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Disability Information and Advice for Dealing with Parkinson's

At some point in your life, if you have Parkinson's disease, the time will come when you can no longer work. There are several public and private disability programs that can provide benefits so you can still have all the necessities of life. Unfortunately, the maze of paperwork can be quite convoluted, although there have been steps made to streamline the process. However, it does not detract from the fact that evaluating the benefits as well as your eligibility can be quite nerve-wracking. It is important to note that you do not want to throw any paperwork away, especially those pertaining to your disability. This includes paperwork from your doctors, employer, government or anyone else working on your behalf. In addition, maintain a separate file of paperwork copies for yourself.

There are several types of programs that offer benefits to people with disabilities. There is Social Security disability insurance (SSDI), Medicare, Medicaid, supplemental security income (SSI), and a program called SHIP or state health insurance counseling and assistance. Several federal laws exist that work to protect the rights of people with disabilities as well such as the Work Incentives Act of 1999 and the Ticket to Work. These two federal laws in particular work to enhance the ability of disabled people to get a job without losing medical benefits as well as being able to garner private disability plans through an employer with the exorbitant pricing.

Government Disability Plans

There are different disability programs based on need that provide a monthly stipend for people with disabilities. However, many people have reported that sometimes there is no raise for cost of living so some people are not meeting their monthly obligations much less have anything left over for extras. The government is in the process of revamping some of these programs.

There are certain requirements that have to be met before you qualify for disability. For instance, you are considered disabled if you cannot do the work you did before. In addition, the Social Security Administration must also decide that you cannot do other work either because of your medical condition. Lastly, the disability should last at least a year or indefinitely.

Social Security Disability Insurance is aimed towards those disabled adults who contributed significantly through their employment career to Social Security and are eligible for the insurance. As it can take time to kick in, there is SSI or supplemental security income that can fill in the gap. There is Medicare and Medicaid for health care while disabled too.

Of course, private disability insurance can help as well and varies depending on the employer and plan you choose. In addition, some are geared to pay a certain amount per month regardless of whether you receive disability payments from the government while others may adjust the payment based on the other benefits received.

There are plenty of options when you become disabled with Parkinson's disease and can no longer work for a living. Talk with your local government offices and seek advice from one of the national Parkinson's foundation groups. They can help you wind your way through the maze of paperwork to get you the help you need.