Alzheimer’s disease is a common form of a progressive neurological disorder that is characterized by a decline in memory and behavioral skills. During the onset of the disease, the patient may have trouble remembering names or recent conversations. As the disease progresses, the patient may lose independent functioning and the ability to perform day-to-day tasks.
If you are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, you may be wondering if you are eligible for Social Security Disability insurance (SSDI) benefits.
SSDI and Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is heavily associated with the elderly, and there are no disability benefits for those over 65 years of age. If that’s your situation, you may qualify for either Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for the aged or Social Security retirement benefits, instead.
What if you suffer from an early onset of the disease, however?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating condition that impairs an individual’s ability to work. To qualify for SSDI benefits when you are diagnosed with this condition, an evaluation will likely focus on things like your:
- Ability to remember or learn
- Ability to communicate (recall or use words properly)
- Diminished social behavior
- Poor planning and judgment
- Poor physical coordination
Typically, SSA makes disability decisions by factoring together things like your age, your education level, your prior work history, the current limitations you face from all your medical conditions combined, the side effects of your medication and more. Since Alzheimer’s is a progressive disorder, there’s usually no question about whether the disease will continue for 12 months or longer, only how disabling it is for you right now.
Find out how you can pursue SSDI benefits if you have been diagnosed with this condition. If you’re having difficulty with your claim, experienced legal guidance can help.