LBD and Social Security Disability Benefits

LBD can strike early, sometimes well before retirement. When someone in their 40’s, 50’s or even early 60’s becomes unable to work due to issues related to this disorder, the loss of a pay check can be devastating. There may still be children at home or in college, house payments, or any of the many other expenses that a person with an expected regular income generates. If this fits you or someone you know, Social Security Disability benefits can help. In the past, it has taken up to two years between applying and getting the benefit—if you get it at all. This has changed, and you can often get benefits quickly. However, it is imperative that you apply properly. Ram Meyyappan has volunteered the following article to guide you.

Lewy Body Dementia is one of the conditions that qualify under the Social Security Administration (SSA)’s Compassionate Allowances guidelines. This means that applicants who apply for disability benefits due to this condition can be qualified for benefits in less than two weeks.

In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits due to a diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia under the Compassionate Allowances program, , you must:

• Have documented clinical evidence of progressive dementia from your treating physician, neurologist, or psychiatrist that documents progressive dementia.
• Document progressive loss of functional ability via an Activities of Daily Living (ADL) report or similar report completed by a caregiver or family member.
• Include the above information with your claim for Social Security Disability benefits.

SSI and SSDI Benefits. There are two different types of programs available for applicants suffering from Lewy Body Dementia:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have earned a certain number of work credits during your previous work history. As a general rule, you must have worked five of the past ten years in order to have enough work credits to qualify. If you do not have any work credits or do not have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI, you may be able to qualify for SSI benefits.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This is a needs-based program. In addition to being determined disabled by the SSI, you must meet certain financial requirements. In order to qualify, your income must not exceed $710 as an individual or $1,066 per month as a couple. You must also not have more than $2,000 in assets as an individual or $3,000 in assets as a couple. If you can prove that you are disabled and you meet the financial criteria, you can be approved for SSI payments regardless of your work history.

To apply for Social Security Disability benefits, go to your local Social Security Office or fill out the online application at the SSA’s website (http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/disability.htm). When filling out the application, make sure that you are as detailed as possible in your answers. These answers will help the SSA determine whether or not you are actually disabled. Make sure that you include your physician’s documentation and caregiver’s ADL report to expedite the application process.

If you are denied Social Security Disability benefits, file an appeal. Most Compassionate Allowances cases are not denied, but it has been known to happen due to improperly completed claim forms or a lack of medical evidence. Consider retaining the services of a Social Security Disability attorney at this time. The appeal process consists of a reconsideration request, which is almost always denied, and a disability hearing, which is held before an administrative law judge. You will want an attorney representing you at this hearing. Statistics show that applicants who pursue the hearing process with legal representation are more likely to be awarded benefits than those who try to represent themselves.

Article by Ram Meyyappan
Social Security Disability Help
For more information on Lewy Body Dementia and Social Security Disability, please visit:
http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/compassionate-allowances/lewy-body-dementia-and-social-security-disability


http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/compassionate-allowances/lewy-body-dementia-and-social-security-disability