When to Apply for Disability Benefits | Pekas Smith Arizona Disability Attorneys
Phoenix, United States – January 30, 2026 / Pekas Smith: Arizona Disability Attorneys /
When Should You Apply for Disability Benefits? Pekas Smith Explains the Right Time to Take Action
Phoenix, AZ — Applying for disability benefits is a major step — and timing can make all the difference. Pekas Smith: Arizona Disability Attorneys, the state’s leading Social Security Disability firm, is helping Arizonans understand when to apply so they can secure the support they deserve without unnecessary delays. Individuals can learn more by visiting the Pekas Smith website.
“Knowing when to apply can significantly improve your chances of success,” said Jeremy D. Pekas, Founding Partner at Pekas Smith. “Many people wait too long or apply too early without proper documentation. Our goal is to help clients take the right steps at the right time so they can move forward with confidence.”
According to the firm, you should apply for disability benefits as soon as your medical condition prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Waiting too long can mean lost time and missed payments — but applying too early without full medical documentation can also cause denials.
There’s also a five-month elimination period before Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits begin. That means the clock starts ticking from the first full month after you become disabled, and the earliest you can receive payment is the sixth full month of disability.
To qualify, your condition must prevent you from engaging in “substantial gainful activity,” meaning you can’t earn above certain income limits. The firm advises that applicants should not wait 12 months to file — they should apply as soon as they meet the eligibility criteria and can submit a complete application. Additional eligibility details are outlined in the firm’s guide to Qualifications for SSDI in Arizona.
Pekas Smith helps clients:
- Determine when to apply for SSDI benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Gather and organize medical documentation
- Avoid common filing mistakes that lead to denials
- Navigate appeals and hearings efficiently
“Disability law isn’t just paperwork — it’s about people,” said Tye Smith, Founding Partner at Pekas Smith. “We make sure every client’s application is complete, accurate, and filed at the right time to avoid unnecessary delays.”
Pekas Smith serves clients across Arizona — including Phoenix, Mesa, Tucson, Scottsdale, and beyond — providing personalized service that national firms can’t match.
To get in touch with the firm, visit the contact page to learn more about the next steps and how to apply for disability benefits.
Contact Information:
Pekas Smith: Arizona Disability Attorneys
3030 N 3rd St #650
Phoenix, Arizona 85012
United States
Jeremy Pekas
+1602.833.1696
https://disabilitylawyerarizona.com
