Individuals who have had a stroke know just how devastating the sudden brain injury can be on one’s life.
In addition to having to worry about health recovery, stroke survivors also have to contend with the sudden loss of income. Depending on the severity of their stroke, returning to work might never be an option.
Thankfully, there are many resources for stroke survivors who reside in the state of Arizona.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a financial lifeline to those who are no longer able to work due to a serious health condition through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program.
Neurologists in Arizona
The road to stroke recovery is often a long one. However, it is much improved when surrounded by a strong stroke recovery team.
Most times, the leader of the health team will be your neurologist. A neurologist is a doctor that specializes in health complications related to the brain, spine, and nerves.
Your neurologist plays a pivotal role both in your health recovery, as well as your Social Security disability claim. Of all of the healthcare professionals that you work with, the relationship that you build with your neurologist is the most important.
Your neurologist will be responsible for submitting medical evidence about your health status as it relates to your ability to work.
The SSA puts a tremendous amount of weight on the opinion of a specialist, and therefore it’s imperative that your neurologist play an active role in your disability application.
While there are many qualified neurologists in the state of Arizona, here are three neurology practices within the busiest parts of the state:
Barrow Neurological Institute
350 West Thomas Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85013
(800) 227-7691
https://www.barrowneuro.org
Center for Neurosciences
2450 East River Road
Tucson, AZ 85718
(520) 795 – 7750
https://www.neurotucson.com
Four Peaks Neurology
9746 N. 90th Place Suite #203
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
(480) 614-0707
https://fourpeaksneurology.com
Stroke Support Groups in Arizona
Having a stroke can leave survivors feeling isolated and scared.
Their once-familiar friends and support systems, while still important, often do not feel the same anymore. It’s not uncommon for individuals who have suffered a stroke begin to experience anxiety and depression.
Stroke support groups can offer an invaluable lifeline for stroke survivors. In addition to providing a safe place to share emotions, attending a support group can also help individuals feel more connected to others.
There are many active stroke support groups throughout Arizona, but here are three well-attended groups in the state.
Saint Joseph’s Hospital Stroke Support Group
Meets Every 1st Tuesday 12:00 – 1:00 pm
124 West Thomas Road
Phoenix, AZ
(602) 406 – 6688
Health South Stroke Support Group
Meets Every 4th Thursday 10 – 11:30 am
1921 West Hospital Drive
Tucson, AZ 85704
(520) 544 – 5260
The Stroke / Aphasia Via Linda Group
Meets Wednesday 10-11:00 am
10440 East Via Linda
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
(480) 312- 5810
Applying for Social Security Disability for Stroke in Arizona
Applying for a Social Security disability award for a stroke is not unlike applying for many other health conditions.
To be considered disabled, one must be able to prove that their health condition has lasted, or is expected to continue, for at least one year.
Therefore, you will need your neurologist to attest to the fact that your stroke has been so damaging that it will leave you unable to work for at least a year, if not longer.
The challenging aspect of applying for SSDI benefits for a stroke involves the fact that it is not automatically evident what the long-term effects of the stroke will be. It may take weeks to months to determine which health difficulties remain and which ones were more transient.
As such, the SSA will only consider applications from stroke survivors after a full three months has passed since their cerebrovascular accident.
If you meet the above criteria, you can either apply for disability benefits online or by visiting any one of the many Arizona Social Security offices, such as the ones listed below:
Phoenix Social Security Office 85007
250 N Seventh Ave Suite 100
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
(800) 772-1213
Tucson Social Security Office 85713
88 W 38th St Suite 100
Tucson, Arizona 85713
(800) 772-1213
Glendale Social Security Office 85306
5907 W Kings Ave
Glendale, Arizona 85306
(800) 772-1213
Can a Social Security Disability Lawyer Help Me for My Stroke in Arizona?
Applying for Social Security disability benefits, no matter the state, can be a complicated and cumbersome process, especially for those who have just had a stroke.
Hiring an experienced disability lawyer can ease the burden of the application and medical information gathering process.
A qualified Social Security lawyer will work on your behalf to ensure that your story is told in a way that best represents you and your health status.
Since a disability attorney is not paid unless you win your case, there truly is nothing to lose.
