Intellectual Disability Benefits in Arizona

To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must meet Social Security’s definition of disability. For SSI, you need low income and limited resources. For SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Children with disabilities may qualify for benefits based on a parent’s record. Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may also qualify for benefits on a parent’s record if the parent is retired, disabled, or deceased [4].

• SSI: Must have low income and resources, be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, and meet the disability definition.
• SSDI: Must have enough work credits and meet the disability definition.
• Disabled Adult Child (DAC): Must be unmarried, age 18+, have a qualifying disability that began before age 22, and meet the adult disability definition [4].

In Arizona, people with intellectual disability may qualify for AHCCCS (Medicaid) if they are residents, U.S. citizens or qualified immigrants, have a Social Security number, and meet the income limit. AHCCCS has no monthly premiums for those who qualify. You must also be determined blind or disabled by the Disability Determination Services Administration (DDSA) or receive Social Security disability benefits [1].

• Income limits: $1,305/month for one person, $1,763/month for an applicant and spouse (as of 02/01/2025) [1].
• If you work, AHCCCS may subtract work expenses from your income.
• If your income is above the limit, you may qualify for other AHCCCS categories.
• Emergency services may be available if you are not a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant [1].

• Check if you meet federal and state eligibility rules.
• Gather documents: ID, proof of income, Social Security number, disability determination.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or in person at Social Security.
• Apply for AHCCCS online or by phone.
• Contact a Work Incentive Consultant for help with work and benefits [2].

• Review eligibility for SSI, SSDI, and AHCCCS.
• Collect required documents: proof of identity, income, disability, and residency.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI:
  • Online at ssa.gov
  • By phone at 1-800-772-1213
  • In person at a local Social Security office
• Apply for AHCCCS:
  • Online at azhealthcare.gov
  • By phone at 1-855-432-7587
• If you work, ask about work incentives and how they affect your benefits.
• Contact a Work Incentive Consultant for personalized help: 1-866-304-WORK (9675) [2].
• Report any changes in income, work, or disability status to avoid overpayments [2].

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with low income and resources.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Disabled Adult Child (DAC): Benefits for adults with a disability that began before age 22, based on a parent’s record.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people who get SSDI after 24 months.
• Medicaid: Health insurance for people with low income and disability (AHCCCS in Arizona) [4].

• AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System): Medicaid for people with disabilities. No monthly premiums if you qualify. Covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and more [1].
• Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration (AZRSA): Vocational rehabilitation and employment support for people with disabilities [2].
• Ticket to Work: Employment support program for people with disabilities [2].
• Work Incentive Consultants: Free expert help with work and benefits planning [2].
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Home and Community-Based Services for people with disabilities who need long-term care [1].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for education, housing, transportation, and other qualified expenses. Arizona residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s program [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].

| Program | Income Limit (Monthly, 2025) | |---------|-----------------------------| | SSI | $943 (individual), $1,415 (couple) | | AHCCCS | $1,305 (individual), $1,763 (couple) |

• SSI limits are federal; AHCCCS limits are state-specific.
• Work expenses may be subtracted from income for AHCCCS eligibility [1].

You must report changes in income, work, or disability status to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to loss of benefits or repayment. Report changes to Social Security and AHCCCS as soon as possible. For help, see our guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].

• Arizona AHCCCS
  Phone: 1-855-432-7587

  Website

  For AHCCCS eligibility and application questions.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and disability benefits questions.
• Arizona Work Incentive Consultant
  Phone: 1-866-304-WORK (9675)

  Website

  For work and benefits planning help.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI in Arizona?

  SSI is for people with low income and resources, while SSDI is for those who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs help people with disabilities. SSI is needs-based, SSDI is work-based. Arizona residents with intellectual disability may qualify for either or both [4].

• How do I apply for AHCCCS with an intellectual disability?

  You can apply for AHCCCS online at azhealthcare.gov or by phone at 1-855-432-7587. You must be an Arizona resident, U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, have a Social Security number, and meet the income limit. No monthly premiums if you qualify [1].

• Can I work and still get disability benefits in Arizona?

  Yes, Arizona offers work incentives that let you keep benefits while working. These include continued SSDI payments during vocational rehab, and AHCCCS may subtract work expenses from your income. Talk to a Work Incentive Consultant for help [2].

• What are Medicaid waivers in Arizona?

  Medicaid waivers (HCBS) let people with disabilities get long-term care at home or in the community instead of institutions. Arizona offers several waivers for people with intellectual disability. These programs help with daily living, employment, and support services [1].

• How do I get help with work and benefits planning in Arizona?

  Arizona Work Incentive Consultants offer free expert help with work and benefits planning. Call 1-866-304-WORK (9675) or visit az.db101.org for more info. They can help you understand work incentives and make a financial plan [2].