My mother was forced to retire due to early-onset Alzheimer's about three years ago. She went on SSA retirement income and is now 67 years old.
Could she have gotten SSDI as well, and is there anything we can do now retroactively?
They are currently living with me largely because they lost so much income from her having to quit working.
There are other low income benefits your Mom may be eledgeable for so it is worth a visit to social security or you local office on aging. They have very knowledgeable social workers.
Pamstegma knows more about this, what I have written is what I have heard, and may not apply in your case.
"Alzheimer's Disease
Social Security has specific criteria for when Alzheimer's qualifies for disability, but an early-onset diagnosis gets fast-tracked."
An attorney is limited by Soc. Sec. in how much they can receive for a case, or at least in how much is withheld from your benefits to pay the attorney if you are approved for SSDI. The case takes awhile, so benefits would also accrue retroactively.
'Retroactively': If you applied for SSDI, and were denied, then hired an attorney and were approved, your benefits would accrue retroactively to the time you filed.
I do not know if you can file now, at age 67.
A consultation with an attorney's office specializing in SS disability may be free, it would not hurt to ask a question.
If your Mom retired early the benefit would be lower than if she retired after 65.
That difference is maybe what you should ask about. So, ask a lawyer, get a free consultation.
Having Alzheimer's does not get SSDI in it's early stages.