Five to ten percent of Alzheimer’s cases affect people under the age of 65. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease, there are so many details that can feel frightening or confusing. But qualifying for early Alzheimer’s disability can help ease the burden and offer access to essential care and treatment.
Find out more about Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits for early-onset Alzheimer's disease and key details about documentation from our caring, compassionate, and experienced SSDI lawyer. You’re not alone in this process. At Phillip M. Hendry Law, we know what it’s like to navigate the challenges of SSDI for cognitive impairments like early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. We’ll help you every step of the way.
Challenges With Navigating Early Alzheimer’s Disability Benefits
An early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be challenging because of the subtle way the condition manifests and causes a gradual decline in patients. The diagnosis itself also comes with a set of massive challenges, including logistical ones around accessing care and financial support.
Add in the complex Social Security disability benefits application process, and the experience can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, our qualified and compassionate team at Phillip M. Hendry Law can help you navigate the entire process with the support and guidance you and your family deserve.
Qualifying for Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Under the Compassionate Allowances Initiative
The application and qualification process for SSDI benefits can be quite lengthy. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has special allowances for certain conditions. While the conditions for qualifying for Alzheimer’s Disease can be met under section 11.00 (Neurological conditions) or 12.00 (Mental disorders) of the SSA Blue Book, there are different standards for early onset.
The Compassionate Allowances Initiative (CAL) helps provide access to much-needed benefits like SSDI or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Multiple cognitive impairments are included as CAL conditions, including:
- Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease
- Adult-onset Huntington disease
- Mixed dementia
- Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA)
- The ALS Parkinsonism Dementia Complex
This means that if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, CAL allows the application process to be expedited, potentially allowing faster access to benefits for those who qualify.
To meet the criteria for CAL, you must supply a combination of adequate documentation, including clinical findings (including proof of dementia under standardized testing), family history, and daily living activity. The CAL criteria take the place of standard SSDI eligibility.
How to Document for Early Alzheimer’s Disability Benefits
When you’re faced with trying to qualify for SSDI with a cognitive impairment like early Alzheimer’s, documentation is of the utmost importance. Complete, accurate documentation and detailed notes can make a difference in your approval. Working with a qualified SSDI lawyer can help ensure you don’t miss anything and help you avoid common mistakes.
To get started with the documentation for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease for your SSDI application, you will need:
General Information Regarding Your Identity
You will need to provide information such as your birth or citizenship information, social security number, names and birthdates of children, and any military service.
Information About Work History and Job Training
Full employment details from the current year and two years prior are required. You’ll also need education and training information and general job details for the past 15 years.
Medical Documentation
The required medical documentation must come from Acceptable Medical Sources (AMS). Examples of these include licensed physicians, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), or specialists such as a licensed neurologist, neuropsychologist, or psychiatrist.
Getting all the required documentation can be challenging and time-consuming. When you work with a qualified SSDI lawyer at Phillip M. Hendry Law, we can help you obtain the necessary documentation and streamline the process. Items you’ll need include:
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all health care providers
- List of all medical conditions
- All medications you take (especially for Alzheimer’s treatment), including name and dosage information. the name of the doctor who prescribed them, and what condition they are for
- List of all medical tests you’ve undergone, including dates, why the test was requested, and the health care provider who requested it
- Complete medical records from all health care providers, including primary care and specialists. Documentation to support your diagnoses should include specific evidence, such as:
- Proof of progressive decline in function or test score
- Statement of the early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis
- Full clinical information, such as when and what symptoms appeared, plus descriptions of cognitive limitations at home and work
- Results from examinations and neurocognitive testing
- Proof of dementia according to standardized testing
- Documentation from a relative or caregiver on daily living and activities
Phillip M. Hendry Law Can Guide You Through the SSDI Process for Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
The SSDI process isn’t easy, but the team at Phillip M. Hendry Law has the experience and compassion to ease the burden on you. Our team knows the challenges of qualifying for SSDI for cognitive impairments like early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and we’ll provide the information and support you need every step of the way. Turn to us to ensure your documentation is as thorough and accurate as possible. Increase your chances of approval for early Alzheimer’s disability with Phillip M. Hendry Law on your side.