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Arizona • Chronic Illness
People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Arizona may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state programs such as AHCCCS (Medicaid). Eligibility depends on medical evidence, income, and work history. This guide explains how to apply, what benefits are available, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses strict criteria to decide if your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is severe enough. You must provide medical records, doctor statements, and sometimes undergo a consultative exam. For SSDI, you need enough work credits. For SSI, your income and resources must be low. Both programs require you to meet SSA’s definition of disability.
If your condition started before age 22 and a parent receives Social Security benefits, you may qualify as a Disabled Adult Child (DAC) on their record.
Source: SSA.gov - How to Qualify for Disability Benefits (2025-11-05)
In Arizona, people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may qualify for AHCCCS (Medicaid) if they meet income limits and are determined disabled by the Disability Determination Services Administration (DDSA) or receive Social Security disability benefits. The gross monthly income limit for a single person is $1,305 as of February 2025. If your income is higher, you may still qualify for other AHCCCS categories.
Arizona also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can help with in-home care, respite, and more. These waivers have separate eligibility and waiting lists.
To qualify for state benefits, you must be an Arizona resident, a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, and have a Social Security number or be applying for one.
Source: AHCCCS - Health Insurance for Disabled Individuals (2025-11-05), DB101 Arizona - SSI Basics (2025-11-05)
Source: SSA.gov - How to Apply for Disability (2025-11-05), AHCCCS - How to Apply (2025-11-05)
Source: SSA.gov - Disability Benefits (2025-11-05)
Source: AHCCCS - Health Insurance for Disabled Individuals (2025-11-05), DB101 Arizona - ABLE Accounts (2025-11-05)
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Arizona offers the AZ ABLE program. You can save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) and use funds for qualified disability expenses. Contributions are not tax-deductible, but earnings grow tax-free.
Source: DB101 Arizona - ABLE Accounts (2025-11-05)
| Program | 2025 Monthly Limit (Single) | |---------|-----------------------------| | SSI | $967 | | AHCCCS (Medicaid) | $1,305 | | SSDI SGA (non-blind) | $1,620 | | SSDI SGA (blind) | $2,700 |
SGA = Substantial Gainful Activity. Earning above SGA may affect SSDI benefits.
Source: DB101 Arizona - SSI Basics (2025-11-05), SSA.gov - Disability Work Limits (2025-11-05)
You must report changes in income, work, or health to SSA and AHCCCS. Failing to report can lead to overpayments and penalties. If you get an overpayment, you may have to repay it, but you can request a waiver if it wasn’t your fault. Always keep records of your reports and payments.
Source: SSA.gov - Reporting Changes (2025-11-05), AHCCCS - Reporting Changes (2025-11-05)
Contact an Arizona Work Incentive Consultant at 1-866-304-WORK (9675) for free, expert help with disability benefits and work planning.
Yes, if your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is severe enough to prevent you from working and meets SSA’s definition of disability. You’ll need medical evidence and may need to undergo a consultative exam.
For SSI, the monthly limit is $967 for individuals. For SSDI, you can earn up to $1,620/month (2025 SGA limit) without losing benefits. AHCCCS has a gross monthly limit of $1,305 for a single person.
No, you do not need to be working to get SSI or SSDI. SSDI requires past work credits, but SSI is for those with low income and resources, regardless of work history.
Yes, if you get SSI or SSDI, you may qualify for AHCCCS (Medicaid) in Arizona. AHCCCS provides health insurance with no monthly premiums for eligible people with disabilities.
Gather medical records, apply for SSI/SSDI online or in person, and apply for AHCCCS if needed. You may also apply for Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts for extra support.
Yes, Arizona offers work incentives like PASS (Plan to Achieve Self-Support) and expert help from Work Incentive Consultants. These programs help you work without losing benefits.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
The process can take several months. SSA reviews your application, may request more information, and sometimes requires a consultative exam. AHCCCS applications are usually processed faster.
You must report income changes to SSA and AHCCCS. Earning above certain limits may reduce or stop your benefits, but work incentives can help you keep some benefits.
Yes, you can get free help from Arizona Work Incentive Consultants. They can answer questions about work, benefits, and how to apply.
SSI is for people with low income and resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is based on your work credits. Both provide monthly payments, but eligibility rules differ.
