At Pekas Smith: Arizona Disability Attorneys, our Phoenix Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) attorneys are experienced, results-focused advocates for people and families. With an exclusive focus on disability law, our law firm has secured millions in financial compensation for our clients.
If your SSDI claim was denied or you have general questions about your legal rights or legal options, we are more than ready to help. To schedule a complimentary, confidential consultation with a skilled Phoenix SSDI lawyer, please contact our law office at (763) 445-9074 or send us a message directly online.
An Overview of Social Security Disability Insurance
Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal disability insurance program in the United States. Overseen by the Social Security Administration (SSA), SSDI is funded by payroll tax contributions. Unlike Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is need-based, SSDI coverage is not automatic. You must have paid a sufficient amount into the system through payroll tax contributions during your employment.
To qualify for SSDI benefits in Phoenix, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Medical Requirements for Disability: There are strict medical eligibility requirements for SSDI. To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have a disabling medical condition, for example, caused by injury or disease such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis, that prevents you from working on a full-time basis. When making a disability determination, the SSA considers a worker’s age, health, education, and job skills. All successful SSDI claims are built on a strong foundation of supporting medical records, evidence, and documentation.
- Financial and Legal Requirements for Disability: There are also important financial and legal eligibility requirements for SSDI claims. To start, the SSA will review your income. If you are earning too much, your claim may be denied. Additionally, the agency will review your work history to confirm that you have sufficient “credits” to qualify for SSDI coverage.
The official onset of your disability is the date that you are no longer able to work at substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to your medical condition. You will be eligible to receive SSDI benefits five months after the initial onset of your disability if you are awarded.
If you have any questions about the waiting period, call a Pekas Smith SSDI attorney in Phoenix, AZ, for help. We have years of experience helping the local community secure disability insurance to cover their basic needs.
What You Should Know About SSDI Appeals in Phoenix, Arizona
Unfortunately, many qualified individuals struggle to access their SSDI benefits. If you received a denial letter from the SSA, you still have options available. Don’t give up on your right to file an appeal. With SSD legal representation in Phoenix, you can submit a request for reconsideration.
There are four separate stages to the Social Security Disability Insurance appeals process:
- Reconsideration: SSDI appeals always start with reconsideration. Essentially, it is a review of the initial decision. During this stage of the appeals process, applicants can submit additional evidence to support their claim. Our Phoenix SSDI lawyers can assist you in submitting a request for reconsideration.
- Hearing: If your SSDI claim is denied on reconsideration, you have the right to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). At Pekas Smith, our Phoenix Social Security appeal attorneys have represented more than 15,000 clients in administrative hearings. We will help you build and present a strong case.
- Appeals Council: If the Administrative Law Judge denies your claim, you have the right to request an appeal before the Appeals Council (AC).
- Federal Court: If the Appeals Council denies your claim, you have the right to take your Social Security Disability Insurance claim to court. You can file a lawsuit to seek your SSDI benefits.
SSDI appeals are time-sensitive. The sooner you get started, the greater your chances of recovering disability benefits. If you got an SSDI denial notification, you should contact an experienced Phoenix Social Security disability attorney for immediate assistance with your case.
You Can Rely on the Phoenix SSDI Attorneys at Pekas Smith: Arizona Disability Attorneys
Social Security Disability Insurance claims are notoriously complex. At Pekas Smith: Arizona Disability Attorneys, we are committed to helping clients with every step of the SSDI claims process.
We handle cases on a contingent-fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your SSDI case. You do not have to navigate the system alone. When you call our Phoenix office, our experienced attorneys and representatives will:
- Listen to you and explain the legal claims process
- Gather the evidence and information needed to bring a successful claim
- Guide you through the entire process, taking action to maximize your SSDI benefits
As a local law office specializing in top-quality Social Security disability representation in the Phoenix metropolitan area, our SSDI attorneys dedicate personal care and attention to each and every case. To learn more about our Social Security Disability Insurance services, check out what our clients have to say.
Contact a Phoenix SSDI Lawyer Today
At Pekas Smith: Arizona Disability Attorneys, a Phoenix social security disability attorney can provide honest, results-focused legal advice and representation. We work tirelessly to help people with disabilities obtain and maintain the full and fair financial benefits they rightfully deserve.
If your Social Security Disability Insurance claim was denied or you need help navigating the claims process, our team is here for you. Contact us today on our website or call 763-445-9074 to schedule a complimentary initial consultation. We represent people in the Phoenix metropolitan area and throughout Maricopa County.

