Qualifications For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

If you are unable to work as a result of a disability, you may be entitled to cash benefits from the government. The experienced Arizona disability attorneys of Roeschke Law, LLC focus on helping individuals to obtain these benefits.

Benefits available to disabled individuals include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) so long as the individuals meet the disability definition applied by the Social Security Administration (SSA). According to the SSA, a person is disabled if she or he suffers from a physical or mental impairment that prevents engaging in substantial gainful activities and that has lasted, or is expected to last, for 12 months or more or result in death. There are many health problems that cause a variety of symptoms that qualify as disabling conditions under the SSA definition. These include but are not limited to:

  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Chronic pain syndrome
  • Bone and joint pain
  • Lupus
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Migraine headaches
  • Depression
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Liver and kidney disease
  • Cancer
  • Heart disease
  • COPD
  • Emphysema
  • Asthma
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Hearing loss
  • Blindness
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Schizophrenia
  • Intellectual disability
  • Intermittent explosive disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Personality disorder

A single individual can have multiple disorders, complicating the situation even further. No matter what your situation is, the Disability Attorneys of Arizona are skilled at gathering and submitting the information necessary for a complete initial application and teasing out any issues that may arise due to confusing medical circumstances.

Do I Qualify for SSDI or SSI?

Knowing which government benefits you qualify for is important. While the programs are similar, each has its own requirements. Unfortunately, the requirements can be confusing for a layperson. In order to qualify for SSDI, you must have paid into the system through income tax contributions for a certain length of time or a certain number of annual quarters.

For SSI on the other hand, you must be of advanced age or disabled and have limited financial resources. Unlike, SSDI, SSI is a means-tested program for which only those in certain economic situations qualify. The knowledgeable Social Security attorneys at Roeschke Law, LLC can assist you in determining whether you are entitled to benefits, and, if so, which ones. They will evaluate your case carefully, assist you in applying for the appropriate benefit, and help you to navigate the bureaucracy.

Depending upon your specific situation, you may qualify for SSDI and/or SSI benefits. Our attorneys can assist you in all stages of obtaining these government benefits including filing the initial application, dealing with a denial, and filing an appeal. If you are disabled and think that you may be entitled to SSDI or SSI, you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Contact the Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona attorneys at Roeschke Law, LLC by calling (800) 975-1866 for a free consultation with an attorney today.