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Arizona • Chronic Illness
If you have cancer in Arizona, you may qualify for federal and state benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and work incentives. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and key changes for 2025.
To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for cancer, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security, have a disability that stops you from working for at least 12 months, and meet the work credit rule (usually 20 credits in the last 10 years) [4].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, including those with cancer who can’t work. SSI does not require work credits. Both programs use the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability, which includes many cancers that are severe or expected to last at least 12 months [4].
If you are a child with cancer, you may qualify for benefits on a parent’s record if the disability started before age 22 and you are unmarried [4].
In Arizona, people with cancer may qualify for AHCCCS (Medicaid) if they are disabled, meet income limits, and are residents and U.S. citizens or qualified immigrants [2]. The gross monthly income limit for a single person is $1,305 as of February 2025 [2].
Arizona also offers work incentives through the Benefits 2 Work (B2W) program, which helps people with disabilities, including cancer, keep Medicaid and Medicare while working [3].
If you are blind or have a disability, you may qualify for AHCCCS with no monthly premiums [2]. Work expenses may be subtracted from your income for eligibility [2].
ABLE accounts let people with cancer save money for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $18,000 per year in 2025. Funds can be used for housing, education, health, and more [3].
| Program | 2025 Gross Monthly Income Limit (Single) | |---|---| | AHCCCS (Medicaid) | $1,305 | | SSI (Federal) | $943 | | SSDI (SGA limit) | $1,620 | | SSDI (Blind) | $2,700 |
SGA = Substantial Gainful Activity. Exceeding SGA may affect SSDI benefits [1][4].
Report any changes in income, work, or health to SSA and AHCCCS. Not reporting can cause overpayments and penalties. Use the SSA online portal or call to report changes [4].
Contact the Benefits 2 Work Arizona program for free help with disability benefits and work incentives [3].
SSDI benefits will increase by 2.5% in 2025 due to cost-of-living adjustment [1].
Yes, if your cancer stops you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You must meet federal and state rules [4].
In 2025, you can earn up to $1,620 per month without losing SSDI benefits. If you are blind, the limit is $2,700 [4].
Yes, AHCCCS covers cancer treatment for people with disabilities who meet income limits. There are no monthly premiums for eligible people [2].
Yes, work incentives let you keep benefits while working. You can keep Medicaid and Medicare, and get back on cash benefits if needed [3].
Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local office. You will need medical records and work history [4].
The gross monthly income limit for a single person is $1,305 as of February 2025 [2].
Yes, the Benefits 2 Work Arizona program offers free help with work incentives and benefits planning for people with cancer [3].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Yes, report any changes to avoid overpayments and penalties. Use the SSA online portal or call to report changes [4].
Yes, ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits [3].
If your cancer goes into remission and you can work, you may lose SSDI/SSI. Report changes to SSA to avoid overpayments [4].
