How to File for SSDI with Alzheimer’s Disease

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How to File for SSDI with Alzheimer’s Disease

How to File for SSDI with Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the worst words you can hear come from your doctor’s mouth. Many people are terrified of how this will affect their life. Not everyone has health insurance or enough retirement benefits to cover the expensive costs of managing Alzheimer’s. This is what turns many people to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), monthly financial benefits for disabilities. Talk to a Philadelphia disability attorney to figure out how to file for Philadelphia disability benefits.

Am I Eligible for Alzheimer’s Disability Benefits?

The first step in any disability benefits application is to figure out whether you could be eligible for benefits. There are two different requirements for Alzheimer’s disability benefits that could qualify you for SSDI. These include problems with your movement and thinking.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) Blue Book is where you will find all the eligibility requirements for various disabilities. Alzheimer’s is listed under a general category for neurodegenerative disorders that also covers requirements for similar diseases like Huntington’s. Be sure to read all these requirements before applying.

One of the first requirements that could qualify you is disorganized motor functions, Specifically, you must experience movement problems in at least two extremities like your arms or legs that are caused by Alzheimer’s. These must either:

  • Prevent you from standingHow to File for SSDI with Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Hinder your balancing ability
  • Make walking difficult
  • Or prevent you from using your arms

If you do not meet this requirement, see if you meet the second requirement. This requirement requires you to have a significant limitation in your physical abilities and one other problem. The other problem could be in:

  • Your ability to adapt
  • Whether you can provide self-care
  • Remembering and using information
  • Concentration skills
  • Working with others

How to File for Alzheimer’s Disability Benefits

Once you know whether you could be eligible for Alzheimer’s disability benefits, the next step is to apply. The most important Alzheimer’s disability benefits steps include checking your work history and collecting evidence. You can also check whether you could skip the long application process by filing through the Compassionate Allowance Program. This program can save you so much time and includes degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Checking your work history in terms of how many work credits you have is vital when you are filing for SSDI benefits. Without enough work credits, you may have to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead. Evidence consists mostly of your medical records. Work closely with your doctor to make sure your medical evidence includes:

  • Your Alzheimer’s diagnosis and prognosis
  • Your future symptoms
  • How this will affect your ability to work and function
  • A detailed list of current symptoms
  • Any medical tests that support your diagnosis

Contact a Philadelphia disability lawyer if you have any questions about the application process.

Disability Lawyer in Philadelphia

You do not have to go through the confusing disability application process alone. Reach out to a Philadelphia individual disability insurance lawyer if your disability claim was denied. To start, all you have to do is call Edelstein & Nelson by dialing (800) – 300 – 0909 for a consultation today. Our experienced Philadelphia disability attorneys can walk you through the claims process and help you collect any evidence you need.