Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Benefits in Arizona

To get federal disability benefits for ALS, you must meet Social Security's definition of disability. ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so approval is usually fast. You need to be unable to do substantial work because of your condition. For SSDI, you need enough work credits. For SSI, your income and assets must be low. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews medical records to confirm ALS diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work[1].

• Adults must be unable to do any substantial work due to ALS.
• Children with ALS may qualify if they meet SSA's child disability rules.
• You must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, this is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals[1].
• If you are blind, the limit is $2,700 per month[1].

In Arizona, people with ALS can get AHCCCS (Medicaid) if they meet income and disability rules. To qualify, you must be an Arizona resident, a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, have a Social Security number, and meet the income limit. The monthly gross income limit for a single person is $1,305 as of February 2025. If you are working, AHCCCS may subtract work expenses from your income. You must also be determined disabled by the Disability Determination Services Administration (DDSA) or receive Social Security disability benefits[2].

• AHCCCS covers medical care, prescriptions, and some home and community-based services.
• If your income is above the limit, you may still qualify for other AHCCCS categories.
• You can apply online, by phone, or in person at an Arizona Department of Economic Security office[2].

• Gather medical records that show your ALS diagnosis.
• Get your Social Security number and proof of Arizona residency.
• Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local office.
• Apply for AHCCCS online or at a DES office.
• Call for help: Ticket to Work Help Line (866-968-7842) or Ability360 B2W (866-304-WORK)[3].

• Step 1: Get medical records from your doctor that confirm ALS. Include test results and treatment plans.
• Step 2: Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at SSA.gov or your local SSA office. ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so your application will be fast-tracked[1].
• Step 3: Apply for AHCCCS (Medicaid) at HealthCare.gov or your local DES office. You will need proof of income, residency, and disability status[2].
• Step 4: If you want to work, learn about work incentives. The Benefits 2 Work Arizona program can help you understand how work affects your benefits[3].
• Step 5: Report any changes in your income, work, or health to SSA and AHCCCS to avoid overpayments[4].
• Step 6: If you need help, contact a Work Incentive Consultant at 866-304-WORK or visit Arizona Disability Benefits 101[3].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so approval is fast[1].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash payments for people with low income and assets. ALS qualifies for fast approval[1].
• Medicare: Most SSDI recipients get Medicare after 24 months of receiving benefits[1].
• Medicaid: SSI recipients may get Medicaid, but rules vary by state[1].

• AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid): Health coverage for people with disabilities. No monthly premiums. Covers medical care, prescriptions, and some home and community-based services[2].
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Special programs for people with disabilities who want to live in the community instead of an institution. These waivers may cover personal care, home modifications, and respite care[2].
• Benefits 2 Work Arizona (B2W): Work incentive planning and assistance for people with disabilities. Helps you understand how work affects your benefits[3].
• Arizona Disability Benefits 101: Online tool to learn about benefits and work incentives[3].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for housing, education, transportation, and other qualified expenses. Arizona has its own ABLE program. Visit the Arizona ABLE website to learn more and apply[3].

| Program | 2025 Gross Monthly Income Limit (Single) | |---|---| | AHCCCS (Medicaid) | $1,305 | | SSI (Federal) | $943 | | SSDI SGA Limit | $1,620 |

• AHCCCS may subtract work expenses from your income.
• SSI limits are federal and may change yearly.
• SSDI SGA limit is for non-blind individuals. For blind, it is $2,700[1][2][4].

You must report changes in income, work, or health to SSA and AHCCCS. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. If you get an overpayment, you may have to pay it back. You can ask for a waiver if the overpayment was not your fault. Always keep records of your reports and payments[4].

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Website

  For SSDI and SSI applications and questions.
• Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES)
  Phone: 1-855-432-7587

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  For AHCCCS and state disability benefits.
• Benefits 2 Work Arizona (B2W)
  Phone: 866-304-WORK (9675)

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  Work incentives and benefits consulting for people with disabilities.

• How do I qualify for disability benefits with ALS in Arizona?

  You must have a confirmed ALS diagnosis and be unable to do substantial work. You need to apply for SSDI or SSI and meet income and asset rules for SSI. Arizona residents can also apply for AHCCCS if they meet state rules[1][2].

• Does ALS get fast approval for disability benefits?

  Yes, ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition. This means your application for SSDI or SSI will be fast-tracked and approved quickly if your medical records confirm ALS[1].

• Can I work while getting disability benefits for ALS?

  Yes, there are work incentives that let you try working without losing all your benefits. The SGA limit in 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. If you earn more, your benefits may be reduced or stopped[1][4].

• What health coverage is available for people with ALS in Arizona?

  People with ALS in Arizona can get AHCCCS (Medicaid) if they meet income and disability rules. AHCCCS covers medical care, prescriptions, and some home and community-based services[2].

• How do I apply for AHCCCS in Arizona?

  You can apply for AHCCCS online at HealthCare.gov or in person at a DES office. You will need proof of income, residency, and disability status. The process is the same for people with ALS[2].

• What are work incentives for people with ALS in Arizona?

  Work incentives help you keep benefits while working. The Benefits 2 Work Arizona program can help you understand how work affects your benefits. You can also get expert help from a Work Incentive Consultant[3].