Dealing with the Social Security Administration (SSA) is a daunting task. If you have a disability, social security is one way to ensure you are able to keep up with bills and other payments, but in order to obtain payments you have to work with the SSA.
If you have a disability, social security will go a long way in assisting you. This is why it is so important to file a claim with Social Security Administration. The SSA has rules that can be complex, however, so you may need or want assistance from an Arizona attorney knowledgeable about disability and social security.
You should be aware that some states will supplement the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit, making the total SSI benefit higher. Unfortunately, Arizona does not have a state supplement.
In order to qualify for disability social security benefits, referred to as Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits, SSD or SSDIB, you must have worked in jobs that are covered by the Social Security Act. Your medical condition must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of a disability. Typically, the SSA will pay monthly benefits to those who have been out of work for at least a year due a disability that meets the requirements of the Act.
If your condition improves as it relates to the ability to do a job and you no longer meet the definition of disability, your benefits will cease benefits. You will be entitled to 2 months of benefits after your disability ceases.
If you reach full retirement age while receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration, your disability social security benefits (SSD or SSDIB) will become retirement benefits.
Applying for benefits involves making an application online, by phone, or at a field office in Arizona. Your lawyer can assist you in determining what application method is best for you.
If your initial application is denied you are entitled to appeal. You can ask for a reconsideration of the claim. If that process does not work, you can request a hearing, and if that fails, you can take your claim to the appeals council. Your final option is to take your appeal to the federal court. In all cases you are likely going to want help from an experienced lawyer, to ensure success as early in the process as possible — after all, over half of the initial benefit applications submitted to the Social Security Administration are denied.
It can be hard to get your claim approved the first time in Arizona, so do not hesitate to get help from Schiffman Law Office, P.C., a law firm experienced in the social security disability process. Contact Schiffman Law Office, P.C. or call (602) 235-0539 to get started.
