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Tennessee • Neurodegenerative
People in Tennessee with Parkinson’s Disease may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), Medicaid waivers, and state programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that stops you from working for at least 12 months and have paid enough Social Security taxes through work. Most adults need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have low income and few resources, and your condition must prevent you from working for at least 12 months. Parkinson’s Disease is listed as a qualifying condition if it meets Social Security’s criteria for severity and duration [1].
In Tennessee, people with Parkinson’s Disease may also qualify for state programs like the Family Support Program, which helps families with children or adults with severe disabilities stay together at home. Services can include respite care, home modifications, equipment, and personal assistance. The Katie Beckett program helps children under 18 with complex medical needs who don’t qualify for TennCare due to family income. Eligibility for these programs is based on disability severity and financial need, not just work history [3][4].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Tennessee, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one in Tennessee [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
For SSI in 2025, the income limit is $967 per month for an individual. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not earn more than $1,550 per month from work (Substantial Gainful Activity limit). For Medicaid (TennCare), income limits vary by household size and program, but generally, you must have low income and few resources [2][5].
If your income or condition changes, you must report it to Social Security to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you earn too much, get other benefits, or don’t report changes. Learn how to report changes and avoid overpayments [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Contact your local Social Security office or a disability advocate for free help with your application and appeals.
Yes, Parkinson’s Disease is a qualifying condition for SSDI and SSI if it prevents you from working for at least 12 months. You must meet Social Security’s medical and work history requirements [1][2].
In 2025, the maximum SSDI payment is $4,018 per month, and the maximum SSI payment is $967 per month. Actual amounts depend on your work history and income [2].
Tennessee offers the Family Support Program, Katie Beckett program, and Medicaid waivers like ECF Choices. These programs provide services like respite care, home modifications, and employment support [3][4].
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. For state programs, contact your local Family Support Program office or TennCare [1][3][4].
Yes, Social Security offers work incentives and trial work periods. You can test your ability to work without immediately losing benefits. Earnings above $1,550 per month may affect your benefits [1].
The Family Support Program helps families with a member who has a severe disability stay together at home. Services include respite care, home modifications, equipment, and personal assistance. The program is funded by state dollars [3][4].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
The Katie Beckett program helps children under 18 with complex medical needs who don’t qualify for TennCare due to family income. The program covers medical care not paid by private insurance [4].
You can get help from a disability advocate, legal aid, or your local Social Security office. Nonprofits and state agencies also offer free assistance with applications and appeals [1][3][4].
Yes, if you have low income and few resources, you may qualify for Medicaid through TennCare. Medicaid covers health care for people with disabilities in Tennessee [5].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Tennessee residents can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
