Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits with Alzheimer’s

The Social Security Administration has a book listing all the conditions that qualify for disability benefits called the Blue Book. Every listing in the book has specific requirements that someone must meet in order to be eligible for disability benefits with that condition. The listing for early onset Alzheimer’s specifies that someone with early onset Alzheimer’s must be able to demonstrate that their ability in at least one of these areas has significantly declined:

In addition, the person must have developed a severe limitation in one of these areas or a marked limitation in two of these areas:

Medical documentation that supports the disability claim needs to be submitted with the claim. Documentation should include a doctor’s diagnosis, MRI results, PET scan results, statements from past employers, family, friends, case workers, or anyone that can comment on how the person’s abilities have declined.

Medical Vocational Allowance

Someone with early onset Alzheimer’s must be able to demonstrate that their ability has significantly declined.

If your Alzheimer’s is progressing and you can’t work but you don’t meet the criteria laid out in the Blue Book, you can ask for a Medical Vocational Allowance. To get this exception you will need to have your doctor fill out a Residual Functional Capacity evaluation. You can find the blank form on the SSA’s website. The Residual Functional Capacity form gives your doctor a chance to describe your symptoms and limitations in detail, supported by medical documentation.

The Social Security Administration will look at the RFC evaluation, your age, your work history, your skills, and other factors to determine if there’s any kind of work that you can do. If they can’t find any type of work that you can reasonably be expected to do, then you will be eligible for disability benefits even if you don’t meet the Blue Book requirements.

Filing A Claim

You can file a claim for Social Security disability benefits for Alzheimer’s online, or you can have a friend, family member or caretaker file it for you. You can also make an appointment at the SSA office close to where you live and get help filling out the claim paperwork. Bring your medical documentation to the appointment and a staff member at the SSA can help you fill out the claim and submit all your medical documents.

Social Security Disability Benefits with Alzheimer’s—Resources:

Best Alzheimer’s Products: https://best-alzheimers-products.com/

Blue Book: https://www.disabilitybenefitscenter.org/blue-book

Medical Vocational Allowance: https://www.disabilitybenefitscenter.org/glossary/medical-vocational-allowance

RFC Form: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms/images/SSA4/G-SSA-4734-U8-1.pdf

SSDI Claim: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/