People who are hard of hearing in Arizona may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), AHCCCS (Medicaid), and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and important changes for 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require that your disability meets the Social Security Administration’s definition, which includes being unable to do substantial work due to a medical condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least one year or result in death[1].
For children, benefits may continue if they have a qualifying disability and are under age 18, or up to age 19 if still in high school. Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may be eligible for benefits based on a parent’s Social Security record if the parent is retired, disabled, or deceased[1].
In Arizona, people who are hard of hearing may qualify for AHCCCS (Medicaid) if they are residents, U.S. citizens or qualified immigrants, have a Social Security number, and meet income limits. For 2025, the gross monthly income limit is $1,305 for a single applicant and $1,763 for an applicant and spouse[2]. You must also be determined blind or disabled by the Disability Determination Services Administration (DDSA) or receive Social Security disability benefits[2].
Arizona also offers work incentives through programs like Benefits 2 Work (B2W), which helps people with disabilities understand how working affects their benefits and how to keep health coverage while earning income[3]. These incentives can help you keep Medicare or Medicaid even if you start working.
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. Arizona offers ABLE accounts through the Arizona ABLE Program. Contributions are tax-free, and funds can be used for qualified disability expenses[5].
| Program | 2025 Gross Monthly Income Limit | |---------|----------------------------------| | AHCCCS (Single) | $1,305 | | AHCCCS (Applicant + Spouse) | $1,763 | | SSI (Federal) | $943 (individual), $1,415 (couple) | | SSDI SGA Limit | $1,620 (non-blind), $2,700 (blind) |
SGA = Substantial Gainful Activity. Exceeding this limit may affect SSDI benefits[1][4].
It is important to report any changes in income, work status, or health to the Social Security Administration and AHCCCS. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. Keep records of all communications and changes[4].
Contact Benefits 2 Work Arizona for free help with work incentives and benefit planning. Call 866-304-WORK (9675) or visit their website[3].
Work incentives can help you keep your benefits and health coverage while earning income. Learn more at Arizona Disability Benefits 101[5].
Yes, if your hearing loss is severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability, you may qualify for SSDI. You must also have enough work credits[1].
For 2025, the gross monthly income limit for AHCCCS is $1,305 for a single applicant and $1,763 for an applicant and spouse[2].
Yes, there are work incentives that allow you to work and keep your benefits. The Social Security Administration has rules like the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals in 2025[1][4].
No, you do not need to be blind. Hard of hearing individuals may qualify if their hearing loss is severe enough to prevent substantial work and meets the SSA’s definition of disability[1].
You can apply for AHCCCS online at HealthCare.gov or through the AHCCCS website. You must meet income and residency requirements and be determined disabled by DDSA or receive Social Security disability benefits[2].
The SGA limit for 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Exceeding this limit may affect your SSDI benefits[1][4].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Yes, there are work incentives that allow you to keep Medicaid while working. Programs like Benefits 2 Work Arizona can help you understand how working affects your benefits[3].
An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. Arizona offers ABLE accounts through the Arizona ABLE Program[5].
Report changes in income, work status, or health to the Social Security Administration and AHCCCS. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay[4].
Yes, children with hearing loss may qualify for SSI if they meet the SSA’s definition of disability and their family meets income requirements. Benefits may continue if the child is under age 18 or up to age 19 if still in high school[1].
