How to Apply for Disability Benefits in Arizona
Atticus offers free, high-quality disability advice for Americans who can't work. Our team of Stanford and Harvard-trained lawyers has a combined 15+ years of legal experience and has helped over 50,000 Americans apply for disability benefits.
If you haven’t worked for over 12 months due to a medical illness or injury, you might qualify for the Social Security Administration’s benefit programs. More than 150,000 Arizonians receive federal disability benefits and healthcare coverage.
We’ll walk you through how to apply for disability benefits in Arizona and the difference between the SSA’s two benefit programs.
Disability benefits in Arizona
Although Arizona does not offer state-sponsored disability benefits, you can still receive financial support from the Social Security Administration’s two federal disability benefits programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You can also apply for private disability insurance and veterans disability benefits.
SSDI vs. SSI: What’s the difference?
Through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), beneficiaries receive monthly disability and healthcare coverage. In some cases, you can qualify and apply to both SSDI and SSI, but each program has its own application and set of requirements. Here are some key differences:
Type of program: SSI is a needs-based program for those with disabilities and people over 65. SSDI awards those who regularly paid their taxes during their working years.
Monthly payments: Monthly SSDI payment amounts depend on how much you’ve earned and paid in taxes. To calculate your SSI monthly checks, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers your current income and assets.
Documents: SSDI requires your medical and tax information to determine eligibility. For SSI, you will have to submit housing and medical information, as well as proof of current income and assets.
Work background: People who have worked for at least 5 of the last 10 years can apply for SSDI. This is not a requirement to qualify for SSI.
How to apply for disability in Arizona
There are three ways to apply and submit your Social Security disability application in Arizona:
Apply online: File your Social Security disability application directly on the SSA website and submit it electronically.
Apply via phone: Call the SSA at (800) 772-1213 or dial your local SSA office. Unsure about where to call? Our directory lists 14 offices in Arizona with phone and fax numbers.
Apply in person: Visit your local SSA office to apply. Applying in person lets you ask an SSA claims representative for specific instructions about your application. If you need advice on how to answer questions to increase your chances of winning your case, it’s best to contact a disability lawyer.
SSA offices in Arizona
Arizona currently has 14 SSA offices to help you apply for disability benefits. You can call them or speak directly with a representative in person. Here are a few locations to get started:
Apache Junction 253 W Superstition Blvd Apache Junction, AZ 85120 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 964-7417 Fax Number: (833) 950-3681 | Casa Grande 1637 E Monument Plaza Circle Suite 2 Casa Grande, AZ 85122 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (877) 405-0403 Fax Number: (833) 950-3387 | Douglas 600 E 15th St Douglas, AZ 85607 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (877) 480-4858 Fax Number: (833) 950-3667 |
Flagstaff 2715 S Woodlands Village Blvd Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (877) 319-0735 Fax Number: (833) 950-3659 | Glendale 5907 West Kings Ave Glendale, AZ 85306 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (888) 886-7213 Fax Number: (833) 950-3685 | Mesa 702 West Jerome Ave Mesa, AZ 85210 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 964-1716 Fax Number: (833) 950-3687 |
Nogales 1760 North Mastick Way Nogales, AZ 85621 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (877) 405-5472 Fax Number: (833) 571-0634 | Phoenix 16241 North Tatum Blvd Phoenix, AZ 85032 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 348-7855 Fax Number: (833) 950-3673 |
Do I need a disability lawyer in Arizona?
While you don’t necessarily need a disability lawyer to apply for disability, you’re three times likelier to win your disability benefits case with a lawyer.
A disability lawyer can help you navigate every stage of the application process — from the day you decide to file your application to the day of your court hearing. A lawyer will thoroughly review your application and collect medical evidence to build a strong case to improve your chances of winning benefits.
If your case gets denied — which happens often — a disability attorney can file for an appeal hearing. Before the hearing, a lawyer will prepare you with sample questions related to your disability and work history that the judge may ask. They can also legally represent you and attend your hearing.
You can go through the process alone; however, a disability lawyer covers all of the important bases of your disability benefits case.
How much does disability pay in Arizona?
The maximum payment amount for SSDI in 2024 is $3,822 per month. The maximum monthly amount for SSI is $943. Those who qualify for monthly disability checks can also receive healthcare coverage. Beneficiaries of Social Security Disability Insurance can receive Medicare, while those who qualify for Supplemental Security Income may get Medicaid.
The average SSDI payment in Arizona is $1,767.39 per month. The average SSI monthly payment is $605.67.
Get help applying for benefits in Arizona
If you’re currently applying for disability benefits in Arizona, Atticus can help. To get started, take our two-minute quiz and our client advocate will give you free advice on your disability case. If you decide to work with a disability lawyer, our Atticus lawyers are ready to advocate for you.
The best part is that you don’t have to pay upfront. You will only pay your lawyer a one-time fee (up to 25% of your first disability check) if you win disability benefits.
Frequently asked questions about benefits in Arizona
How do I qualify for disability in Arizona?
To qualify for disability you need to have a condition that prevents you from working for at least a year. You’ll also need to meet certain work history requirements (for SSDI) or be within certain income limits (for SSI). For more on these requirements, read our full write up here.
What conditions qualify for disability in Arizona?
Any condition that will prevent you from working for a year or more can qualify for disability benefits. Some of the most common conditions include musculoskeletal disorders, mental disorders, nervous system diseases, and circulatory system diseases. See our full list of conditions that qualify here.
How long does it take to get approved for disability in Arizona?
It takes an average of 6.1 months to get an initial disability decision in Arizona. Most people who apply are initially rejected, and need to appeal this decision. If you appeal and go to a hearing, the process takes around two years on average. Read more: How Long It Takes to Get Approved for Disability Benefits
How much does disability pay in Arizona?
The average SSDI payment in Arizona is $1,329.39 per month. The average SSI payment is $574.76 per month. What you’ll earn is dependent on your income, or the amount you’ve historically paid into the Social Security program. Read more on what amount you can expect.
How should I prepare my disability application in Arizona?
Answer the application questions truthfully, consistently, and succinctly. You should also ensure that you gather and submit all your medical records with your application. The SSA paperwork can be complicated, so our legal team has written a full guide to the application here.
Does Arizona have a state disability program?
No, Arizona doesn't have a state disability program. Only five states (California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island) have a state program. Residents of Arizona can apply for federal disability programs (SSDI and SSI). Read more about SSDI and SSI here.
Related resources:
Arizona Disability Benefits
SSA Offices in Arizona
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