Parkinson’s Disease Benefits in Kentucky

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 5 of the last 10 years. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and be disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Parkinson’s Disease is listed as a qualifying condition if it severely limits your ability to work. Both programs require a medical diagnosis and proof that your condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Children with Parkinson’s may also qualify for benefits if their condition meets the criteria.

• SSDI: Based on work history and contributions to Social Security.
• SSI: Based on financial need, not work history.
• Both programs use the same medical standards for disability.
• You must be unable to do substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to your disability.
• In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals.

[Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-05]

In Kentucky, people with Parkinson’s Disease may qualify for Medicaid, Medicaid waivers, and state disability retirement benefits. Medicaid covers medical care, including therapy and medications. Kentucky Medicaid waivers (HCBS) provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. If you are a public employee, you may qualify for disability retirement benefits through the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority. These benefits may be reduced if you also receive Social Security disability or Workers’ Compensation. Kentucky also offers ABLE accounts for saving without losing benefits. You must report any changes in income or employment to avoid overpayments.

• Medicaid: Covers medical care for low-income individuals with disabilities.
• Medicaid Waivers: Provide home and community-based services.
• Disability Retirement: For public employees with qualifying disabilities.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.
• Reporting Changes: Required to avoid overpayments.

[Source: KY.gov, 2025-11-05]

• Check if you qualify for SSI or SSDI using the SSA website.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
• For Medicaid, apply through the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange at healthcare.gov.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Medicaid office.
• For disability retirement, contact the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority.
• For ABLE accounts, visit the KY ABLE website.

[Source: SSA.gov, KY.gov, 2025-11-05]

• Step 1: Review eligibility for SSI/SSDI on SSA.gov. Parkinson’s Disease is a qualifying condition if it severely limits your ability to work.
• Step 2: Gather medical records, including diagnosis, treatment history, and doctor’s notes.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office.
• Step 4: For Medicaid, apply through the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange at healthcare.gov. You can get help from an insurance agent or assister.
• Step 5: For Medicaid waivers (HCBS), contact your local Medicaid office or the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services.
• Step 6: If you are a public employee, apply for disability retirement through the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority. You may need to provide a detailed job description if you plan to return to work.
• Step 7: For ABLE accounts, visit the KY ABLE website and follow the application instructions.
• Step 8: Report any changes in income, employment, or medical status to avoid overpayments.

[Source: SSA.gov, KY.gov, 2025-11-05]

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments based on your work history. You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments based on financial need. You must have limited income and resources.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people with disabilities after 24 months of SSDI.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income individuals with disabilities.
• Work Incentives: Programs that help you keep benefits while working.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.

[Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-05]

• Medicaid: Covers medical care, including therapy and medications, for low-income individuals with disabilities.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, such as personal care, therapy, and respite care.
• Disability Retirement: For public employees with qualifying disabilities. Benefits may be reduced if you also receive Social Security disability or Workers’ Compensation.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. You can save up to $17,000 per year without losing benefits.
• Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange: Helps you apply for health insurance with payment assistance, special discounts, or tax credits.
• Habilitation Services: Includes speech/language, physical therapy, and occupational therapy for children and adults with disabilities.

[Source: KY.gov, 2025-11-05]

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing benefits. In Kentucky, you can open an ABLE account and save up to $17,000 per year. The account can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and personal support. Earnings in the account are tax-free. To open an account, visit the KY ABLE website and follow the application instructions.

[Source: KY.gov, 2025-11-05]

• SSI: In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $914 per month for an individual. Your income and resources must be below certain limits to qualify.
• SSDI: There is no income limit, but you must not earn more than the SGA limit ($1,620 per month for non-blind individuals, $2,700 for blind individuals in 2025).
• Medicaid: Income and resource limits vary based on your situation. You can use the SSI Income Estimator to see if you qualify.

[Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-05]

You must report any changes in income, employment, or medical status to avoid overpayments. If you fail to report changes, you may have to repay benefits. Overpayments can happen if you earn too much, get other benefits, or your condition improves. If you think you have an overpayment, contact Social Security or Medicaid right away. You can set up a repayment plan if needed.

[Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-05]

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday - Friday

  Website

  Apply for SSI/SSDI and get help with benefits.
• Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services
  Phone: 1-855-306-8959

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid and Medicaid waivers.
• Kentucky Public Pensions Authority
  Phone: 1-800-372-2443

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday

  Website

  Apply for disability retirement benefits.

• Can I get SSI or SSDI for Parkinson’s Disease in Kentucky?

  Yes, Parkinson’s Disease is a qualifying disability for SSI and SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work. You must meet the medical and financial criteria for each program. SSI is based on financial need, while SSDI is based on work history.

• How do I apply for Medicaid in Kentucky?

  You can apply for Medicaid in Kentucky through the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange at healthcare.gov. You can get help from an insurance agent or assister. Medicaid covers medical care for low-income individuals with disabilities.

• What are Medicaid waivers in Kentucky?

  Medicaid waivers in Kentucky provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. These services include personal care, therapy, and respite care. You can apply through your local Medicaid office.

• Can I work while getting SSI or SSDI in Kentucky?

  Yes, you can work while getting SSI or SSDI, but there are limits on how much you can earn. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals.

• What is an ABLE account and how can I get one in Kentucky?

  An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. In Kentucky, you can save up to $17,000 per year. You can open an account through the KY ABLE website.

• Do I need to report changes in my income or employment?

  Yes, you must report any changes in income, employment, or medical status to avoid overpayments. If you fail to report changes, you may have to repay benefits.