If you have Parkinson’s Disease in Vermont, you may qualify for federal and state benefits like SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and food assistance. These programs help cover medical costs, daily living expenses, and support independence. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Parkinson’s Disease is recognized as a disabling condition by the Social Security Administration. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources (under $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples). SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes paid. Both programs require U.S. citizenship or legal residency and living in the U.S. [^1].
In Vermont, people with disabilities—including Parkinson’s Disease—may qualify for additional supports. 3SquaresVT (SNAP) has relaxed income and resource limits for those receiving disability benefits. If everyone in your household gets disability payments, you may not face a resource test. Vermont also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help cover costs for home care, assistive technology, and more. Legal Services Vermont can help with appeals and discrimination issues related to disability services [^2][^3].
ABLE accounts let Vermonters with disabilities save money for disability-related costs without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) and the first $100,000 is not counted for SSI. Learn more at ablenrc.org [^4].
For SSI, the resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. For SSDI, there is no resource limit, but you must have a qualifying work history. 3SquaresVT may not have income or resource limits for households receiving disability benefits [^1][^2].
If your income or resources change, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Report changes to Social Security, 3SquaresVT, and Medicaid as soon as possible. Overpayments can be repaid in installments or waived in some cases. Learn more about reporting changes and avoiding overpayments [^5].
Contact Legal Services Vermont at 1-800-889-2047 for free help with disability benefits, appeals, and discrimination issues.
ABLE accounts let you save money for disability-related costs without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Learn more at ablenrc.org.
Yes, Parkinson’s Disease is a qualifying disability for SSI and SSDI. You must meet medical and financial criteria. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, while SSDI is based on work history [^1].
Yes, Vermont has relaxed rules for 3SquaresVT (SNAP) for people with disabilities. If everyone in your household gets disability benefits, you may not face income or resource limits [^2].
Contact the Vermont Department for Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) at 1-800-642-5119. They can help you apply for home care and support services through Medicaid waivers [^3].
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related costs without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) and the first $100,000 is not counted for SSI [^4].
Yes, you may qualify for 3SquaresVT (SNAP) food benefits. Vermont has relaxed rules for people with disabilities, so you may not face income or resource limits [^2].
You can appeal the decision. Contact Legal Services Vermont at 1-800-889-2047 for help with appeals and discrimination issues [^3].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Join thousands of families who trust Purple to protect their benefits
Purple is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by OMB Bank, Member FDIC.
Medicaid, Medicare, and 3SquaresVT can help cover medical costs. You may also qualify for Medicaid waivers for home care and support services [^3].
Yes, SSI and SSDI have work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. Learn more about work incentives and how to report earnings [^5].
The Vermont Communication Support Project offers free help for people with disabilities in court or administrative hearings. Call 1-888-686-8277 or email csp@disabilityrightsvt.org [^3].
Yes, Legal Services Vermont can help with discrimination issues in employment, housing, and services. Call 1-800-889-2047 for help [^3].
