Do I qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance?
Helping the disabled navigate the complicated process of applying for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (“SSDI”) is what Arizona disability attorneys do best.
And considering that approximately 2/3 of all initial applications for SSDI are denied, trusting your application to an Arizona disability law attorney could mean the difference between an application or appeal being granted or denied.
You might be wondering: Do I qualify for SSDI benefits?
Eligibility is tough and presents several obstacles to applicants. First, SSDI benefits are only available to people who have worked the requisite number of hours and years and paid into the Social Security system through withheld FICA taxes. Even if you satisfy that requirement, your eligibility will have expired if you haven’t worked for at least five of the last 10 years in “Social Security-covered employment”.
In addition, you must meet the government’s definition of “disabled” and be suffering from one or more of the Social Security Administration’s approved list of qualifying physical and/or mental conditions. Further, the medical condition must prevent you from engaging in “substantial gainful activities” and be a health problem that has lasted or is expected to last for 12 months or more will result in death.
You also must be younger than your full retirement age in order to apply for SSDI benefits. And SSDI benefits recipients will automatically have their disability benefits converted to Social Security retirement benefits upon reaching full retirement age.
Time is not a friend of the disabled.
Even those 33% of applicants who are fortunate enough to have their initial SSDI application granted have often waited several months for that decision. For the majority – – the 2/3 of applicants who got initially denied– the waiting time for an appeals hearing is pushing two years.
Who can afford to live without disability benefits for several years?
Sadly, many of those appealing a denial of Social Security disability benefits become homeless or die while waiting for their hearing.
If you are unable to work as a result of a disability, the disability attorneys of Arizona at Roeschke Law can help you navigate the difficult disability application disability benefits application and appeals process. It’s all we do. Contact us today for a free consultation.
From our offices in Phoenix, Tempe, and Tucson, we represent the disabled in all levels of Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income claims throughout Arizona.