In America, we are fortunate to have two different federal disability benefits programs to financially help those who qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
When applying for disability benefits, an applicant must satisfy the government’s definition of being “disabled” which means they must suffer 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 will result in death.
There’s an extensive list of physical and mental problems that qualify as disabling conditions. But simply being diagnosed with one doesn’t guarantee that your application for benefits will be approved the first time around or even after an appeal. Two-thirds of all initial benefits applications are denied and the waiting time for an appeal is extensive. That’s why many people choose to retain a skilled Arizona disability benefits attorney to handle the initial application or subsequent appeal.
Sometimes people of extremely limited financial means are born with or acquire a disability that would qualify them for benefits under the Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) program. Other times, at some point during their working years, someone might become disabled due to illness or injury and no longer be able to work. Provided the person satisfies the requisite number of work credits (and the government’s definition of disabled), they may be entitled to disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) program which is only available to those who have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll tax deductions over a certain period of time. Sometimes, applicants may qualify for both federal program benefits.
Disabled people may be made by society to feel that they are somehow “less” than non-disabled people. Fortunately, this unacceptable reality has been countered in some states, namely California and New Jersey to-date, through legislation mandating the incorporation into public school curriculums of “teaching about the rich contributions and accomplishments” of those with disabilities (and LTBTQ society members). It is the hope raising generations exposed to such a curriculum will “help build more tolerant communities”. Hopefully, Arizona and other states will follow suit.
If you need assistance with an initial application for Social Security disability benefits or appealing the denial of benefits, the disability attorneys of Arizona at Roeschke Law can help you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
With offices in Phoenix, Tucson, and Tempe, we represent disabled people and their families throughout Arizona in all aspects of disability law.