Social Security Disability Lawyer in Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix Social Security Disability Lawyer

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers Social Security Disability (SSD) to people who meet its requirements. However, applying for SSD can be complex and stressful. A single mistake can cost you benefits and make you start the process all over again.

Navigating for benefits can be challenging and confusing. An experienced Phoenix SSD lawyer can guide you through the process, help you complete the necessary paperwork and meet all deadlines.

The Arizona SSD attorneys at Matt Fendon Law Group have a proven track record of helping clients get the SSD benefits they need and deserve. Our experienced Phoenix disability attorneys are ready to review your case and answer all of your questions. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, call us today or reach out online.

How a Phoenix SSD Lawyer Can Help with Your Case

An experienced SSD lawyer can help you secure your benefits in ways such as:

• Help you understand what benefits you are entitled to. The process of applying for disability benefits is complex. The two different programs offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) are SSD and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a needs-based program intended for people with low income and limited resources. SSD is not based on need. It is intended for people who have worked and paid into the system. Determining whether you qualify for SSI or SSD can be complicated. Some people qualify for both SSI and SSDI.
• Help with the application process. SSD lawyers fully understand the application process and can give you the best chance of approval. At Matt Fendon Law Group, we can help you every step of the way. We know how to present your case to make your disability clear and persuasive. We can help you obtain the required medical documentation from the doctor who treated you. We can help you understand the Blue Book listing, and we can make sure you meet the criteria.
• Represent you at appeals. If your claim is denied, a lawyer will represent you at any necessary appeals, such as a hearing proceeding. Your attorney can submit relevant medical evidence and communicate with your doctor or other health care professionals who have treated you. When your case goes to a hearing, a lawyer can help you prepare for any questions that the administrative law judge may ask. During the hearing, your lawyer will guide your testimony so that the judge has an understanding of how your disability impacted your ability to work.

What You Need to Know About Disability Qualifications

To qualify for SSD benefits, you must first have worked in jobs covered by Social Security. You must also have a medical condition that meets the SSA’s definition of disability. Social Security typically pays monthly benefits to those who are unable to work for a year or more because of their disability.

What Kinds of Disability Benefits Are There?

The SSA administers two programs that pay out benefits: the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD or SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.

• SSDI — Provided to disabled people between the ages of 18 and 65 who have a sufficient work history.
• SSI — Provided to those who are disabled or blind or over the age of 65 and have limited financial resources. SSI benefits also cover children under the age of 18 with a qualifying medical condition.

How to Apply for Disability Benefits

Applicants for disability benefits must collect a variety of information in order to submit a complete application. That information includes personal information (for example, date of birth), financial information (e.g., bank account routing number), medical information (for example, details on the disability), and other documents (for example, proof of citizenship).

You must submit a completed initial application to get disability benefits. Many persons are denied benefits because they failed to submit all the information required by the SSA. A Phoenix SSD lawyer can help ensure you submit a complete application. That could greatly increase your chances of obtaining benefits. The attorneys at Matt Fendon Law Group will follow up on your application to move the process along as quickly as possible.

What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied

Remember that you have the right to legal representation. If you are denied disability benefits, the sooner you get help from an experienced Phoenix SSD lawyer, the better. At Matt Fendon Law Group, we can help you take the following steps:

• Appeal the denial.

If your application for SSD benefits is denied, appeal within the 60-day deadline. You can request that the initial denial be reviewed again by phone and mail. Call SSA at (1-800-772-1213) and tell them that you want to appeal. The SSA will send you an appeal form.

• Request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

If your request for SSD is denied and you want to appeal further, you must request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ) within 60 days. Having a skilled disability attorney can make a big difference at this stage. A lawyer can help present the facts of your disability in a way that helps get your claim approved.

• Request review by the Appeals Council.

If your appeal is denied after a hearing with an ALJ, you may file an appeal with the Social Security Appeals Council. If you request an Appeals Council review without the help of an attorney, you are much more likely to get denied. A disability attorney will be able to point out legal errors made by the ALJ during the hearing. If you are not able to show that the ALJ made an error, you will not win your case at the Appeals Council.

Talk to a Phoenix Disability Attorney Now

The SSD system is frustrating and complicated. Allow the Phoenix disability lawyers at Matt Fendon Law Group to take the pressure off you. We can handle your disability claim from start to finish. We have worked extensively on cases involving SSD. If you are applying for disability benefits or appealing a denial, we are ready to fight for you.

We will answer all of your questions and provide compassionate and personalized attention to your disability case. Contact our firm today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.