Parkinson’s Disease Benefits in Rhode Island

• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For people with Parkinson’s Disease who have a work history and paid Social Security taxes. You must have a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Benefits continue as long as you remain disabled.
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): For people with Parkinson’s Disease who have limited income and resources. SSI is not based on work history. You must meet strict financial limits and medical criteria.
• Both programs require a medical review to confirm disability status. Parkinson’s Disease is listed in the SSA Blue Book under neurological disorders, but not all cases automatically qualify. You must provide medical evidence showing how your symptoms affect your ability to work.
• If approved for SSDI, you get Medicare after 24 months. If approved for SSI, you get Medicaid right away.

Sources: SSA Disability (2025-11-06), Disability Determination Services, RI DHS (2025-11-06)

• Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): Rhode Island workers with Parkinson’s Disease may qualify for TDI if they are temporarily unable to work due to a non-work-related illness or injury. To qualify, you must have paid into the TDI fund and earned at least $16,800 in your base period (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before your claim). If you earned less, you may still qualify if you meet specific conditions, such as earning at least $2,800 in one quarter and having total base period wages of at least $5,600.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services: The Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services offers support for people with Parkinson’s Disease who want to work. You must have a physical, intellectual, or emotional impairment that is a barrier to employment and need vocational rehab services to prepare for, obtain, or maintain a job.
• Medicaid and SNAP: Rhode Island provides Medicaid and SNAP for people with disabilities who meet income and resource limits. Parkinson’s Disease may qualify you for these programs if your income is low.
• Durable Medical Equipment (DME): State programs and nonprofits may help fund DME for people with Parkinson’s Disease to improve independence.

• Step 1: Gather medical records showing your Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
• Step 2: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• Step 3: If you need short-term help, apply for Rhode Island TDI through the Department of Labor and Training.
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid, SNAP, or vocational rehab through the Rhode Island Department of Human Services or Office of Rehabilitation Services.
• Step 5: Contact local agencies for help with durable medical equipment and other support.

Sources: SSA Disability (2025-11-06), RI DLT TDI (2025-11-06)

• Step 1: Get Medical Documentation

  • See your doctor and get a detailed report of your Parkinson’s Disease, including symptoms, treatments, and how it limits your daily activities and work.
  • Ask your doctor to complete any forms required by SSA or state agencies.

• Step 2: Apply for Federal Benefits

  • Go to SSA.gov and create an account.
  • Fill out the SSDI or SSI application online. You can also apply by phone or in person at a Social Security office.
  • Submit all required documents, including medical records, work history, and proof of income.

• Step 3: Apply for State Benefits

  • For TDI, go to the RI Department of Labor and Training website and file an online application or request a paper form.
  • For Medicaid or SNAP, apply through the Rhode Island Department of Human Services.
  • For vocational rehab, download the application from the Office of Rehabilitation Services website or call to request one.

• Step 4: Follow Up

  • Keep copies of all applications and correspondence.
  • Respond promptly to any requests for more information.
  • If your application is denied, you have 60 days to appeal.

• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments based on your work history. You must have a qualifying disability and work credits.
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources. Not based on work history.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people with SSDI after 24 months of receiving benefits.
• Medicaid: Health insurance for people with SSI or low income.
• SNAP: Food assistance for people with low income.

Sources: SSA Disability (2025-11-06), Disability Determination Services, RI DHS (2025-11-06)

• Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): Weekly payments for up to 30 weeks if you cannot work due to a non-work-related illness or injury. Funded by employee payroll deductions. Weekly benefit is 4.62% of your highest quarter’s wages, with a minimum of $130 and a maximum of $1,070.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Help with job training, employment, and independence for people with disabilities. Includes support for durable medical equipment.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income limits.
• SNAP: Food assistance for people with disabilities who meet income limits.
• General Public Assistance: Cash assistance for people with disabilities who do not qualify for other programs.
• Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council: Advocacy and support for people with developmental disabilities, including financial independence initiatives.

Sources: Atticus TDI Guide (2025-11-06), RI DHS Disability Determination Services (2025-11-06), RI Disability Resources (2025-11-06), Lift and Care Systems (2025-11-06), (2025-11-06)

An ABLE account lets people with Parkinson’s Disease save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses, such as medical care, housing, and education. Rhode Island residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s program. Contributions are limited each year, and there are tax benefits. For more information, visit the official ABLE account website.

Source: RI Disability Resources (2025-11-06)

Income limits for SSI and Medicaid in Rhode Island change each year. For SSI, the federal limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. Medicaid limits depend on your age, family size, and disability status. For TDI, you must have earned at least $16,800 in your base period or meet alternative criteria. For SNAP, income limits are based on household size and composition.

Sources: SSA Disability (2025-11-06), Atticus TDI Guide (2025-11-06)

If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report any changes in your income, work status, or living situation to SSA and state agencies right away. This includes changes in your medical condition or if you start working. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. For more information, see the SSA guide on reporting changes.

Source: SSA Disability (2025-11-06)

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday

  Website

  For federal disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and general questions.
• Rhode Island Disability Determination Services
  Phone: 401-421-7005

  Website

  For medical eligibility questions for SSA disability programs.
• Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (TDI)
  Phone: 401-462-8420

  Hours: Monday: 8am - 3:30pm, Tuesday: 8am - 3:30pm, Wednesday: Closed, Thursday: 8am - 3:30pm, Friday: 9am - 3:30pm

  Website

  For Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) claims and questions.
• Rhode Island Department of Human Services
  Phone: 401-462-8100

  Website

  For Medicaid, SNAP, and other state assistance programs.

• Can Parkinson’s Disease qualify for SSDI in Rhode Island?

  Yes, Parkinson’s Disease can qualify for SSDI if it meets SSA criteria. You must have a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You also need enough work credits. Medical evidence is required to prove your disability.

• What is the difference between SSDI and SSI in Rhode Island?

  SSDI is for people with a work history who paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require a medical review to confirm disability status.

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

  You can apply for Medicaid through the Rhode Island Department of Human Services. If you are approved for SSI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid. Otherwise, you must meet income and resource limits and provide proof of disability.

• Can I get help with durable medical equipment for Parkinson’s Disease in Rhode Island?

  Yes, Rhode Island offers vocational rehabilitation services that can help fund durable medical equipment. Nonprofits and local agencies may also provide assistance. Contact the Office of Rehabilitation Services or local disability organizations for more information.

• What is Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) in Rhode Island?

  TDI provides weekly payments for up to 30 weeks if you cannot work due to a non-work-related illness or injury. You must have paid into the TDI fund and earned a minimum amount in your base period. Parkinson’s Disease may qualify if it causes a temporary inability to work.