Parkinson’s Disease Benefits in Vermont

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].

• Check if you qualify for SSI or SSDI using the SSA’s online tools.
• Apply for 3SquaresVT online or by phone.
• Contact Vermont Legal Aid or Legal Services Vermont for help with Medicaid waivers or appeals.
• Ask about ABLE accounts for saving without losing benefits.
• Keep records of all medical and financial documents.

• Step 1: Gather medical records that show your Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You may need to provide proof of income, resources, and disability.
• Step 3: Apply for 3SquaresVT (SNAP) at vermontfoodhelp.com or by calling 1-800-479-6151. If you get disability benefits, you may not need to meet standard income or resource limits.
• Step 4: For Medicaid and HCBS waivers, 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.
• Step 5: If you need help with appeals or discrimination, contact Legal Services Vermont at 1-800-889-2047.
• Step 6: Learn about ABLE accounts at ablenrc.org to save for disability-related costs without losing benefits.

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or 65+.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to disability.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people with disabilities after 24 months of SSDI.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and resources, including those with disabilities.
• 3SquaresVT (SNAP): Food assistance for low-income households, including those with disabilities.

• 3SquaresVT (SNAP): Vermont’s food assistance program. People with disabilities may not face income or resource limits if everyone in the household receives disability benefits. Benefits can be deposited as cash or on an EBT card [^2].
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Vermont offers Home and Community-Based Services waivers for people with disabilities. These waivers help pay for home care, assistive technology, and other supports to help you live independently [^3].
• Legal Services Vermont: Provides free legal help for people with disabilities, including appeals and discrimination issues [^3].
• Vermont Communication Support Project: Free help for people with disabilities in court or administrative hearings [^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].

• Legal Services Vermont
  Phone: 1-800-889-2047

  Website

  Free legal help for disability benefits, appeals, and discrimination.
• Vermont Department for Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL)
  Phone: 1-800-642-5119

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid waivers and home care services.
• Vermont Communication Support Project
  Phone: 1-888-686-8277

  Email: [email protected]

  Website

  Free help for people with disabilities in court or administrative hearings.

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

  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].

• Does Vermont have special rules for disability benefits?

  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].

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in Vermont?

  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].

• What is an ABLE account and how can it help me?

  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].

• Can I get help with food costs if I have Parkinson’s Disease?

  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].

• What if my disability benefits are denied or cut?

  You can appeal the decision. Contact Legal Services Vermont at 1-800-889-2047 for help with appeals and discrimination issues [^3].