How to Qualify for Disability Benefits in Arizona

While Arizona doesn’t offer disability benefits, eligible residents can still qualify through the Social Security Administration’s two programs. As a matter of fact, more than 150,000 residents receive disability through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). 

Learn more about how to qualify for the federal disability benefits programs in Arizona.

What qualifies for benefits in Arizona?

To qualify for disability benefits, you must pass the Social Security Administration’s five-step evaluation process: 

1. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): SGA refers to any paid work that involves mental and physical labor. In 2024, the Social Security Administration set the SGA limit at $1,550 a month (if you are blind, the SGA limit is $2,590 a month). If you surpass the SGA limit, you can’t qualify for disability. 

2. Severe impairment: Your medical condition must be so severe that you can’t complete basic work-related activities such as walking or standing. 

3. SSA definition of disability: The SSA’s Blue Book lists all the conditions that qualify for benefits. We recommend reviewing the Blue Book to see if your medical condition is on the list. If it’s not, dont worry. The SSA doesn’t update its Blue Book frequently, so there are newer conditions that still qualify. If you are unsure, a disability lawyer can provide guidance.

4. Previous work: The SSA will compare your current work capacity to the work you’ve previously performed in the last 15 years. The SSA will also assess your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC), or the amount of work you can complete despite your mental or physical limitations. 

5. Other work: The SSA will review your educational background, age, and past work experience to determine your ability to do other kinds of work.

How to qualify for SSDI in Arizona

SSDI is one of two federal disability benefits programs under the Social Security Administration. With SSDI, beneficiaries receive monthly disability checks and can qualify for Medicare. 

If you meet the following requirements, you are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Arizona: 

• You have a medical condition that has severely limited your ability to work for at least a year. 

• In the last 10 years, you’ve worked for at least five years. 

• You regularly paid Social Security taxes during your working years. 

How to qualify for SSI in Arizona

Unlike SSDI, which awards disabled workers who’ve earned 40 work credits, SSI is a needs-based program that provides financial and medical support to people who have disabilities or are 65 and older and have limited resources. 

You can qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Arizona if you meet the following: 

• You have a medical condition that hasn’t allowed you to work for at least a year.

• You currently have less than $2,000 in assets ($3,000 if you’re married).

• You have less than $943 in countable income ($1,415 if you’re married).

What conditions qualify for disability in Arizona?

Any medical condition that severely limits and prevents you from working can qualify for disability. According to the SSA, the most approved conditions in Arizona are:

• Mental disorders: 34.3%

• Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue: 28.9%

• Nervous system and sense organs: 11.8%

• Circulatory system: 5.8%

• Injuries: 3.8%

• Neoplasms (abnormal growth of cells or tumors): 3.1%

The most common mental disorders among Arizona recipients are:

• Depressive and bipolar disorders: 19,052 people

• Intellectual conditions: 11,538 people

• Psychotic disorders (like schizophrenia): 7,551 people

Can you work while on disability in Arizona?

The short answer: Yes — but to an extent. To receive federal disability benefits you have to have a medical condition or injury that is so severe you’re unable to work. If you work too many hours or make too much money, you risk losing your benefits.You’ll want to pay attention to SGA, or any activity that takes mental of physical effort to complete and results in substantial earnings ($1,550 per month or $2,590 if you’re blind). 

These common activities qualify as SGA: 

• Office jobs and secretarial work

• Temp work, seasonal work, and part-time jobs

• Freelance work

• Self-employment

• Delivery work

• Manual labor, even if you don’t get paid

• Volunteer work, especially if you do it regularly

• Consulting

If at any point, your ability to work improves and you surpass the SGA limit, the SSA will phase out your Social Security disability benefits.

Do I need a disability lawyer in Arizona? 

Getting approved for disability benefits can take a lot of work. The SSA denies most applicants the first time around. Having a disability lawyer can alleviate the application process — every step of the way: 

• Before applying: Your disability lawyer will collect information on your work history and health. Disability lawyers can access your medical records and use the SSA’s criteria to determine the possibility of winning your disability benefits case. 

• Application: Your disability lawyer will fill out your application along with any necessary paperwork (i.e. work history reports or medical source statements) that can build a stronger case. Once they submit your application, your disability lawyer will follow up to confirm that SSA received your application. 

• Reconsideration: If you receive a rejection, your disability lawyer can file for reconsideration through a court hearing. 

• Hearing: Your disability lawyer will prepare you for the court hearing by predicting questions they believe the judge will ask you. This can help ease your nerves and prepare you to include essential information about your medical condition(s) before seeing the judge. 

SSA offices in Arizona

Arizona currently has 14 SSA offices to help you apply for disability benefits. You can call them or directly speak with a representative in person. Here are a few locations to get started:

Get help with applying for benefits in Arizona

You don’t have to apply for disability benefits alone. Take our two-minute quiz to see if you qualify for disability benefits. We’ll do the heavy lifting and create a plan that will improve your chances of winning your disability claim. Our client advocates are ready to help you connect with an Atticus disability lawyer in Arizona.

Related resources:

Arizona Disability Benefits

By Jackie Jakab

SSA Offices in Arizona

By Jackie Jakab