Early-onset Alzheimer’s inclusion applauded 

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that it will add early-onset Alzheimer’s disease to its Compassionate Allowances Initiative. The initiative identifies debilitating diseases and medical conditions that meet the SSA’s disability standards for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).  Inclusion in the initiative allows for faster payment of Social Security benefits to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. 

The Alzheimer’s Association applauds Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue and the SSA for understanding that the cognitive impairment caused by Alzheimer’s disease leaves individuals unable to maintain gainful employment and deserving of an expedited disability determination.

Since 2003, the Alzheimer’s Association has been advocating on behalf of individuals with early-onset Alzheimer’s as they navigate the Social Security disability determinations process and welcomes the SSA’s decision.  Until now, individuals with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease have faced a myriad of challenges when applying for SSDI or SSI, including a long decision process, initial denials, and multiple appeals. 

There are currently an estimated 5.3 million Americans with Alzheimer’s disease. Although the majority of Alzheimer cases are individuals age 65 and older, a significant number of people under age 65 are also affected by this fatal disease and have few financial options other than the Social Security disability program.

In addition to Alzheimer’s disease, mixed-dementia and Primary Progressive Aphasia were also added to the Compassionate Allowances Initiative under the SSA’s recent decision. The Social Security Administration’s proactive efforts to “fast track” certain conditions will help to reduce the backlog of disability claims and, more importantly, ensure those claims that fall under this initiative will be decided within days instead of months or years. 

“The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s indicates significant enough cognitive impairment to interfere with daily living activities, including the ability to work. This decision will help a significant number of Alzheimer families. It will also help the Social Security Administration, since long delays and appeals in the disability determination process are costly for the agency,” says Harry Johns, CEO of the National Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago, IL. “The Alzheimer’s Association praises SSA for this decision and remains committed to continue to work with Commissioner Astrue and his colleagues at the Social Security Administration in support of its implementation nationwide.”

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit www.alz.org.