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Social Security Disability for early-onset Alzheimer’s

On Behalf of | Feb 8, 2019 | Social Security Disability Benefits For Illnesses

Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating disease that can cause serious mental and physical disability over time. While many people assume that Alzheimer’s only affects people over the age of 65, statistics show that up to five percent of the people that have Alzheimer’s have early-onset Alzheimer’s starting in their 40s and 50s.

Alzheimer’s at any age can make it extremely difficult for a person to continuing working and earning income. Many people qualify for Social Security Disability benefits for illnesses such as Alzheimer’s. Those affected by early-onset Alzheimer’s may also qualify for Social Security Disability benefits under the Compassionate Allowances (CAL) initiative.

If you have early-onset Alzheimer’s or a related form of dementia and are unable to work, you may apply for SSD benefits. You can file a standard application for SSDI and SSI benefits, but make sure you specify that you have early-onset Alzheimer’s. The SSA generally speeds up the process for anyone applying for SSD benefits with a condition listed under CAL.

Keep in mind that many people with early-onset Alzheimer’s are denied benefits initially, but are later awarded benefits on appeal. To make sure that your benefits are granted as soon as possible, make sure that you provide detailed information about your condition, including thorough medical records showing a decline in function or test scores over time. You will also need to provide information about your everyday life and show that your condition is significantly affecting you on a daily basis. For assistance in filing your SSD benefits application, or filing for appeal after your application was denied, you can contact an attorney in the Fayetteville area.

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