Social Security Disability Benefits and Alzheimer’s Disease

When someone you love is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, you may not fully understand the diagnosis or how you will cope as the disease progresses. It’s normal to feel sad, anxious, and angry. However, you should never have to feel as if you are facing this challenge by yourself. There is help and assistance available for those suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, and there is also a very good chance that your loved one will qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a serious form of chronic dementia that usually develops in people over 65 years of age. However, early-onset Alzheimer’s has been known to develop in people as young as 40. Regardless of the age of onset, this is a progressive disease that seriously affects the brain and is devastating to those who suffer from it, and often overwhelming for those who love them.

At Leventhal, Sutton, & Gornstein, we are passionate about helping those who suffer from disabilities receive the benefits they are entitled to. We believe that every person who suffers from a disability deserves to live his or her best life with dignity and without continually worrying about financial difficulties. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, you may qualify for benefits, and if you do, we are here to help you attain them.

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits

Social Security disability insurance exists to pay benefits to individuals who are considered disabled because of a mental or physical medical condition and are unable to work because of that condition. An individual is considered disabled pursuant to federal law if he or she cannot perform the work that he or she previously performed, cannot adjust to any other work due to the disability, and the disability has lasted, or is expected to last more than one year – or is considered terminal.

If you are able to provide medical proof that your disability satisfies the foregoing criteria, you worked at least five out of the last ten years, and you paid federal income tax according to your earnings, you may qualify for disability benefits.

Applying for Disability with Alzheimer’s

The Compassionate Allowances program is an initiative intended to provide an expedited process for determining eligibility for, and distributing benefits to, those with the most serious types of disabilities. For those who suffer from early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, it may be comforting to know that this condition has been added to the list of disabilities that qualify for this program.

For anyone suffering from Alzheimer’s who does not qualify for the compassionate allowance because your disease is not considered early onset, you may still qualify for benefits. You will need to provide medical records that sufficiently prove your condition renders you unable to perform any full-time job. This evidence will include a thorough explanation of your symptoms and the effect they have on your daily life.

Work With a Dedicated SSD Attorney in Bucks

Having both a highly qualified doctor, and a dedicated SSD attorney, in Bucks County, S.E. PA are two of the most important aspects of a successful disability claims process. An experienced doctor will be able to explain what the symptoms of your condition are, and how they are affecting you, in a clear and succinct manner; and a knowledgeable SSD attorney will be able to employ the best legal strategies available when preparing and presenting your claim.

We Are Here to Help

At Leventhal, Sutton, & Gornstein, we understand how difficult an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be for not only the person suffering from this debilitating illness, but also for the family members who love them. The very last thing you need to be doing during this stressful time in your life is worrying about finances. That is why our dedicated team of legal professionals is here to help you navigate the complexities of applying for disability benefits. We invite you to reach out and discuss your case with a compassionate SSD attorney from our firm – give us a call today.