Social Security Disability in Arizona

Social Security Administration (SSA) administers these federal programs. The first one is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). It provides benefits to people who are unable to work due to a disability. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with little to no income who are disabled, blind, or over 65.

Determine if You Qualify. SSDI is calculated based on your work history. You must have sufficient “work credits” to qualify. Work credits are based on your annual salary or self-employment income. While SSI is need-based and does not require work credits, it has strict income and resource limits.

Understand the Definition of Disability. The SSA has a strict definition of disability. You must be unable to do any Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to be eligible. This is due to a physical or mental impairment that may last at least 12 months, or result in death.

Apply for Benefits. Apply online through the SSA’s website, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. In Arizona, there are Social Security offices in several cities including Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff.

Wait for a Decision. Your application will then be sent to the Arizona Disability Determination Services (DDS) where it will be evaluated. Denied applications can be appealed.

Appeals Process. You can request a reconsideration the first time your application is denied. If your application remains unsuccessful, you can request a hearing with an administrative law judge. You can appeal it all the way to the Appeals Council and the Federal Court.

Long-Term Disability Insurance in Arizona

Long-term disability insurance replaces a portion of your income—usually between 50% and 80%. This would apply if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. It typically begins after a waiting period of 90 days or 180 days. Some policies will pay out benefits for a certain number of years (like 2, 5, or 10 years). Others will pay out until you reach the age of 65.

• Long-term disability insurance can be purchased privately. Or it may also be offered through an employer. Because they are a member of a group plan, employer-sponsored insurance policies often come with lower premiums.
• Non-cancelable means the insurance company cannot cancel your policy, change the terms, or raise the premiums. This applies as long as you are paying the premiums. Guaranteed renewable means the insurance company cannot cancel your policy as long as you are paying the premiums. This is for all policyholders in the same rating class.
• Some policies pay out if you’re unable to perform the duties of your own occupation. Others only pay out if you’re unable to perform the duties of any occupation. Your education, training, and experience are taken into consideration here.
• “Elimination period” is the amount of time you must be disabled before you start receiving benefits. It often ranges from 30 to 365 days. But 90 days is a common time frame.
• This is how long the disability insurance benefits last. Some policies offer benefits for a few years. Meanwhile, others provide benefits until you reach retirement age.
• Although you are still able to work, this also covers lost income as a result of a disability.
• Some policies will increase your benefits annually to keep up with inflation.

Short-Term Disability Insurance in Arizona

Short-term disability insurance replaces a portion of your income. You must be temporarily unable to work due to sickness, injury, or childbirth. It does not cover work-related illnesses or injuries. Typically, workers’ compensation insurance will cover these.

Coverage Period. This policy provides benefits for a few weeks to a year. Some policies offer coverage for up to two years. The duration of the benefits varies depending on the specifics of your plan.

Waiting/Elimination Period. This happens between the start of your illness or injury and the release of your benefits. The duration ranges from a few days to two weeks.

Benefit Amount. This insurance type pays around 60-80% of your salary, up to a weekly cap.

Cost. The cost of short-term disability insurance varies. The computation is based on several factors: age, health status, occupation, income, and the specifics of the policy.

In Arizona, short-term disability insurance is not mandatory. You can get this type of policy through employers or private insurance companies.