Community Corner

The Financial Impact of Parkinson's Disease

"In San Diego, more than 3,700 disabled individuals at the hearing level will wait, on average, 400 days for benefits."

To the editor:

Lemon Grove Patch’s recent story “” is an informative piece about Parkinson’s disease and the symptoms people experience. With the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation calling on individuals, support groups and healthcare professionals to make a difference during Parkinson’s Awareness Month this April, the topic could not be more timely.

One aspect the article did not address, however, is the financial impact when Parkinson’s renders someone unable to work.

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Most people work to save for college and retirement; however, many don’t plan for a disability. The sudden loss of income can be a shock to someone facing mounting medical bills, and can even lead to home foreclosure or bankruptcy

The good news is that the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program was established to protect against this scenario for those who meet the Social Security Administration’s qualifying criteria. In 2010, more than 47,600 disabled workers received SSDI in San Diego County. Workers fund this insurance through their FICA taxes. Unfortunately, the application process is notoriously difficult. Some wait more than 800 days to receive their SSDI benefits.

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If your application is denied twice and you choose to continue the process, you will go on to the hearing level. In San Diego, more than 3,700 disabled individuals at the hearing level will wait, on average, 400 days for benefits.

The key to qualifying for these earned benefits – and possibly avoiding a financial meltdown – is to submit a well-prepared application as early as possible. Since the qualifying process for SSDI can take so long, it's crucial not to waste time. Consider seeking the assistance of a professional who can help you secure proper medical records, complete time-consuming paperwork and meet deadlines, all of which are critical.

Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. It’s important to be able to demonstrate the effect Parkinson’s has on your life through documentation, such as doctors’ reports and journals. Even if you aren’t ready to apply, gathering those documents now can simplify the process down the road.

Anyone, not just those facing Parkinson’s disease, can take steps to prepare themselves financially for an unexpected disability.

Jim Allsup, Belleville, IL

Editor's note: Allsup is the founder and CEO of Allsup, a nationwide provider of Social Security Disability Insurance representation and Medicare plan selection services.


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