Heart Disease Benefits in Arizona

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need to have worked and paid Social Security taxes, and have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and be aged, blind, or disabled. Heart disease may qualify if it meets the Social Security Administration’s criteria for severity and duration. The SSA reviews your medical records and work history to decide eligibility. You can check the SSA’s Blue Book for specific heart disease listings.

• SSDI: Requires 40 work credits, 20 earned in the last 10 years.
• SSI: No work history needed; income and asset limits apply.
• Both programs require a doctor’s diagnosis and proof that your condition limits your ability to work.

Source: SSA Disability Qualifications (accessed 2025-11-05)

In Arizona, people with heart disease may qualify for Medicaid if they meet income and disability requirements. The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) covers medical care for people who are blind or disabled, including those with heart disease. To qualify, you must be an Arizona resident, a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, have a Social Security number, and meet the income limits. For 2025, the gross monthly income limit for a single person is $1,305. If your income is higher, you may still qualify for other AHCCCS programs.

Arizona also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can help with long-term care needs. These waivers may cover services like home health aides, medical equipment, and transportation to medical appointments. Eligibility for waivers depends on your medical needs and income.

Source: AHCCCS Disability Eligibility (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Check if you meet federal SSI/SSDI eligibility.
• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or visit a local Social Security office.
• For Medicaid, apply through AHCCCS.gov or by phone.
• Use Arizona’s Disability Benefits 101 tool for help.
• Contact Ability360 for free benefits counseling.

• Step 1: Review the SSA’s disability criteria for heart disease. Make sure your condition meets the requirements.
• Step 2: Collect your medical records, including doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment history.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You can also apply for both at the same time.
• Step 4: For Medicaid, apply through the AHCCCS website or by calling 1-855-432-7587. You’ll need to provide proof of income, residency, and disability.
• Step 5: If you need help, contact Ability360’s Benefits 2 Work program for free counseling. They can help you understand work incentives and how to keep your benefits if you work.
• Step 6: Use the Disability Benefits 101 Arizona tool to plan your benefits and work goals.
• Step 7: Keep records of all applications and communications. Report any changes in your income or health to avoid overpayments.

Source: SSA Apply for Disability (accessed 2025-11-05) Source: AHCCCS Apply for Medicaid (accessed 2025-11-05) Source: Disability Benefits 101 Arizona (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash payments for people with limited income and resources.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people who get SSDI after 24 months.
• Medicaid: Health insurance for people with low income and disabilities (can be combined with SSDI/SSI in some cases).
• Work Incentives: Programs that help you keep benefits while you work, such as continued Medicaid or Medicare coverage.

Source: SSA Disability Programs (accessed 2025-11-05)

• AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid): Health insurance for people with disabilities, including heart disease. No monthly premiums for those who qualify.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Programs that provide home and community-based services for people with long-term care needs. Services may include home health aides, medical equipment, and transportation.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. Funds can be used for qualified expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
• Benefits 2 Work Arizona: Free counseling and support for people with disabilities who want to work. Helps you understand work incentives and how to keep your benefits.

Source: AHCCCS Disability Programs (accessed 2025-11-05) Source: Arizona ABLE Accounts (accessed 2025-11-05) Source: Benefits 2 Work Arizona (accessed 2025-11-05)

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Arizona, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. Funds can be used for medical care, education, housing, and other disability-related costs. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits, and earnings grow tax-free.

Source: Arizona ABLE Accounts (accessed 2025-11-05)

| Program | 2025 Gross Monthly Income Limit (Single) | |---------|----------------------------------------| | SSI | $943 (federal) + possible state supplement | | AHCCCS | $1,305 |

Income limits may be higher for couples or people with dependents. Some work expenses may be subtracted from your income for Medicaid eligibility.

Source: AHCCCS Income Limits (accessed 2025-11-05)

If your income or health changes, you must report it to Social Security and AHCCCS. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. Keep records of all changes and report them as soon as possible. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person.

Source: SSA Reporting Changes (accessed 2025-11-05) Source: AHCCCS Reporting Changes (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Ability360 Benefits 2 Work
  Phone: 602-443-0720

  Email: B2W@ability360.org

  Website

  Free benefits counseling for people with disabilities in Arizona.
• AHCCCS Customer Service
  Phone: 1-855-432-7587

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid and get help with eligibility questions.

• Can heart disease qualify for disability benefits in Arizona?

  Yes, heart disease can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work. You must meet the Social Security Administration’s medical criteria and provide proof from your doctor.

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Arizona?

  You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. For Medicaid, apply through AHCCCS.gov or by calling 1-855-432-7587. Use Arizona’s Disability Benefits 101 tool for help.

• What is the income limit for disability benefits in Arizona?

  For SSI, the federal limit is $943 per month for a single person in 2025. For AHCCCS, the limit is $1,305 per month. Some work expenses may be subtracted from your income for Medicaid eligibility.

• Can I work while getting disability benefits in Arizona?

  Yes, there are work incentives that let you keep benefits while you work. You can earn a certain amount before benefits are reduced. Contact Ability360 for free counseling on work incentives.

• What is a Medicaid waiver in Arizona?

  A Medicaid waiver is a program that provides home and community-based services for people with long-term care needs. Services may include home health aides, medical equipment, and transportation.

• How do I keep my benefits if my income changes?

  Report any changes in your income or health to Social Security and AHCCCS as soon as possible. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay.