Parkinson’s Disease Benefits in Illinois

To qualify for federal disability benefits with Parkinson’s Disease, you must meet Social Security’s definition of disability. This means your condition must prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If your earnings are above these limits, you generally cannot be considered disabled. Parkinson’s Disease is listed as a qualifying condition if it meets the medical criteria. You must also meet income and resource limits for SSI, while SSDI is based on work history and Social Security taxes paid[2][3][4][6].

In Illinois, people with Parkinson’s Disease may qualify for Medicaid through the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program if they are between 16 and 64, working, and have countable income up to $4,393 per month for a single person or $5,962 for a couple. HBWD allows up to $25,000 in assets, which is higher than most Medicaid programs. You must also meet Social Security’s disability definition. Illinois also offers Medicaid waivers for adults with developmental disabilities and medically fragile technology-dependent waivers, which may be relevant for advanced Parkinson’s cases[1][9].

• Confirm you meet federal and state eligibility rules.
• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or in person.
• Apply for Medicaid or HBWD through the Illinois Department of Human Services.
• Report any changes in income or work status promptly.

• Step 1: Review eligibility for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. Parkinson’s Disease is a qualifying condition if it meets Social Security’s medical criteria and prevents substantial work.
• Step 2: Gather documents: medical records, proof of income, Social Security number, and proof of Illinois residency.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office.
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid or HBWD through the Illinois Department of Human Services. You can apply online, by phone, or in person.
• Step 5: If approved, report any changes in income, work, or medical status to avoid overpayments.
• Step 6: Explore work incentives and ABLE accounts to help you work and save without losing benefits[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][9].

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides cash benefits to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. In 2025, the maximum SSI benefit is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple[7].
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides benefits based on work history and Social Security taxes paid. In 2025, the minimum SSDI benefit is $967 per month, and the maximum is $4,018 per month[2][3].
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities who meet income and asset limits. Medicaid can be accessed through SSI or other programs[6].

• Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD): Allows people with disabilities to work and keep Medicaid coverage. Income limit is $4,393 per month for a single person and $5,962 for a couple. Asset limit is $25,000[1].
• Medicaid Waivers: Illinois offers waivers for adults with developmental disabilities and medically fragile technology-dependent waivers, which may be relevant for advanced Parkinson’s cases[9].
• ABLE Accounts: IL ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save up to $18,000 per year without losing benefits[8].
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Provides food assistance to people with disabilities who meet income limits[5].

IL ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save up to $18,000 per year without losing benefits. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as medical care, education, and housing. To open an IL ABLE account, visit the IL ABLE website[8].

• SSI: Maximum benefit is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple in 2025[7].
• SSDI: Minimum benefit is $967 per month, maximum is $4,018 per month in 2025[2][3].
• HBWD: Income limit is $4,393 per month for a single person and $5,962 for a couple[1].

It is critical to report any changes in income, work, or medical status to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands and loss of benefits. Report changes promptly to Social Security and the Illinois Department of Human Services[5].

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and general disability questions.
• Illinois Department of Human Services
  Phone: 1-800-843-6154

  Website

  For Medicaid, HBWD, and SNAP applications.
• IL ABLE
  Phone: 1-844-452-2537

  Website

  For ABLE account questions.

• Can I work and still get disability benefits for Parkinson’s Disease in Illinois?

  Yes, you can work and still get disability benefits. The SGA limit in 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. Working above this limit may affect your benefits, but work incentives can help you keep benefits while working[2][3][4].

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI for Parkinson’s Disease?

  SSI is based on financial need and is for people with limited income and resources. SSDI is based on work history and Social Security taxes paid. Both provide cash benefits and may lead to Medicaid or Medicare[2][3][7].

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

  You can apply for Medicaid through the Illinois Department of Human Services. If you are working, you may qualify for the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program. Apply online, by phone, or in person[1][5].

• Can I get both SSI and SSDI with Parkinson’s Disease?

  Yes, you may be able to get both SSI and SSDI if you meet the eligibility rules for both programs. SSI is based on financial need, and SSDI is based on work history[2][7].

• What are the income limits for SSI and SSDI in 2025?

  The maximum SSI benefit is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple. The minimum SSDI benefit is $967 per month, and the maximum is $4,018 per month[2][3][7].

• How do I report changes in income or work status?

  Report changes in income or work status to Social Security and the Illinois Department of Human Services promptly. This helps avoid overpayments and loss of benefits[5].