Parkinson’s is considered a
Disability. That doesn’t stop them from denying it the first time to see if you’ll go away. Don’t go away, they almost always pay in the end and they pay retroactively.

I’ve applied and am optimistic of approval, given I’m classified by the VA as 100% disabled with “individual unemployability.” The website is very prickly and wouldn’t allow me to successfully submit the application, but I had good success with calling for a scheduled call with a counselor who used the inputs I made and gathered additional info, ultimately completing the application telephonically. Normally it takes 3-4 months to process a submitted application, but my 100% VA status allows them to fast track my SS disability application.

They’ll ask if you’re applying for SS retirement benefits, disability benefits or both, and you may be eligible for Medicare. If your income (job, pension, etc) is above a certain level you won’t be eligible for SS retirement before the normal ages. Once approved for disability you’ll automatically convert to SS retirement when you turn 66 years and 9 months old, but you’ll get whichever amount is higher.

Bottom line: apply.

I was denied twice. Don't give up! I think they deny you, and hope you'll give up. The 3rd time I got a lawyer who specialized in Social Security cases. Important: this lawyer only got paid if she won the case. So when she took my case, i was confident we would win. I mean, why would she take the case if she didn't think we'd win? I got accepted for disability the 3rd time. And Social Security paid out retroactively to the date i got diagnosed. My lawyer got paid out of those earnings that went back 1.5 years. And I got the rest. Keep on trying, don't give up. I'm rooting for you!
Blessings, Karen

Of course now I check the SS website and it says it could take 250 days to review and approve an application, and that mine is 2% complete. So who knows. At least they pay retroactively.

Colleen7

Social Security is a US program, and fkosko is in the US. I haven’t been approved yet but I’m optimistic I will be.