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Montana • Neurodegenerative
Montana offers a range of benefits for people with Parkinson’s Disease, including federal disability programs, Medicaid, and state-specific support. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Parkinson’s Disease is listed in the Social Security Blue Book under neurological disorders, so if your symptoms match the listing, you may qualify automatically. If not, you may still qualify if your condition prevents substantial gainful activity (SGA) and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death [1].
Medical evidence, such as doctor’s reports and test results, is required to prove your disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews all applications using federal criteria [1].
In Montana, eligibility for state programs like Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) is based on income, disability status, and employment. The MWD program allows people with disabilities to work and earn more without losing Medicaid coverage, as long as they meet the program’s income and disability requirements. You must have a qualifying disability, such as Parkinson’s Disease, and meet the net-countable income limits set by the program. Eligibility is determined by the Montana Office of Public Assistance, and you may need to provide medical documentation from your healthcare provider [2].
Montana also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can provide personal care, therapy, and other supports for people with Parkinson’s Disease. These waivers have specific eligibility criteria, including functional limitations and income limits [3].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for federal benefits like SSI and Medicaid. In Montana, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free. The account can be used for things like medical care, education, housing, and transportation [10].
For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. For Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD), eligibility is based on net-countable income, which is calculated after certain deductions. The exact income limit varies and is determined by the Montana Office of Public Assistance [2].
If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you may have to repay the overpayment. It’s important to report any changes in income, employment, or living situation to the Social Security Administration and Montana Office of Public Assistance. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties [11].
Contact Disability Rights Montana for free legal help and advocacy. They can guide you through the application process and help with appeals.
Yes, if your Parkinson’s Disease prevents you from working and meets Social Security’s disability criteria, you can apply for SSI or SSDI in Montana. Medical evidence is required to prove your disability [1].
Visit your local Office of Public Assistance to apply for Medicaid. You may qualify for Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) if you have a qualifying disability and meet income requirements [2].
Montana offers work incentives like the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program, which allows you to work and earn more without losing Medicaid coverage. The Montana Vocational Rehabilitation program also provides job training and accommodations [5].
Grants of up to $3,600 per year are available for equipment, minor home modifications, and other disability-related services in Montana. Check with local nonprofits and state agencies for more information [12].
Report any changes in income, employment, or living situation to the Social Security Administration and Montana Office of Public Assistance. This helps avoid overpayments and penalties [11].
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. In Montana, you can use it to save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for federal benefits [10].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult with a benefits specialist or legal professional for personalized advice.
Yes, Montana offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS) for people with disabilities, including Parkinson’s Disease. These services can include personal care, therapy, and support [3].
Disability Rights Montana provides legal assistance, advocacy, and education for people with disabilities. They can help with issues related to benefits, employment, and more [7].
Contact local nonprofits like Disability Rights Montana or the Montana Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for information on support groups and community resources [9].
If your disability claim is denied, you can appeal the decision through the Social Security Administration. Montana Disability Determination Services can provide information on the appeals process [4].
