disability attorney[1].
4. Apply for Connecticut State Supplement and Medicaid. Visit a DSS office, apply online at www.connect.ct.gov, or call 1-855-626-6632[2][4]. Bring proof of income, assets, and disability.
5. Explore Medicaid waivers. While the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver is for brain injuries, not Parkinson’s, always check with DSS for the latest programs[4].
6. Get help if needed. Contact Connecticut legal aid organizations if you need assistance with forms or appeals[6].
7. Monitor your status. Report any changes in income, work, or living situation to avoid overpayments—see our guide on reporting changes.
8. Consider an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without affecting benefit eligibility.

• SSDI: Monthly cash payments if you have paid into Social Security and can no longer work due to Parkinson’s Disease[1][5].
• SSI: Monthly cash payments and Medicaid for those with limited income/assets, regardless of work history[1][6].
• Medicare: SSDI recipients get Medicare after a waiting period.
• Family benefits: Spouses, children, and disabled adult children may also qualify for benefits[5][7].

Connecticut offers additional help for people with disabilities:

• State Supplement Program: Cash assistance added to federal SSI/SSDI for those who qualify. Recipients also get Medicaid and may qualify for SNAP and energy assistance[2].
• Medicaid: Access to health coverage through the State Supplement or directly if you meet income/asset limits[2][4].
• Personal Services Program: Grants for personal assistants to help people with severe disabilities live outside institutions[4].
• Family Support Grant Program: Helps families cover costs of caring for a child with a developmental disability[4].
• Medicaid Waivers: The ABI Waiver is for people with acquired brain injury, not Parkinson’s. For other waivers, check with DSS.
• Neighborhood Assistance: Tax credits for businesses supporting programs for people with disabilities and low-income families[4].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for disability expenses without losing SSI, Medicaid, or State Supplement eligibility. Connecticut has no state-specific ABLE program, but you can open a national plan. See our guide to ABLE accounts for details.

• SSI/SSDI: 2025 SGA limit is $1,620/month for non-blind applicants; $2,700/month if blind[1][7]. Earned/unearned income and assets affect SSI eligibility.
• State Supplement: Connecticut sets its own income and asset limits; in 2025, assets are capped at $1,600 (individual), $2,400 (couple)[2].
• 2025 COLA: The federal cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) does not count as income for the state supplement program[3].

Always report changes in work, income, or living situation immediately to avoid overpayments and penalties. Failing to report can result in having to repay benefits. See our full guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes.

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 7am–7pm

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI applications, appeals, and reporting changes.
• CT DSS Benefit Center
  Phone: 1-855-626-6632

  Website

  For State Supplement, Medicaid, and state disability programs.
• CTLawHelp.org
  Phone: Not specified

  Website

  Free legal help for low-income Connecticut residents[6].

• Can I work and still get Connecticut disability benefits with Parkinson’s Disease?

  Yes, but only if you earn less than $1,620/month in 2025. Earnings above this limit may disqualify you from SSI/SSDI. State Supplement has its own income rules—check current DSS guidelines[1][2][7].

• How do I apply for Medicaid with Parkinson’s Disease in Connecticut?

  If you get the State Supplement or SSI, Medicaid is automatic. Others can apply at DSS offices, online at www.connect.ct.gov, or by calling the Benefit Center at 1-855-626-6632[2][4].

• What if I’m denied SSI or SSDI?

  You can appeal. Many people get denied at first—disability attorneys and legal aid organizations can help you fight the decision[1][6].

• Does Parkinson’s Disease qualify for the ABI Medicaid Waiver?

  The ABI Waiver is for acquired brain injuries, not degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s. Ask DSS about other waivers or programs[4].

• Can I save money without losing benefits?

  Yes, with an ABLE account. These accounts let you save for disability expenses without jeopardizing SSI, Medicaid, or State Supplement eligibility.

• Are there grants for home care in Connecticut?

  The Personal Services Program provides grants for personal assistants for those with severe disabilities. Apply through DSS[4].

• Do children with Parkinson’s Disease qualify for state programs?