Welcome to Disability Benefits Help, an organization committed to helping claimants across the United States receive approval for disability benefits.
Since applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a difficult process, a disability attorney or advocate may increase your chances of being awarded benefits by helping accurately and favorably complete the complex paperwork, ensuring that all deadlines are met, and providing you with representation at a hearing. After submitting our web form, you will receive a 100% FREE evaluation of your disability claim. Disability attorneys and advocates receive compensation if you are awarded back benefits. We have no affiliation with the Social Security Administration, the agency at which you can apply for Social Security disability at no cost.
Are you unable to work and earn an income because of a disability in Arizona? If so, it’s important to be aware that the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) offers disability benefits in Arizona to qualifying applicants. If you meet the disability requirements in AZ, the SSA may provide benefits that can help you cover the cost of basics like food and shelter.
You might also have the option of seeking short-term disability benefits in Arizona. This is an option if you’re an employee of the State.
The following overview will help you better understand your options when seeking disability benefits in Arizona. That said, it’s wise to speak with a lawyer in these circumstances. You’ll benefit from discussing the matter with someone who can comment on the specific details of your case.
Understanding The Definition Of Disability In Arizona
Per the SSA, someone has a disability if a condition prevents them from participating in substantial gainful activity (SGA). Someone is unable to participate in SGA when a condition prevents them from working and earning a certain minimum monthly income, which typically changes from one year to another. A condition can be physical or mental to qualify as a disability.
For someone to qualify for SSA disability benefits in Arizona, they would also need to show medical evidence that their condition was likely to either:
- Result in their death
- Last at least 12 months
Gathering medical evidence to meet disability requirements in AZ is one of many tasks a disability attorney could assist with.
What Disabling Conditions Qualify In Arizona?
It would be impossible for a brief overview like this to cover all the conditions that may qualify as disabilities according to the SSA. In the Blue Book, which lists the conditions for which the SSA may offer benefits, you’ll find listings for more than 200 disabilities.
The Blue Book can be a valuable resource if you have questions about whether your condition qualifies as a disability for which you may receive benefits. Check the Blue Book for a relevant listing, but be aware that you may be eligible for benefits even if you don’t find a listing for your specific condition. Another listing might cover conditions like yours.
The Blue Book may also offer information about the evidence you’ll need to show you deserve benefits. Along with documenting the fact that you have a medical condition, you may also need to show how the condition impacts your working ability. Depending on what types of benefits you’re seeking, you may need to show you’ve earned sufficient “work credits” as well.
Types of Disability Benefits Available in Arizona
While learning how to qualify for disability in Arizona, it’s important to consider that the criteria can depend on the types of benefits program you’re applying to. The SSA offers two options:
Arizona Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
The previous note about work credits is relevant if you’re seeking SSDI. To qualify for SSDI disability benefits in Arizona, you need to show that you’ve worked in the past and have contributed to the Social Security system. You also need to show that you’ve earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI.
You earn a certain number of work credits for every year that you work and pay into Social Security. The amount of work credits you earn depends on your income. The maximum number of work credits someone can currently earn in a year is four.
You usually need to have earned at least 40 work credits to qualify for SSDI. Of those 40 work credits, you must have earned at least 20 in the 10 years immediately preceding the date you became disabled.
The SSA sometimes makes exceptions. For example, a younger applicant may not have had time or sufficient life experience to earn enough work credits. Discuss this topic in greater detail with an attorney if it applies to your case.
Arizona Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
You don’t need to show you’ve worked, paid into Social Security, or earned sufficient work credits to qualify for SSI. As a purely needs-based program, SSI is available to disabled individuals or individuals over the age of 65 who have limited or no income and resources.
It’s important to track how you spend the funds you receive through SSI. Particularly, be sure to track when you spend SSI funds on a child’s expenses.
State of Arizona Disability Programs
Along with SSA disability programs, you may also access other forms of disability benefits in Arizona, depending on the circumstances. For example, if you’re a full-time employee of the State of Arizona, you may elect to sign up for short-term disability insurance when submitting your new hire paperwork.
Employees of the State of Arizona can submit claims for benefits through their employer’s insurer, which is currently MetLife. This type of short-term disability benefits pays a portion of a disabled worker’s weekly income for up to 26 weeks.
Find A Disability Lawyer In Arizona
Learning how to apply for disability in the State of Arizona can seem overwhelming. You need to first determine what type of program you may qualify for. Then, you need to gather medical evidence and submit thorough documentation (along with accurate and complete paperwork) showing why you deserve the benefits you’re seeking. After all that, the SSA may still deny your claim, forcing you to appeal the initial decision.
A disability lawyer can handle these tasks on your behalf. That’s one of the many benefits of hiring an Arizona disability attorney. For more information about what a lawyer can do for you, take the Free Case Evaluation today.
How Much Disability Can You Receive in Arizona?
How much is disability in Arizona? Many factors can affect what you may stand to receive. If you have questions about how much disability pays, you may get a basic estimate with our disability calculator.
Currently, the maximum monthly SSI benefit is $943 for an individual and $1,415 for couples. For SSDI, the maximum monthly benefit is $3,822. However, the best way to learn more about this topic is often to discuss the matter with an attorney.
