Arizona • Chronic Illness

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Benefits in Arizona

If you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Arizona, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) Medicaid. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.

COPD can qualify for federal disability benefits if it meets SSA criteria.
Arizona offers AHCCCS Medicaid for people with disabilities, including COPD.
You may also qualify for work incentives and support programs.
Income limits and work history affect eligibility.
Expert help is available for applying and planning benefits.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-05

Open a Purple account

Eligibility

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a qualifying disability and enough work credits. For most adults, this means 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began [4].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. You must meet SSA’s definition of disability and income/resource limits [4].
The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability as a condition that prevents you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death [4].
Children with disabilities may qualify for benefits if their parent is receiving Social Security or if they meet SSI criteria [4].

In Arizona, people with disabilities—including COPD—may qualify for AHCCCS (Medicaid) if they meet income and residency requirements [1].
To qualify, you must be an Arizona resident, a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, have a Social Security number, and meet income limits [1].
As of February 2025, the gross monthly income limit is $1,305 for a single person and $1,763 for a couple [1].
You must also be determined blind or disabled by the Disability Determination Services Administration (DDSA) or receive Social Security disability benefits [1].
If your income is above these limits, you may still qualify for other AHCCCS categories [1].

How to apply in Arizona

Check if you meet federal and Arizona eligibility rules.
Gather medical records and proof of income.
Apply for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or at a Social Security office.
Apply for AHCCCS online or by phone.
Contact a Work Incentive Consultant for help with benefits and work planning [5].

Step 1: Review eligibility for SSDI, SSI, and AHCCCS. Make sure your COPD meets SSA’s disability criteria and you meet income and residency rules [1][4].
Step 2: Collect medical records, proof of income, and identification.
Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI:
- Online: ssa.gov/applyfordisability
- By phone: 1-800-772-1213
- In person: Visit your local Social Security office
Step 4: Apply for AHCCCS:
- Online: azhealthcare.gov
- By phone: 1-855-432-7587
Step 5: If you have questions or need help, contact a Work Incentive Consultant at 1-866-304-WORK (9675) or visit az.db101.org [5].
Step 6: Report any changes in income, work, or health to avoid overpayments [1][4].

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash benefits for people with disabilities who have a qualifying work history [4].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash benefits for people with disabilities and limited income/resources [4].
Medicare: Health coverage for people who receive SSDI after a 24-month waiting period [4].
Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and resource limits [4].

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS): Medicaid for people with disabilities, including COPD. No monthly premiums for those who qualify [1].
AHCCCS covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and more [1].
Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA): Free counseling to help people with disabilities plan for work and keep benefits [2].
Arizona Disability Benefits 101: Online tools and expert help for planning benefits and work [5].
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Services to help people with disabilities live independently in the community [1].

Money & Banking

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. Arizona residents can open an ABLE account to pay for qualified disability expenses [internal_links].

As of February 2025, the gross monthly income limit for AHCCCS is $1,305 for a single person and $1,763 for a couple [1].
SSDI and SSI have their own income and resource limits. Check ssa.gov for current amounts [4].

Report any changes in income, work, or health to avoid overpayments. This includes starting or stopping work, changes in living situation, or changes in benefits [1][4].
If you get an overpayment, contact the agency to set up a repayment plan [1][4].

Tips & Gotchas

Need Help Applying?

Contact a Work Incentive Consultant at 1-866-304-WORK (9675) for free help with benefits and work planning [5].

Contacts

AHCCCS Customer Service
Phone: 1-855-432-7587
Website
For questions about AHCCCS eligibility and enrollment.
Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Website
For questions about SSDI and SSI benefits.
Benefits 2 Work Arizona (B2W)
Phone: 602-443-0720 or 866-304-WORK (9675)
Email: [email protected]
Website
Free work incentives counseling for people with disabilities.

FAQs

Can I get disability benefits for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Arizona?
Yes, if your COPD meets Social Security’s disability criteria and you meet income and residency rules, you may qualify for SSDI, SSI, or AHCCCS Medicaid in Arizona [1][4].
What are the income limits for disability benefits in Arizona?
As of February 2025, the gross monthly income limit for AHCCCS is $1,305 for a single person and $1,763 for a couple. SSDI and SSI have their own limits [1][4].
How do I apply for disability benefits in Arizona?
Apply for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or in person. Apply for AHCCCS online or by phone. Contact a Work Incentive Consultant for help [1][4][5].
What medical records do I need for a disability application?
You need medical records that show your COPD diagnosis, treatment, and how it affects your ability to work. Include doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment history [4].
Can I work while getting disability benefits in Arizona?
Yes, Social Security has work incentives that let you try work without losing benefits. AHCCCS may also subtract work expenses from your income [2][4].
What is AHCCCS and how does it help people with COPD?
AHCCCS is Arizona’s Medicaid program. It covers health care for people with disabilities, including COPD, with no monthly premiums for those who qualify [1].

Official resources

AHCCCS Disability Eligibility(state_agency)
Social Security Disability Benefits(federal)
Apply for SSDI/SSI(federal)
Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA)(federal)

Related Purple guides

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.

Ready to get started with Purple?