Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Benefits in Arizona

• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. ADHD must be severe enough to meet Social Security’s definition of disability.
• For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must meet Social Security’s criteria. Children with ADHD may qualify if their condition severely limits daily activities.
• Social Security uses a strict definition of disability. ADHD must cause marked and severe functional limitations in areas like school, work, or social interactions.
• Adults with ADHD that began before age 22 may be eligible for Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits if a parent is receiving Social Security benefits or is deceased.
• Working while disabled is possible, but earnings must stay below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, SGA is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals.

Source: ssa.gov (accessed 2025-11-05)

• In Arizona, people with ADHD may qualify for AHCCCS (Medicaid) if they meet income and disability requirements. AHCCCS provides health coverage with no monthly premiums for eligible individuals.
• To qualify for AHCCCS, you must be an Arizona resident, a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, have a Social Security number, and meet income limits. For a single person, the gross monthly income limit is $1,305 as of February 2025.
• Arizona’s Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) provides services for people with developmental disabilities, but ADHD is not always included. Eligibility depends on the severity and impact of the disability.
• State programs may have waiting lists or limited services due to budget shortfalls. Recent cuts have affected services for children with disabilities.
• Work incentives are available to help people with disabilities in Arizona keep their benefits while working.

Source: azahcccs.gov (accessed 2025-11-05), abc15.com (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Check if you meet federal eligibility for SSI or SSDI.
• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply online at ssa.gov or visit a local Social Security office.
• For AHCCCS, apply online at azahcccs.gov or in person.
• Contact Ability360 for work incentives and support.
• Report any changes to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Review eligibility for SSI or SSDI at ssa.gov. ADHD must severely limit daily activities.
• Step 2: Gather required documents: medical records, proof of income, Social Security number, and proof of Arizona residency.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.
• Step 4: For AHCCCS (Medicaid), apply online at azahcccs.gov, by phone, or in person. You may need to provide proof of disability and income.
• Step 5: If you are working or planning to work, contact Ability360’s Benefits 2 Work program for work incentives and support.
• Step 6: Report any changes in income, work status, or living situation to Social Security and AHCCCS to avoid overpayments.
• Step 7: Keep copies of all applications and correspondence for your records.
• Step 8: Follow up with agencies if you do not receive a response within a few weeks.

Source: ssa.gov (accessed 2025-11-05), azahcccs.gov (accessed 2025-11-05), ability360.org (accessed 2025-11-05)

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with limited income and resources who have a qualifying disability.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly cash payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and have a qualifying disability.
• Medicaid (AHCCCS in Arizona): Health coverage for low-income individuals with disabilities.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people who receive SSDI for 24 months.
• Work Incentives: Programs that help people with disabilities keep benefits while working.

Source: ssa.gov (accessed 2025-11-05)

• AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System): Medicaid program for low-income Arizona residents with disabilities. Provides health coverage with no monthly premiums.
• Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD): Provides services for people with developmental disabilities. ADHD may qualify if severe.
• Benefits 2 Work Arizona (B2W): Work incentives and support for people with disabilities who want to work.
• Arizona Disability Benefits 101: Online tool for learning about benefits and work.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.

Source: azahcccs.gov (accessed 2025-11-05), ability360.org (accessed 2025-11-05), az.db101.org (accessed 2025-11-05)

• ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid.
• In Arizona, ABLE accounts are available through the state’s ABLE program.
• Contributions are limited to $18,000 per year (2025 limit).
• Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses.

Source: az.db101.org (accessed 2025-11-05)

• For AHCCCS, the gross monthly income limit for a single person is $1,305 as of February 2025.
• For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025.
• Working while disabled is possible, but earnings must stay below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit of $1,620 per month (2025).

Source: azahcccs.gov (accessed 2025-11-05), ssa.gov (accessed 2025-11-05)

• You must report changes in income, work status, or living situation to Social Security and AHCCCS.
• Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties.
• If you receive an overpayment, you may be able to request a waiver or set up a repayment plan.

Source: ssa.gov (accessed 2025-11-05), azahcccs.gov (accessed 2025-11-05)

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  Apply for SSI, SSDI, and work incentives.
• Arizona AHCCCS
  Phone: 1-855-432-7587

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid and health coverage.
• Ability360 Benefits 2 Work
  Phone: 602-443-0720

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  Work incentives and support for people with disabilities.

• Can ADHD qualify for disability benefits in Arizona?

  Yes, ADHD can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits daily activities and meets Social Security’s definition of disability. Children and adults may qualify depending on the severity and impact.

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Arizona?

  Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov or in person. For AHCCCS, apply online at azahcccs.gov. Gather medical records and proof of income before applying.

• What is AHCCCS and how do I qualify?

  AHCCCS is Arizona’s Medicaid program. To qualify, you must be an Arizona resident, have a disability, and meet income limits. There are no monthly premiums for eligible individuals.

• Are there work incentives for people with ADHD in Arizona?

  Yes, Arizona offers work incentives through the Benefits 2 Work program. These incentives help people with disabilities keep benefits while working.

• What is an ABLE account and how do I get one?

  An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can open one through Arizona’s ABLE program. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses.

• Do I need to report changes to my benefits?

  Yes, you must report changes in income, work status, or living situation to Social Security and AHCCCS. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties.

• Can children with ADHD get disability benefits in Arizona?