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Arizona • Chronic Illness
Arizona residents with diabetes who can no longer work because of their condition may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid (AHCCCS), or Arizona Medicaid waivers. This guide explains federal and state eligibility, how to apply for SSI/SSDI and Medicaid, income limits, work incentives, and specialized Arizona resources.
To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked enough years to earn sufficient Social Security credits and have a disability (such as severe complications from diabetes) expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. SSI is for low-income people with disabilities who haven’t earned enough work credits. For SSDI, your work history is key; for SSI, your income and resources are the main factors[4]. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict definition of disability. For diabetes, you must show it causes serious complications (like kidney failure, neuropathy, or vision loss) that prevent any substantial work. A doctor’s reports and medical records are required to prove your case[4]. In 2025, all disability benefits are increasing by 2.5% due to a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)[1].
Arizona provides Medicaid (AHCCCS) coverage to people who qualify as blind or disabled, including those with diabetes, if their monthly income is below set limits (e.g., $1,305 for a single person as of February 2025)[2]. You must be an Arizona resident, a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, and have a Social Security number. If you’re working, AHCCCS may subtract work expenses from your income, and if you’re over the limit, you may still qualify under a different category[2]. Arizona does not have a separate state disability program, but state Medicaid can help cover healthcare costs beyond what Medicare or private insurance provides. The Disability Determination Services Administration (DDSA) is the state agency that decides if you meet the medical criteria for disability in Arizona[2].
If you have diabetes and your health prevents you from working, here’s how to get started: (1) Gather your medical records, work history, and financial documents. (2) Apply online at ssa.gov for SSI/SSDI, or call 1-800-772-1213. (3) Apply for AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid) online at healthearizonaplus.gov or call 1-855-432-7587. (4) For help with work incentives and planning, contact Ability360’s Benefits 2 Work Arizona[3].
Step 1: Gather Documents
Step 2: File Your Federal Application
Step 3: Apply for Arizona Medicaid (AHCCCS)
Step 4: Explore Work Incentives
Step 5: Stay Organized
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly cash benefits if you have a sufficient work history and a disability (like diabetes with severe complications) that prevents work for at least 12 months. Benefits increase with annual COLA adjustments (2.5% in 2025)[1]. Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Offers monthly payments to those with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or aged. SSI recipients in Arizona automatically qualify for Medicaid[4]. Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI payments, covers hospital, medical, and prescription drug needs. Medicaid (for SSI recipients): Automatically covers those who qualify for SSI[4].
AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid): Covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions (including insulin and diabetes supplies), and more for eligible people with disabilities, including diabetes. There are no monthly premiums for those who qualify. Eligibility is based on income, residency, and disability status. You can apply even if you’re working—some work expenses may be deducted from your income[2]. Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Arizona offers several Home and Community-Based Services waivers that may cover additional supports, like in-home care, for people with chronic conditions. Benefits 2 Work Arizona: This program, run by Ability360, offers free consulting on SSI, SSDI, and work incentives to help people with disabilities work without losing all benefits[3]. Arizona DB101: An online resource with tools to plan for work, estimate benefits, and understand the impact of earnings on your healthcare and cash assistance[5]. State-specific information is limited; start with AHCCCS and Arizona DB101 for the most current details.
Arizona residents with disabilities can open an ABLE account to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other public benefits. Earnings in the account grow tax-free, and you can use funds for qualified expenses like medical care, housing, and education.
For SSI, strict income and asset limits apply—only the first $20 of most income and $2,000 in resources (for an individual) are excluded. For AHCCCS, the gross monthly income limit is $1,305 for a single applicant (effective February 2025)[2]. The SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) limit for SSDI is higher—if you earn more than $1,470 per month (non-blind, 2024), your benefits may stop[1]. These limits increase annually.
| Program | Single Person Limit (2025) | Blindness Limit (2025) | |--------------|----------------------------|-------------------------| | AHCCCS | $1,305/month | n/a | | SSI | $943/month (approx.) | n/a | | SSDI (SGA) | $1,470/month (2024) | $2,460/month (2024) |
You must report changes in income, living situation, or health to Social Security and AHCCCS as soon as they happen. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. If you receive too much in benefits, contact the agency immediately to set up a repayment plan. For help, see our guide on [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Arizona’s work incentive programs help you earn income without immediately losing all your benefits. You may be able to keep Medicare or Medicaid while working, and some work expenses are not counted against you. Contact Benefits 2 Work Arizona for free, one-on-one help with your plan[3].
Always report changes in your income, living arrangements, or health status to Social Security and AHCCCS as soon as they happen. Failing to report can mean having to repay benefits you weren’t entitled to—see our [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes] guide for details.
Diabetes alone usually doesn’t qualify you. To get benefits, you must prove your diabetes causes severe complications that prevent you from working for at least 12 months[4].
Yes, with limits. The SGA limit is $1,470/month (non-blind, 2024). Work incentives let you keep some benefits while working. Contact Benefits 2 Work Arizona for personalized planning[1][3].
Yes, AHCCCS covers insulin, test strips, meters, and other diabetes supplies for eligible members[2].
You might still qualify under a different Medicaid category. Report all work expenses, as some are subtracted from your income for eligibility[2].
Follow the instructions in your denial letter. You can appeal online, by phone, or in person. Most disapprovals are at the initial stage; many are won on appeal.
Children under 18 can get benefits if their diabetes is severe and meets Social Security’s definition. Adults disabled before age 22 may qualify as dependents if a parent is deceased or receiving benefits[4].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or benefits counseling. Rules and eligibility can change; always check with official agencies for the most current information.
No, but many people find it helpful, especially if you are denied and need to appeal. Free help is available from Benefits 2 Work Arizona[3].
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security; SSI is for low-income people who have not. See our [SSI vs SSDI] guide for more.
Yes, through an ABLE account, which lets you save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. See our [ABLE Accounts] guide.
SSI/SSDI amounts increase each year with the COLA. In 2025, benefits are rising by 2.5%[1].
