Tempe, Arizona was originally inhabited by the Hohokams who built canals to support their civilization before abandoning their settlements during the 15th century. Today, Tempe has more than 160,000 thousand residents, making it one of the fastest-growing suburbs in the state. The city is home to the main campus of Arizona State University, as well as several first-rate performance venues, including Tempe Center for the Arts. Tempe also boasts an array of sports, recreation and outdoor activities, highlighted by Tempe Town Lake, which also protects the region from flooding.
While Tempe is known for its quality of life, many individuals living here face significant challenges, such as being unable to work due to a medical condition. Although the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers benefit programs that provide vital resources to the disabled, obtaining these benefits can be challenging; more than two-thirds of initial claims are denied.
Fortunately, residents of Tempe have access to Disability Attorneys of Arizona, a premier disability benefits practice based in Phoenix. Lead attorney Kiel Roeschke is highly regarded for providing the disabled with dedicated advocacy and caring, efficient service. Our legal team has in-depth knowledge of the eligibility requirements for Social Security disability benefits and a proven history of helping our clients obtain the benefits they need and deserve.
Through the years, we have established strong working relationships with SSA disability examiners who see the attorneys at Roeschke Law, LLC as honest brokers who only represent legitimate disability claimants. At the same time, dealing with the federal bureaucracy is daunting, which is why we will guide you through the entire process and help you enforce your rights.
What types of Disability Benefits are available?
Two types of disability benefits are available in Tempe: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
SSDI is designed for individuals between the ages of 18 and 65 who cannot work due to a disability. To be eligible you must have paid into the Social Security system through income tax deductions and also have acquired a sufficient number of work credits. These benefits are available regardless of your financial resources, unlike SSI, which is “means tested” and subject to strict income and asset limits. SSI is limited to disabled individuals 60 or older or blind, regardless of whether they have paid into the system.
To be eligible for benefits under either program you must have a medical condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least one year or result in death. In addition, you must be able to demonstrate that your condition renders you incapable of performing any substantial gainful activity (SGA), as that term is defined under SSA guidelines.
It is worth noting that the SSA maintains a list of qualifying medical conditions referred to as the Blue Book. If your condition is included in the list, you generally qualify for disability benefits; however, you may also be eligible if your condition is not listed, provided that it is medically equivalent to a listed impairment. The disability attorneys at Roeschke Law, LLC are well-versed in the eligibility requirements for SSDI and SSI and will work tirelessly to help you obtain the disability benefits to which you are entitled.
How do I obtain social security disability benefits in Tempe?
Obtaining disability benefits requires filing an application with the local SSA field office. The application must be accurate and also include medical evidence that supports your claim.
You should know that you will likely be required to attend a consultative exam with a doctor selected by the SSA. If the findings of the consultative exam do not substantiate the medical information included in your application, your claim will be denied. You need not worry, however, because even though the majority of initial claims are denied, there is an appeals process.
While appealing a disability benefits claims can be a lengthy and complicated process, working with an experienced disability benefits attorney increases the likelihood of having your claim approved. If your claim is denied, the SSA will notify you in a letter, which also informs you of your right to file an appeal. You can count on Disability Attorneys of Arizona to guide you through all phases of the appeals process up to and including filing a lawsuit in federal court, if necessary.
Contact Our Tempe Social Security Disability Benefits Attorneys Today
If you are seeking disability benefits in Tempe or elsewhere in Arizona, Roeschke Law, LLC will provide you with informed representation and compassionate guidance. We know that suffering from a disabling medical condition is overwhelming, but you can count on our disability attorneys to be your allies and advocates, fighting for the benefits you deserve. We offer free consultations and you will not pay any attorneys’ fees until we obtain benefits for you. Please contact our office today to learn how we can help.