Tucson, Arizona
Tucson Disability Lawyers for SSDI and SSI
Downard & Associates represents adults in Tucson, Arizona, with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims. We work with clients by phone and video from Tennessee, helping with applications, reconsideration appeals, and administrative law judge hearings. Begin with your treatment history, the work your condition has affected, and any decision from Social Security. We can discuss where your claim stands and how we can help.
How we help
How Downard Helps Tucson Adults Build a Disability Claim
That gives Social Security information about both your treatment and the jobs your condition has affected.
The work changes as your claim moves through Social Security. We help connect the information in your file with the issues the agency must decide.
For an application, we help with filing, gathering medical evidence, and documenting your work history. That gives Social Security information about both your treatment and the jobs your condition has affected.
After an initial denial, we address the reasons given in the decision and add missing evidence at reconsideration. An appeal should respond to the issues in your case.
For a hearing, we prepare you for testimony, develop the medical record, and present the legal argument before the administrative law judge. Preparation includes discussing the questions you may be asked about your condition and work.
Our service limits also address matters involving Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.
We handle SSDI cases for people who currently receive VA benefits, but we do not handle VA claims or appeals. We do not take disability cessation or continuing disability review cases, or new cases involving back-pay issues alone. We refer federal court appeals to a trusted affiliate rather than handling them in-house.
Our Arizona disability representation page provides the statewide overview.
Benefit eligibility
Understanding SSDI and SSI Eligibility in Tucson
Duration rule
12months
SSDI generally requires enough recent work covered by Social Security. The work-credit requirements depend on your age when the disability began. Your insured status and your medical eligibility are separate questions.
SSI does not require an insured work record. It requires limited income and resources, along with citizenship or qualifying noncitizen status, residency, and other conditions. Adults may qualify based on disability, statutory blindness, or age 65 or older. The Social Security Administration (SSA) explains these categories in its SSI eligibility guidance.
For SSDI and adult SSI claims based on disability, SSA evaluates whether a medically determinable condition prevents substantial gainful activity, meaning work at a substantial and gainful level. The evaluation may also consider past work and adjustment to other work. A claim can be decided at an earlier step; every case does not have to reach those work questions.
For claims based on disability, the condition must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 consecutive months, or be expected to result in death. You do not have to wait a year before applying. For initial SSI eligibility based on statutory blindness, SSA does not use substantial gainful activity. There is no duration requirement for SSI statutory blindness. SSI based on age 65 or older does not require proof of disability.
Treatment records
Requesting TMC Records for Your Tucson Disability Claim
Its all-dates and all-records selections default to the last two years unless you specify otherwise.
Tucson Medical Center (TMC) lets patients access records through MyChart or submit a written request. For a written request, complete and sign the form linked in TMC's medical-records instructions. TMC does not process verbal requests made over the phone.
The current TMC Health form gives you a choice of treatment dates. Its all-dates and all-records selections default to the last two years unless you specify otherwise. If relevant treatment occurred earlier, enter the period you need. That two-year default describes the request form; it is not a Social Security rule limiting the evidence in your claim.
The form also separates TMC Hospital/Rincon Hospital, TMCOne, and other listed treatment sources. Provider notes, imaging reports, and imaging films on CD have separate selections. Identify where you received care and what you are requesting before submitting the form.
Older records may matter when the period at issue began earlier. Social Security's evidence rules allow development of an earlier medical history when needed. Discuss the relevant dates with your representative, and check the dates covered by any records you receive.
Get organized
A Records and Work Worksheet for Your Tucson Claim
Use this worksheet to organize what you already know and identify what needs follow-up. You can use it before an application or a conversation about an appeal.
Do not wait for a complete records packet before starting an application. SSA's disability application instructions say not to delay because documents are missing. Give the agency accurate treatment-source information and provide the records you have.
| Item | What to write down |
|---|---|
| Treatment sources | Each doctor or facility, contact information, and treatment dates. List hospital and office care separately. |
| Requested records | The date range, facility, and record types selected. For TMC, specify the period if you need records older than two years. |
| Records received | The dates covered and any missing visits or reports. Keep the request and response together for follow-up. |
| Medications and tests | Medication names and prescribers where applicable, plus test names, dates, and locations. |
| Work affected | Jobs, duties, and dates; when you stopped or reduced work; and the tasks your condition makes difficult. |
| Social Security decisions | The decision date, when you received it, and the next step listed in the appeal instructions. |
After a denial
Taking the Next Appeal Step After a Tucson Disability Denial
Deadline
60days
After an initial SSDI or SSI denial, reconsideration is generally the next appeal step. After an unfavorable reconsideration decision, you may request an administrative law judge hearing. For these steps, you generally must file a written request within 60 days after receiving the relevant notice. The SSDI reconsideration rule and SSI reconsideration rule explain the receipt-based deadline.
SSA generally presumes you received a notice five days after its date unless you show that it did not arrive within that period. If your request is late, ask for an extension in writing and explain the delay. SSA must find good cause; an extension is not automatic.
For hearing-office information, use our Social Security hearing-office guide. Follow your own SSA notices for the instructions that apply to your hearing.
Common questions
Tucson Disability Questions About Records and Hearings
How do I request TMC treatment records older than two years?
Specify the treatment period on the TMC Health request form. Its all-dates and all-records selections default to the last two years unless you specify otherwise. Identify the facility and record types you need. The default does not mean that older records are unavailable.
Is an imaging report the same request as a copy of the images?
TMC's form lists imaging reports and imaging films on CD separately. Select the item you need, and check with the records department if you are unsure what a request will include. A report describes findings; the images are a separate part of the imaging record.
Should I delay applying until I have every medical record?
No. SSA says not to delay a disability application because some documents are missing. Provide the names and contact information for your treatment sources, the dates of care, and the records already available. Social Security can help obtain medical evidence with your permission.
Does working with Downard by video mean my hearing will be online?
No. SSA determines the hearing format. Its four methods are in person, audio by telephone, agency video using SSA equipment, and online video using your own device. Online video requires your agreement. Objections to audio or agency video are subject to SSA's deadlines, rules, and exceptions. Read SSA's hearing attendance guidance and follow your appearance and scheduling notices.
Discuss your claim
Talk With Downard About Your Tucson Disability Claim
Tell us whether you are starting an application, appealing a denial, or preparing for a hearing. We can discuss your situation and the next step in representation.