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Arizona • Chronic Illness
People with asthma in Arizona may qualify for health coverage, cash benefits, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To get federal disability benefits for asthma, you must show that your asthma is severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a medical guide called the Blue Book. Asthma is listed under respiratory disorders (Section 3.03). To qualify, you need:
You must also meet work and income rules for SSDI or SSI. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with low income and resources, regardless of work history. Children with severe asthma may also qualify for benefits if their condition meets SSA rules [5].
In Arizona, people with asthma may qualify for AHCCCS (Medicaid) if their asthma is disabling and they meet income and residency rules. You must be an Arizona resident, a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, and have a Social Security number. You must also be determined disabled by the Disability Determination Services Administration (DDSA) or receive Social Security disability benefits. If you are working, AHCCCS may subtract work expenses from your income when deciding eligibility. There are no monthly premiums for AHCCCS if you qualify. If your income is too high for AHCCCS, you may still qualify for emergency services or other programs [1].
An ABLE account lets people with asthma save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the money for qualified disability expenses like medical care, education, and housing. Arizona has its own ABLE program. You can open an account online and get tax benefits for contributions [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
| Family Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit (AHCCCS, 02/01/2025) | |-------------|---------------------------------------------------| | Applicant | $1,305 | | Applicant and Spouse | $1,763 |
If your income is higher, you may still qualify for emergency services or other programs. If you are working, AHCCCS may subtract work expenses from your income when deciding eligibility [1].
You must report any changes in your income, work, or health to SSA and AHCCCS. If you get too much money by mistake, you may have to pay it back. To avoid overpayments, report changes as soon as possible. Ask for help from a Work Incentive Consultant if you are not sure what to report [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
You can get free help with work and benefits planning from the Benefits 2 Work Arizona program. Call 866-304-WORK (9675) or visit ability360.org/b2w/.
Yes, if your asthma is severe enough to prevent you from working, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You must meet SSA medical and work rules. Children with severe asthma may also qualify for benefits if their condition meets SSA rules [5].
You can apply for AHCCCS online at azccares.gov or at your local office. You will need proof of income, residency, and disability. There are no monthly premiums if you qualify [1].
Work incentives help you keep benefits while working. Examples include Expedited Reinstatement, Impairment Related Work Expenses, and the Trial Work Period. You can get free help with work incentives from the Benefits 2 Work Arizona program [2][3].
Yes, you can work and keep disability benefits for asthma. Work incentives let you earn more without losing benefits. You may also get back on cash benefits if you need to without reapplying [2][3].
The gross monthly income limit for AHCCCS is $1,305 for an individual and $1,763 for an applicant and spouse (as of 02/01/2025). If you are working, AHCCCS may subtract work expenses from your income when deciding eligibility [1].
You can get free help from the Benefits 2 Work Arizona program or a Work Incentive Consultant. They can help you understand work incentives, disability benefit programs, and how work affects your benefits [2][6].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Yes, children with severe asthma may qualify for SSI or SSDI if their condition meets SSA rules. Children who get benefits as minors may continue to get benefits if they have a qualifying disability at age 18 [5].
SSI is for people with asthma who have low income and resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is for people with asthma who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs have medical and work rules [internal_link: SSI vs SSDI].
Yes, if you are not a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, you may still be eligible for emergency services through AHCCCS. Emergency services include hospital care for asthma attacks [1].
If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. Ask for help from a Work Incentive Consultant or legal aid. You have 60 days to file an appeal after you get the denial letter [1][5].
