Alzheimer’s Awareness Month & Social Security Entitlements

November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and there are currently more than 6 million Americans of all ages diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease (Alzheimer’s Association). As a form of chronic dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, is an irreversible and progressive brain disorder that attacks memory and thinking ability and will eventually deprive the individual from completing everyday tasks. Although it is mostly found in people over 65 years of age, early-onset Alzheimer’s can develop in people as young as 40 years of age. This debilitating disease often overwhelms those that suffer from it and their loved ones with the necessary cost of care to be provided. It’s important to know that you may be entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits to provide important monthly financial assistance. Learn the facts about Social Security financial entitlements for Alzheimer’s patients and how to access them.

SSDI & Alzheimer’s

SSDI pays monthly benefits to qualifying individuals who are diagnosed with a mental or physical medical condition that prohibits them from working or studying effectively full-time. If a condition prevents an individual from performing their previous work or adjusting to other work and the disability is expected to last at least 12 months or is terminal, then they may qualify for SSDI. Alzheimer’s is listed as one of the qualifying conditions for SSDI, under Neurocognitive Disorders, one of the 11 qualifying categories. If you have worked at least five out of the last ten years, and paid federal income tax according to your earnings, and medical proof of your Alzheimer’s diagnosis is provided, then you may qualify for disability benefits. It is also possible to receive SSDI as well as Social Security Income (SSI) monthly payments. Based solely on an individual's income and resources, SSI does not consider if the individual has paid into the system.

What Is Social Security Compassionate Allowances?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has added Younger/Early Onset Alzheimer's to the list of conditions under its Compassionate Allowances (CAL) initiative, giving those with the disease expedited access (average of 19 days to receive payments) to SSDI and SSI.

What is Presumptive Disability & How Can It Help My Benefit Payments?

A disability claimant, applying for SSI may be initially found Presumptively Disabled (PD), prior to the final determination of disability, and receive up to 6 months of payments. To qualify for a PD claim, the evidence must reflect a high degree of probability that the claimant’s impairment or combination of impairments meets the SSAs definition of disability. Any awarded amount during the Presumptive Disability review will not be owed back if the final decision is a denial.

Is It Easy To File A SSDI & SSI Claim?

Accessing Social Security benefits is often overwhelming and time-consuming, preventing many from receiving these life-changing benefits. Help Me Help You, Benefits Access Support (BAS) advocates efficiently do all the work for clients to ensure the best outcome. This includes contacting doctors to obtain the necessary medical records and navigating complex Social Security communication. BAS has also partnered with Alzheimer’s LA to provide a continuum of care for clients with Alzheimer’s disease. Help Me Help You currently services many clients with Alzheimer’s disease and provides information on Alzheimer’s support and community services to our senior clients via our weekly Long Beach Food Pantry Delivery, CalFresh, and other HMHY services.

How Do I Get Started?

Simply complete a quick case review at helpmehelpu.org/bas and one of our expert advocates will contact you within 24 hours to assist you with your claim and answer any questions. Each client is matched with a personal advocate to manage the claim.