While it commonly affects individuals over the age of 65, Alzheimer’s disease is not exclusively an old person’s ailment. In fact, as many as 6% of those with the disease develop symptoms earlier in life. When symptoms appear between the ages of 30 and 60, doctors refer to the condition as young-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Regardless of your age, Alzheimer’s disease is likely to interfere with your cognitive abilities and motor skills. Because the condition has no cure, your symptoms also are likely to worsen over time. Luckily, provided you have the requisite number of work credits, your young-onset Alzheimer’s disease probably qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.
A compassionate allowance
Most applicants for SSDI benefits must prove they have a qualifying disability that impairs their ability to work. Some conditions, though, are so debilitating the Social Security Administration fast tracks SSDI benefits approval. Young-onset Alzheimer’s disease is one of these.
Your benefits application
Even though young-onset Alzheimer’s disease appears on the SSA’s Compassionate Allowance List, the approval of your benefits is not automatic. That is, you must document your condition carefully to avoid receiving a denial of your benefits application. The following items may be helpful:
- A clinical diagnosis of young-onset Alzheimer’s disease
- Your Clinical Dementia Rating
- An Activities of Daily Living report
- Your medical records
Providing comprehensive documentation of your young-onset Alzheimer’s disease may allow you to secure SSDI benefits quickly. Ultimately, though, because the SSA denies most first-time applications for benefits, you may have to request a hearing to obtain the benefits you deserve.
