My Father was in WWII and after his passing I checked with the VA to see about help for my Mom. Mom has ALZ and lives in assisted living facility. The VA did give her an addititional $1100.00 per month. It takes time but it pays from the day you apply, so apply as soon as you can. The info on this benifit is below.

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/pension/spousepen.htm#5

Good luck.

My Father was in WWII and after his passing I checked with the VA to see about help for my Mom. Mom has ALZ and lives in assisted living facility. The VA did give her an addititional $1100.00 per month. It takes time but it pays from the day you apply, so apply as soon as you can. The info on this benifit is below.

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/pension/spousepen.htm#5

Good luck.

tyvm.I have 2 wait till i hear from military records,and they marriage certifate.Before they will start the app.But thx i sure hope she can get some more help she just lives on SS,How long did it take 4 your mom 2 get it?Just wondering i have heard months is this true?plz let me know ty again gbu

tyvm.I have 2 wait till i hear from military records,and they marriage certifate.Before they will start the app.But thx i sure hope she can get some more help she just lives on SS,How long did it take 4 your mom 2 get it?Just wondering i have heard months is this true?plz let me know ty again gbu

Yes, Alzheimer's Patients can get Social Security Disability. My wife is drawing it. The govenment Ok'd Alzheimer's for it last March 2010 and we were qualified in the same month. There is a waiting period of five months. Guess why? They want to give you time to get better so they can stop giving you the income. Wow!! Alzheimer's doesn't get better I told them. We still waited six months before the first check came. When the five months is up you must wait another month for it to kick in....they pay after the fact, not before.

Anyway go ahead and apply, I'm sure you won't have any trouble.

Jean-Paul

Yes, Alzheimer's Patients can get Social Security Disability. My wife is drawing it. The govenment Ok'd Alzheimer's for it last March 2010 and we were qualified in the same month. There is a waiting period of five months. Guess why? They want to give you time to get better so they can stop giving you the income. Wow!! Alzheimer's doesn't get better I told them. We still waited six months before the first check came. When the five months is up you must wait another month for it to kick in....they pay after the fact, not before.

Anyway go ahead and apply, I'm sure you won't have any trouble.

Jean-Paul

So, how do you 'qualify" for SS disability? Or who qualifies? My mother in law in 89 and has alzheimers

So, how do you 'qualify" for SS disability? Or who qualifies? My mother in law in 89 and has alzheimers

wow Jean-Paul - great news. Like mhunt, my M-i-L is 95 with Alzheimer's, I also ask how and where do we apply? thank you!

wow Jean-Paul - great news. Like mhunt, my M-i-L is 95 with Alzheimer's, I also ask how and where do we apply? thank you!

My husband does get SS. He is 64. Since he has been diagnosed with AD I wondered if he could apply for SS disability. Doesn't it pay more? Or can you apply for this after you are already drawing SS?

My husband does get SS. He is 64. Since he has been diagnosed with AD I wondered if he could apply for SS disability. Doesn't it pay more? Or can you apply for this after you are already drawing SS?

wow i called ss they told me my mom can't get both my mom is 88 with alz.i tried getting my dad's military records e1 i talked with told me they can't help me.I'M SO UPSET NOW DOES ANYONE KNOWS HOW I CAN GET THIS SOON.BECAUSE EVEN Archives are asking for more stuff i don't know what they are.where do i go from here trying 2 get more money 2 help my alz mom.

wow i called ss they told me my mom can't get both my mom is 88 with alz.i tried getting my dad's military records e1 i talked with told me they can't help me.I'M SO UPSET NOW DOES ANYONE KNOWS HOW I CAN GET THIS SOON.BECAUSE EVEN Archives are asking for more stuff i don't know what they are.where do i go from here trying 2 get more money 2 help my alz mom.

We're talking about several different programs here, each of which has its own different -- and complicated -- eligibility criteria. I'm going to try to explain them in an understandable way, but remember that there are a lot of complications that I'm going to skip in my efforts to make these programs understandable:

1. Social Security Retirement benefits ("Regular Social Security") are available for people who have worked under social security or their survivors. It pays a monthly benefit that is based on the earnings while employed. Available at 'full retirement age', or a reduced benefit is available to workers after age 62 (or to widows at 60 or disabled widows at 50.)

2. Social Security disability benefits are for people with severe, long lasting disabilities who are under 'full retirement age'(used to be 65, now it's increasing over time to 67). Alzheimers is included in the definition of disability. By law, the benefits begin after a waiting period of 5 months from onset of the disability. If someone with Alzheimers is between 62 and 66, it's worth checking to see if you'd get more by taking SSDI rather than early retirement benefits. You can't get both at the same time.

3. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is also administered by the Social Security Administration, but it is for people who are aged (65+), blind or disabled with very low income and limited assets, who are not eligible to receive 'regular' Social Security, or who only receive a very low check. The basic amount is $674 for an individual and $1011 for a married couple. Some states add a supplement to that basic amount. Because of the term 'supplemental', a lot of people think you can get a regular Social Security benefit and get SSI, too. This is true only if your regular Social Security check is less than the SSI basic amount.

4. Veterans' Benefits (Aid and Attendance)are available for veterans and their widows who need regular assistance in carrying out the activities of daily living AND have limited assets. The veteran or surviving spouse must first be eligible for a VA Pension due to low income(doesn't have to be service connected) and then, if the need for regular assistance is shown, the added amount is available. The income and asset limits are higher than they are for SSI. Here is a good fact sheet on Aid and Attendance: http://www.canhr.org/factsheets/misc_fs/html/fs_aid&attendance.htm

I'd be happy to try to answer any resulting questions.

We're talking about several different programs here, each of which has its own different -- and complicated -- eligibility criteria. I'm going to try to explain them in an understandable way, but remember that there are a lot of complications that I'm going to skip in my efforts to make these programs understandable:

1. Social Security Retirement benefits ("Regular Social Security") are available for people who have worked under social security or their survivors. It pays a monthly benefit that is based on the earnings while employed. Available at 'full retirement age', or a reduced benefit is available to workers after age 62 (or to widows at 60 or disabled widows at 50.)

2. Social Security disability benefits are for people with severe, long lasting disabilities who are under 'full retirement age'(used to be 65, now it's increasing over time to 67). Alzheimers is included in the definition of disability. By law, the benefits begin after a waiting period of 5 months from onset of the disability. If someone with Alzheimers is between 62 and 66, it's worth checking to see if you'd get more by taking SSDI rather than early retirement benefits. You can't get both at the same time.

3. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is also administered by the Social Security Administration, but it is for people who are aged (65+), blind or disabled with very low income and limited assets, who are not eligible to receive 'regular' Social Security, or who only receive a very low check. The basic amount is $674 for an individual and $1011 for a married couple. Some states add a supplement to that basic amount. Because of the term 'supplemental', a lot of people think you can get a regular Social Security benefit and get SSI, too. This is true only if your regular Social Security check is less than the SSI basic amount.

4. Veterans' Benefits (Aid and Attendance)are available for veterans and their widows who need regular assistance in carrying out the activities of daily living AND have limited assets. The veteran or surviving spouse must first be eligible for a VA Pension due to low income(doesn't have to be service connected) and then, if the need for regular assistance is shown, the added amount is available. The income and asset limits are higher than they are for SSI. Here is a good fact sheet on Aid and Attendance: http://www.canhr.org/factsheets/misc_fs/html/fs_aid&attendance.htm

I'd be happy to try to answer any resulting questions.

I think you can request military records at the following link:

http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/

I think you can request military records at the following link:

http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/

Thank you so much. Your reply answered all my questions. Have a great week!

Thank you so much. Your reply answered all my questions. Have a great week!

For those having difficulty applying for VA benefits, it's important to first prove that the person was a veteran. For this, you need discharge papers or other documentary proof. Sometimes this can be found in the County Recorder's office where the person lived at the time of discharge from the service. The Veterans Service Organizations, like American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars can be very helpful. Sometimes your US Congressman can help. So then, once you have documented that the person was a veteran, you have to make sure the service was during specified wartime periods. This is a complicated program but if you successfully navigate the process, you can get a substantial monthly check.

For those having difficulty applying for VA benefits, it's important to first prove that the person was a veteran. For this, you need discharge papers or other documentary proof. Sometimes this can be found in the County Recorder's office where the person lived at the time of discharge from the service. The Veterans Service Organizations, like American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars can be very helpful. Sometimes your US Congressman can help. So then, once you have documented that the person was a veteran, you have to make sure the service was during specified wartime periods. This is a complicated program but if you successfully navigate the process, you can get a substantial monthly check.

My mother suffered with Alzheimers and refused to go to a doctor until she had a fall and was forced by the police who were there with the ambulance to go and at that time declared incompetent, and the hospital could not release her back into her home, and they were forced to find an alzheimers unit at a nice assisted living facility in Stuart, Florida. Her social security was only $1200 a month, so she was not able to afford an expensive facility, but when there's nowhere to put these patients, they find a way.

My mother suffered with Alzheimers and refused to go to a doctor until she had a fall and was forced by the police who were there with the ambulance to go and at that time declared incompetent, and the hospital could not release her back into her home, and they were forced to find an alzheimers unit at a nice assisted living facility in Stuart, Florida. Her social security was only $1200 a month, so she was not able to afford an expensive facility, but when there's nowhere to put these patients, they find a way.

My husband and I applied for VA A& A for my MIL last Nov. 1. We had to travel to her home in another state to find documents, see her family doctor, her attorney, and check county records about property. We transferred property to the siblings prior to filing in order to get her assets lowered. The date of transfer is not an issue, as it is with Medicaid--as long as it is registered at the courthouse prior to submitting paperwork. We also got the forms on line so that we knew what documentation was required previous to going to the VA. We also chose to work with a counselor (she was wonderful and so helpful) at a VA office because we had been cautioned by others who had been through the process. We had all documents with us and completed so it only took a short visit. The DR. has to complete their form--a letter will not do. If you apply on your own and make an error it can take such a long time before it is returned to you for correction or you are notified that something is missing. It can take months of sending paperwork back and forth. If you work with a counselor then you are sure that it is complete and that the date that it is reviewed at the VA is the start date for any money. We have yet to hear from the VA but we are assured by a call to the counselor that all is well. This money will be used for respit care. I need have someone in the home for a few hours 2-3 days per week so that I can get out of the house and that someone else can manage the difficult task of showering her. The paperwork is then set up for when she will need to go into a NH. Since her home was not transferred to her children when she came to live with us years ago it means that the sale of it will be required when her assets no longer can the cost of a NH. Good luck with the snow storm of paperwork all of these programs require.

My husband and I applied for VA A& A for my MIL last Nov. 1. We had to travel to her home in another state to find documents, see her family doctor, her attorney, and check county records about property. We transferred property to the siblings prior to filing in order to get her assets lowered. The date of transfer is not an issue, as it is with Medicaid--as long as it is registered at the courthouse prior to submitting paperwork. We also got the forms on line so that we knew what documentation was required previous to going to the VA. We also chose to work with a counselor (she was wonderful and so helpful) at a VA office because we had been cautioned by others who had been through the process. We had all documents with us and completed so it only took a short visit. The DR. has to complete their form--a letter will not do. If you apply on your own and make an error it can take such a long time before it is returned to you for correction or you are notified that something is missing. It can take months of sending paperwork back and forth. If you work with a counselor then you are sure that it is complete and that the date that it is reviewed at the VA is the start date for any money. We have yet to hear from the VA but we are assured by a call to the counselor that all is well. This money will be used for respit care. I need have someone in the home for a few hours 2-3 days per week so that I can get out of the house and that someone else can manage the difficult task of showering her. The paperwork is then set up for when she will need to go into a NH. Since her home was not transferred to her children when she came to live with us years ago it means that the sale of it will be required when her assets no longer can the cost of a NH. Good luck with the snow storm of paperwork all of these programs require.

You are right. The paperwork is overwhelming. I applied through the VA for my father to get pension. After months of papers going back and forth, he was approved in Sept. 06. Sorry to say he never got a check. He died in Feb. of 07, 4 months after been approved. I wrote earlier asking if my husband could apply for SS disability. I know he can't get SS and SS disability together. I was wondering if the SS disability paid more, could he get that instead of regular SS. Guess I need to talk to the SS office.

You are right. The paperwork is overwhelming. I applied through the VA for my father to get pension. After months of papers going back and forth, he was approved in Sept. 06. Sorry to say he never got a check. He died in Feb. of 07, 4 months after been approved. I wrote earlier asking if my husband could apply for SS disability. I know he can't get SS and SS disability together. I was wondering if the SS disability paid more, could he get that instead of regular SS. Guess I need to talk to the SS office.

Yes, you should talk with Social Security. Normally, SS Disability is only available for folks who are less than 'full retirement age'. So if someone is between 62 and 65, then it might be better to get disability than reduced benefits. Social Security normally does this calculation for you and counsels the person to apply for whichever will get the bigger check.

Yes, you should talk with Social Security. Normally, SS Disability is only available for folks who are less than 'full retirement age'. So if someone is between 62 and 65, then it might be better to get disability than reduced benefits. Social Security normally does this calculation for you and counsels the person to apply for whichever will get the bigger check.

This is a reply to azk86314 who said she had to get all of her fathers' military records and the marriage cert in order to send in the application. You should send in form 21-4138 IMMEDIATELY. It is a single page form and effectively starts the clock on the process. You will get back pay to the month following the date of receipt of that form, even if you don't get the remaining forms in for many months. You have a year from that date to submit the remaining forms. I sent that form in April 2009, finally gathered all the information for the remaining forms in November 2009, was approved in June 2010, started receiving monthly funds in September 2010 and was awarded back pay to April of 209 in December 2010.

I got all my information from this wonderful web site http://www.veteranaid.org/index.php

I also recommend you go into the local VA office and get them to help you complete the forms (it is a laborious process and I did it all myself). I have heard they are most helpful and that it might speed up the process. For that, I do believe you have to have all your information with you, however.

The web site above will tell you how to get the military records and marriage certificates. It is fantastic.

ANother recommendation: contact your congressperson and ask them to track your application. This flags your file with a special flag and I was told it actually helps.

Good luck. It takes forever, but it has allowed me to keep my mother in a good place even after she completely ran out of money.

This is a reply to azk86314 who said she had to get all of her fathers' military records and the marriage cert in order to send in the application. You should send in form 21-4138 IMMEDIATELY. It is a single page form and effectively starts the clock on the process. You will get back pay to the month following the date of receipt of that form, even if you don't get the remaining forms in for many months. You have a year from that date to submit the remaining forms. I sent that form in April 2009, finally gathered all the information for the remaining forms in November 2009, was approved in June 2010, started receiving monthly funds in September 2010 and was awarded back pay to April of 209 in December 2010.

I got all my information from this wonderful web site http://www.veteranaid.org/index.php

I also recommend you go into the local VA office and get them to help you complete the forms (it is a laborious process and I did it all myself). I have heard they are most helpful and that it might speed up the process. For that, I do believe you have to have all your information with you, however.

The web site above will tell you how to get the military records and marriage certificates. It is fantastic.

ANother recommendation: contact your congressperson and ask them to track your application. This flags your file with a special flag and I was told it actually helps.

Good luck. It takes forever, but it has allowed me to keep my mother in a good place even after she completely ran out of money.

tyvm stillwaitting4va,i will try that site.but i know my mom can't get SSI because she get 1,029 from SS.But i will try the website u gave me.i will have 2 try fresno ca 1 st because he when 2 war from there but not sure if he came bk there or when right bk 2 NY from war.my mom can't remember alot more work 4 me but ty gbu

tyvm stillwaitting4va,i will try that site.but i know my mom can't get SSI because she get 1,029 from SS.But i will try the website u gave me.i will have 2 try fresno ca 1 st because he when 2 war from there but not sure if he came bk there or when right bk 2 NY from war.my mom can't remember alot more work 4 me but ty gbu

You would have to ask the Social Security People that question. If you are over 65 and already drawing Social Security I doubt if you can get Disability Insurance. I neglected to tell you that my wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at the young age of 56 and is now 61......so she is not drawing Social Security retirement income.

Sorry if I missled you folks.

Jean-Paul

You would have to ask the Social Security People that question. If you are over 65 and already drawing Social Security I doubt if you can get Disability Insurance. I neglected to tell you that my wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at the young age of 56 and is now 61......so she is not drawing Social Security retirement income.

Sorry if I missled you folks.

Jean-Paul

GE Mom........ You did a superb job of explaining Social Security benefits. Forgive me for misleading people.......

Jean-Paul

GE Mom........ You did a superb job of explaining Social Security benefits. Forgive me for misleading people.......

Jean-Paul

Another tip: even if you don't have all the documentation, it's almost always wise to officially file the application as soon as possible. If you eventually get approved, the benefits will start from the date of application. Now, if you never file the necessary supporting documents, they will eventually deny your app for that reason, so get going as soon as you've filed. Sometimes SSA or VA can help you obtain the documents, or they can suggest some alternatives.

Also -- for this reason, if you get denied it's usually better to appeal the denial than to start another, fresh, application. There are a lot of myths out there that cause people to abandon the first app and start over.

Actually, if you do get denied, that's a good sign that you should get an expert to advise you. But be careful where you find your expert. There are a lot of dubious 'experts' out there telling people they can get A&A from the VA when they have WAY too much $$ to actually do so, or that they can get SS disability when they don't meet the criteria. Some places to check out are legal services offices (for very low income folks), Veterans Services Organizations, nonprofit senior and disability advocacy organizations, etc.

Another tip: even if you don't have all the documentation, it's almost always wise to officially file the application as soon as possible. If you eventually get approved, the benefits will start from the date of application. Now, if you never file the necessary supporting documents, they will eventually deny your app for that reason, so get going as soon as you've filed. Sometimes SSA or VA can help you obtain the documents, or they can suggest some alternatives.

Also -- for this reason, if you get denied it's usually better to appeal the denial than to start another, fresh, application. There are a lot of myths out there that cause people to abandon the first app and start over.

Actually, if you do get denied, that's a good sign that you should get an expert to advise you. But be careful where you find your expert. There are a lot of dubious 'experts' out there telling people they can get A&A from the VA when they have WAY too much $$ to actually do so, or that they can get SS disability when they don't meet the criteria. Some places to check out are legal services offices (for very low income folks), Veterans Services Organizations, nonprofit senior and disability advocacy organizations, etc.

stillwaitting i already when 2 that site i didn't see where is marriage certi at.THAT MILITARY RECORD 2 DID THAT 1ST.they sent me another paper 2 fill out.i found when my dad enlisted thats it so i sent it bk 2 them.the va office told me i had 2 have these 2 things before he would fill out the app.Should i just do it from that website?as for SSI a lady at the SS Office told me she can't get both SS N SSI plus my mom is 88 yrs old.i'm just trying 2 get more help for my mom 2 get into a good place

stillwaitting i already when 2 that site i didn't see where is marriage certi at.THAT MILITARY RECORD 2 DID THAT 1ST.they sent me another paper 2 fill out.i found when my dad enlisted thats it so i sent it bk 2 them.the va office told me i had 2 have these 2 things before he would fill out the app.Should i just do it from that website?as for SSI a lady at the SS Office told me she can't get both SS N SSI plus my mom is 88 yrs old.i'm just trying 2 get more help for my mom 2 get into a good place

i did that 1st they sent me another paper 2 fill out all i found is when my dad enlisted so i sent it bk some questions i left blank.should i fill out the app now instead of waitting 2 find the 2 things i need

i did that 1st they sent me another paper 2 fill out all i found is when my dad enlisted so i sent it bk some questions i left blank.should i fill out the app now instead of waitting 2 find the 2 things i need

Yes. Complete and submit the application as early as possible.

Yes. Complete and submit the application as early as possible.

As I said before - get Form 21-4138 from that website and send it in to start the clock. You will get paid from that date when U eventually get approved. THis form does not need any further documentation to get started. After you send in 21-4138, THEN get your documentation and go to the VA office. This is A huge amount of work and I'd recommend you get help.

There is also a place on that web site where you can put in a few numbers and see if your mom is qualified for VA Aid and Attendance. Good luck.

As I said before - get Form 21-4138 from that website and send it in to start the clock. You will get paid from that date when U eventually get approved. THis form does not need any further documentation to get started. After you send in 21-4138, THEN get your documentation and go to the VA office. This is A huge amount of work and I'd recommend you get help.

There is also a place on that web site where you can put in a few numbers and see if your mom is qualified for VA Aid and Attendance. Good luck.

Good news Alzheimers is approved! But what about other types of dementia, that are just as deadly and progressive as Alzheimers? My husband has vascular dementia. Can he qualify for SSI? He currently has SS and L&I disability pension. Can he qualify for SSI? Thank you.

Good news Alzheimers is approved! But what about other types of dementia, that are just as deadly and progressive as Alzheimers? My husband has vascular dementia. Can he qualify for SSI? He currently has SS and L&I disability pension. Can he qualify for SSI? Thank you.

I got my father's military record,now trying 2 get they marriage certi.Going 2 find where i can sent the appication.Anyone know let me know asap.can i send it thru they website

I got my father's military record,now trying 2 get they marriage certi.Going 2 find where i can sent the appication.Anyone know let me know asap.can i send it thru they website

This reply is for Serenity Pause who asked about vascular dementia as opposed to formal Alzheimers' disease. The short answer is yes, your husband should qualify if the medical record reflects enough actual impairment in functioning. It doesn't matter which specific type of dementia is involved as long as there is genuine impairment in functioning.

Remember, you only have to prove that someone has a disability if the person is under 'full retirement age' of 65 to 67, depending on the year of birth.

The long, complicated answer is below.

If the person is under that age, then disability benefits are only available if certain criteria are met. I have pasted, below, the Social Security Administrations formal criteria for finding disability in someone with Organic mental disorders, which I think includes all types of dementia. I found this at http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/12.00-MentalDisorders-Adult.htm#12.02 Organic Mental Disorders:

12.02 Organic mental disorders: Psychological or behavioral abnormalities associated with a dysfunction of the brain. History and physical examination or laboratory tests demonstrate the presence of a specific organic factor judged to be etiologically related to the abnormal mental state and loss of previously acquired functional abilities.

The required level of severity for these disorders is met when the requirements in both A and B are satisfied, or when the requirements in C are satisfied.

A. Demonstration of a loss of specific cognitive abilities or affective changes and the medically documented persistence of at least one of the following:

1. Disorientation to time and place; or

2. Memory impairment, either short-term (inability to learn new information), intermediate, or long-term (inability to remember information that was known sometime in the past); or

3. Perceptual or thinking disturbances (e.g., hallucinations, delusions); or

4. Change in personality; or

5. Disturbance in mood; or

6. Emotional lability (e.g., explosive temper outbursts, sudden crying, etc.) and impairment in impulse control; or

7. Loss of measured intellectual ability of at least 15 I.Q. points from premorbid levels or overall impairment index clearly within the severely impaired range on neuropsychological testing, e.g., Luria-Nebraska, Halstead-Reitan, etc;

AND

B. Resulting in at least two of the following:

1. Marked restriction of activities of daily living; or

2. Marked difficulties in maintaining social functioning; or

3. Marked difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace; or

4. Repeated episodes of decompensation, each of extended duration;

OR

C. Medically documented history of a chronic organic mental disorder of at least 2 years' duration that has caused more than a minimal limitation of ability to do basic work activities, with symptoms or signs currently attenuated by medication or psychosocial support, and one of the following:

1. Repeated episodes of decompensation, each of extended duration; or

2. A residual disease process that has resulted in such marginal adjustment that even a minimal increase in mental demands or change in the environment would be predicted to cause the individual to decompensate; or

3. Current history of 1 or more years' inability to function outside a highly supportive living arrangement, with an indication of continued need for such an arrangement.

This reply is for Serenity Pause who asked about vascular dementia as opposed to formal Alzheimers' disease. The short answer is yes, your husband should qualify if the medical record reflects enough actual impairment in functioning. It doesn't matter which specific type of dementia is involved as long as there is genuine impairment in functioning.

Remember, you only have to prove that someone has a disability if the person is under 'full retirement age' of 65 to 67, depending on the year of birth.

The long, complicated answer is below.

If the person is under that age, then disability benefits are only available if certain criteria are met. I have pasted, below, the Social Security Administrations formal criteria for finding disability in someone with Organic mental disorders, which I think includes all types of dementia. I found this at http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/12.00-MentalDisorders-Adult.htm#12.02 Organic Mental Disorders:

12.02 Organic mental disorders: Psychological or behavioral abnormalities associated with a dysfunction of the brain. History and physical examination or laboratory tests demonstrate the presence of a specific organic factor judged to be etiologically related to the abnormal mental state and loss of previously acquired functional abilities.

The required level of severity for these disorders is met when the requirements in both A and B are satisfied, or when the requirements in C are satisfied.

A. Demonstration of a loss of specific cognitive abilities or affective changes and the medically documented persistence of at least one of the following:

1. Disorientation to time and place; or

2. Memory impairment, either short-term (inability to learn new information), intermediate, or long-term (inability to remember information that was known sometime in the past); or

3. Perceptual or thinking disturbances (e.g., hallucinations, delusions); or

4. Change in personality; or

5. Disturbance in mood; or

6. Emotional lability (e.g., explosive temper outbursts, sudden crying, etc.) and impairment in impulse control; or

7. Loss of measured intellectual ability of at least 15 I.Q. points from premorbid levels or overall impairment index clearly within the severely impaired range on neuropsychological testing, e.g., Luria-Nebraska, Halstead-Reitan, etc;

AND

B. Resulting in at least two of the following:

1. Marked restriction of activities of daily living; or

2. Marked difficulties in maintaining social functioning; or

3. Marked difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace; or

4. Repeated episodes of decompensation, each of extended duration;

OR

C. Medically documented history of a chronic organic mental disorder of at least 2 years' duration that has caused more than a minimal limitation of ability to do basic work activities, with symptoms or signs currently attenuated by medication or psychosocial support, and one of the following:

1. Repeated episodes of decompensation, each of extended duration; or

2. A residual disease process that has resulted in such marginal adjustment that even a minimal increase in mental demands or change in the environment would be predicted to cause the individual to decompensate; or

3. Current history of 1 or more years' inability to function outside a highly supportive living arrangement, with an indication of continued need for such an arrangement.

About other forms of dementia and S.S. disability. I honestly don't know but I would sit down with someone knowledgable enough to answer your question. The other possibility is to ask an Elder Lawyer.........this could cost you plenty. Alzheimer's is only one of many forms of dementia and I would think each case must be accompanied by your doctor's evaluation of the patient. Social Security called our Neurologist that had diagnosed my wife with Alzheimer's and talked with him before she was approved.

Remember, there are still many doctors out there who choose to call Alzheimer's disease dementia because the only way to actually get it right is when the patient dies and they open the head and check the brain.

There is a new method coming up where scans will be used to identify Alzheimer's.

Finally, when you get some info from people like me on a blog by all means check it out. I could be wrong you know.

Jean-Paul

About other forms of dementia and S.S. disability. I honestly don't know but I would sit down with someone knowledgable enough to answer your question. The other possibility is to ask an Elder Lawyer.........this could cost you plenty. Alzheimer's is only one of many forms of dementia and I would think each case must be accompanied by your doctor's evaluation of the patient. Social Security called our Neurologist that had diagnosed my wife with Alzheimer's and talked with him before she was approved.

Remember, there are still many doctors out there who choose to call Alzheimer's disease dementia because the only way to actually get it right is when the patient dies and they open the head and check the brain.

There is a new method coming up where scans will be used to identify Alzheimer's.

Finally, when you get some info from people like me on a blog by all means check it out. I could be wrong you know.

Jean-Paul

My mother is 73 and receives widows benefits from my father. ($734 mo.)That is her only income. She suffers from dementia and other mental and physical disabilities. Can she receive disability benefits of her own, along with her widows benefits? She could really use the extra income.

Thank You, Respectfully Chago.

My mother is 73 and receives widows benefits from my father. ($734 mo.)That is her only income. She suffers from dementia and other mental and physical disabilities. Can she receive disability benefits of her own, along with her widows benefits? She could really use the extra income.

Thank You, Respectfully Chago.

It's not likely that your mom can receive disability benefits because disability is only for people UNDER full retirement age of 65 to 67. If she's over that age, she's already getting what she would have gotten if she did get disability.

You should check to see if your mom is eligible for veterans' benefits, if either she or your dad were veterans. Did your mom work outside the home? If so, she could be eligible for Social Security on her own account, though SS normally checks to see if they are eligible as a worker before giving them benefits as a widow.

A really good site is: http://www.benefitscheckup.org/ which helps identify benefits for which people are eligible.

It's not likely that your mom can receive disability benefits because disability is only for people UNDER full retirement age of 65 to 67. If she's over that age, she's already getting what she would have gotten if she did get disability.

You should check to see if your mom is eligible for veterans' benefits, if either she or your dad were veterans. Did your mom work outside the home? If so, she could be eligible for Social Security on her own account, though SS normally checks to see if they are eligible as a worker before giving them benefits as a widow.

A really good site is: http://www.benefitscheckup.org/ which helps identify benefits for which people are eligible.

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR QUICK REPLY AND INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MATTER.YOU ARE VERY KIND.

SINCERELY

CHAGO.

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR QUICK REPLY AND INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MATTER.YOU ARE VERY KIND.

SINCERELY

CHAGO.

There are so many different kinds of dementia; my husband, 83 yo, was diagnosed and is treating for vascular dementia. Is this type of dementia covered by the VA? I inquired about A&A, but we are just barely over the income requirements for our state, and they offered no other information/help. He was in WWII and the Korean War, and I have his paperwork. He also has other major medical problems, but we can't afford a care facility on our fixed income of SS and disability. I am 67 yo and also disabled. We want to stay in our mobile home as long as possible, but I worry about my husband's care. Our Senior Center's available help was a list of people (not particularly current) who charge varying amounts for light part-time help; we pay taxes, etc. The alternative is hiring someone through a service, which is out of our financial reach. Thank you everyone for your compassionate and caring responses and help. You have no idea what a lifeline this is for us. Thank you, S & D

There are so many different kinds of dementia; my husband, 83 yo, was diagnosed and is treating for vascular dementia. Is this type of dementia covered by the VA? I inquired about A&A, but we are just barely over the income requirements for our state, and they offered no other information/help. He was in WWII and the Korean War, and I have his paperwork. He also has other major medical problems, but we can't afford a care facility on our fixed income of SS and disability. I am 67 yo and also disabled. We want to stay in our mobile home as long as possible, but I worry about my husband's care. Our Senior Center's available help was a list of people (not particularly current) who charge varying amounts for light part-time help; we pay taxes, etc. The alternative is hiring someone through a service, which is out of our financial reach. Thank you everyone for your compassionate and caring responses and help. You have no idea what a lifeline this is for us. Thank you, S & D

First, for everyone who is wondering, it doesn't matter just which type of dementia a person has -- what matters is the degree of functional impairment. So what qualifies a person for benefits is not the name of the diagnosis but just how it impacts a person's ability to take care of him/herself.

The lady who wrote, above, very likely may be eligible for Veterans Benefits. These are administered by the Federal Veterans' Administration, and the requirements are the same nationwide. (Some states also have benefits for veterans, with their own, individual requirements.) To be eligible for Aid and Attendance benefits from the VA, the veteran needs to have served during wartime (not necessarily in combat, just during an official period of war), be financially eligible and be medically eligible. For more information, see: http://www.veteranaid.org/index.php

Also, go to http://www.benefitscheckup.org/ and work through it to see what the person may be eligible for. Then, if you want, come back here and post any questions you may have.

First, for everyone who is wondering, it doesn't matter just which type of dementia a person has -- what matters is the degree of functional impairment. So what qualifies a person for benefits is not the name of the diagnosis but just how it impacts a person's ability to take care of him/herself.

The lady who wrote, above, very likely may be eligible for Veterans Benefits. These are administered by the Federal Veterans' Administration, and the requirements are the same nationwide. (Some states also have benefits for veterans, with their own, individual requirements.) To be eligible for Aid and Attendance benefits from the VA, the veteran needs to have served during wartime (not necessarily in combat, just during an official period of war), be financially eligible and be medically eligible. For more information, see: http://www.veteranaid.org/index.php

Also, go to http://www.benefitscheckup.org/ and work through it to see what the person may be eligible for. Then, if you want, come back here and post any questions you may have.