Take a Step Toward Stability: Apply For Social Security Disability in Tucson
When health problems arise and you can no longer work, Social Security Disability benefits are a lifeline that can provide some much-needed financial stability during a challenging time.
Access to these benefits can help you make ends meet as you wrestle with medical bills and living expenses—all while tending to your health.
This is especially true in Tucson, where the rate of people with disabilities (15%) is higher than the averages for Arizona (13.4%) and the U.S. overall (12.9%), according to data compiled by the University of Arizona.
This means two things for Tucson residents: You’re not alone, and Slepian Ellexson Disability Law can help you navigate the Social Security application process.
It requires a solid understanding of how Social Security Disability works in Tucson. Proving eligibility, gathering the correct documents, and avoiding common mistakes are essential.
More than 67% of the time Social Security denies first-time applicants in Arizona.
Our Tucson disability attorney team has more than 45 years of experience helping win Social Security Disability benefits for people, from applying to appealing and every step in between.
If you’re considering applying for benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), we can help on your journey toward financial stability.
Before Applying for Disability, Check Your Eligibility for Social Security Benefits in Tucson
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits in Tucson does not begin with filling out the forms. It starts with research.
Check to see if you’ll be able to show proof of two general areas of eligibility for disability benefits:
- You paid into SSDI. Evidence of your work history—pay stubs, tax filings, or other related documents—will show you paid Social Security taxes during your employment.
- Your health condition meets Social Security’s definition of a disability. You will need to demonstrate that you have a medical impairment that prevents you from working and that you do not expect to work for at least 12 months.
Social Security keeps a list of recognized medical impairments that qualify for disability benefits. Even if your condition doesn’t appear on that list, you may still be eligible if your symptoms prevent you from holding a full-time job.
It’s possible to continue to work under limited conditions and still remain eligible. You just have to show that you earn less than the amount Social Security considers “substantial gainful activity.” In 2025, that level was set at $1,620 a month for most individuals.
It’s OK to be unsure about your qualifications. The skilled Tucson disability attorneys at Slepian Ellexson know the process and can review your case to help you put together a strong application.
Our lawyers will walk you through the process quickly and efficiently, minimizing delays and giving you the best chance to gain the benefits that will help.
You pay no attorney fee until you win benefits. htmlStart with a free consultation on your disability application.
When Applying for Social Security Disability in Tucson, Patience is Key
Checking on your eligibility will help you collect the personal and medical information you will need to begin filling out the application forms for disability benefits.
At that point, the Slepian Ellexson disability lawyer team can help you fill out the paperwork and make sure every answer is accurate, which can help you reduce your chances of Social Security denying your claim at the start.
Once Social Security has your paperwork, claims examiners will check all your non-medical records, such as work history, age, and financial status.
In Tucson, it turns over the assessment of your medical condition to Disability Determination Services (DDS), a state agency that helps Social Security process applications.
DDS will contact your physicians and look for gaps in your medical records. If it finds them, you may be referred to consultative medical examination with an independent physician.
The sooner you begin the application process after you stop working, the better. It can take up to 12 months in Tucson for Social Security to evaluate your claim. It can take up to 12 more months to overturn an initial denial. And denials are common.
If you delay your application, you’ll have even more time between your last paycheck and receiving benefits.
The Tucson disability attorneys at Slepian Ellexson can help you act quickly while keeping you informed and easing the stress of waiting for Social Security to come through with the answers you seek.
To get your Social Security Disability benefits claim started the right way, give us a call today.
