Applying for Social Security Disability With Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease

 Posted on June 06, 2022 in Social Security Disability

Living with Alzheimer’s disease can be devastating—and not just for the affected patient. The person’s family and loved ones often have a great deal of difficulty adjusting to the person’s new reality as well. Also known as “younger-onset” Alzheimer’s, early-onset Alzheimer’s disease was added to the list of disabilities and diseases covered by Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) just a few years ago.

Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease is considered under the Compassionate Allowance Initiative of the Social Security Administration, which gives the same access for early-onset patients to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) as traditional Alzheimer’s patients. The intent of the Compassionate Allowance Initiative is to allow patients with an extremely fast-moving degenerative disease (such as Alzheimer’s) to be fast-tracked through the approval process.

Important Considerations in Getting the Benefits You Need

There are specific guidelines meant to regulate the Social Security Disability application process for early-onset Alzheimer’s patients. The medical information that is needed to prove that you have been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s includes, but is not limited to:

• Names, addresses, and contact information for all of your health care providers, including psychiatrists and neuropsychologists
• Relevant medical records from all health care providers that shows a clear, progressive decline in functions over a significant period of time
• A comprehensive list of all medications that you are taking, including the names and dosage information of all prescription and over-the-counter drugs
• An activity report filled out by a caregiver or relative

Depending on the circumstances, the Social Security Administration may require additional information in support of your application for SSDI benefits.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, it is best to apply for Social Security Disability benefits as soon as you possibly can. Waiting to apply for SSDI until the Alzheimer’s had taken its full toll has, over the years, resulted in many qualified applicants missing years of benefits. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, those with early-onset Alzheimer’s and other related dementias are often initially denied SSDI. The good news, however, is that it is possible to appeal an initial denial, and a qualified disability attorney can help you do so.

Work Closely With a Dallas SSDI Attorney

When you are seeking SSDI benefits for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease—or any other debilitating condition—the most important step you can take is to seek the help of an experienced Texas Social Security Disability lawyer. Call 972-671-9922 to schedule a free case evaluation at The Law Offices of Coats & Todd. You owe us nothing unless you win your case, so schedule your initial appointment today.

Source:

https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/financial-legal-planning/social-security-disability