Social Security (SSA) evaluates dementia as a mental illness. Anyone who suffers with dementia or early-onset Alzheimer’s who has not reached full retirement age may qualify for Social Security disability and SSI benefits. If dementia has progressed sufficiently, a person may be able to apply under the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances program.
The SSA recognizes its obligation to those with serious disabilities to provide help as quickly as possible. The government can drag out typical Social Security benefits claims over two years. But the Compassionate Allowances list can expedite benefits to those who obviously meet the disability standards, sometimes allowing approvals in months rather than years. Read more here: