Arizona • Chronic Illness

Kidney Disease Benefits in Arizona

People with kidney disease in Arizona may qualify for federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.

Kidney disease can qualify for SSI and SSDI if it meets Social Security's criteria.
Arizona offers Medicaid for people with disabilities, including kidney disease.
Work incentives help you keep benefits while working.
Apply through Social Security and AHCCCS for full coverage.
Arizona has programs to help with employment and financial planning.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-05

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Eligibility

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes, and your kidney disease must prevent you from working for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. You generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began [^1].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Your kidney disease must meet Social Security's definition of disability, and your income and assets must be below the federal limits [^1].
Social Security considers kidney disease a qualifying disability if it meets the criteria in their Blue Book, such as chronic kidney disease with specific lab results or the need for dialysis or transplant [^1].
Both SSDI and SSI can provide cash benefits and access to Medicare or Medicaid [^1].

In Arizona, people with kidney disease may qualify for AHCCCS (Arizona's Medicaid program) if they meet income and disability requirements. There are no monthly premiums for eligible individuals [^2].
To qualify for AHCCCS, 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 is $1,305 for a single person and $1,763 for a couple [^2].
If you receive SSDI or SSI, you may automatically qualify for AHCCCS. If not, you can apply directly through the AHCCCS website or by phone [^2].
Arizona also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with daily living needs for people with kidney disease [^2].
Work incentives are available to help you keep your benefits while working, including support from Ability360 and Disability Benefits 101 Arizona [^3][^5].

How to apply in Arizona

Check if you meet the federal and state eligibility requirements for SSI, SSDI, and AHCCCS.
Gather your medical records, proof of income, and identification.
Apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
Apply for AHCCCS online at azahcccs.gov or by phone.
Contact Ability360 or Disability Benefits 101 Arizona for help with work incentives and benefit planning.

Step 1: Review Eligibility
- For SSDI: Make sure you have enough work credits and your kidney disease meets Social Security's disability criteria [^1].
- For SSI: Check that your income and resources are below the federal limits [^1].
- For AHCCCS: Confirm you meet Arizona's residency, citizenship, and income requirements [^2].
Step 2: Gather Documents
- Medical records showing your kidney disease diagnosis and treatment.
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns).
- Proof of Arizona residency (utility bill, lease).
- Social Security number and identification.
Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI
- Go to ssa.gov and create an account.
- Fill out the online application or call 1-800-772-1213 to apply by phone.
- Submit all required documents.
Step 4: Apply for AHCCCS
- Go to azahcccs.gov and click on "Apply for Coverage."
- Fill out the online application or call 1-855-432-7587 for help.
- Submit all required documents.
Step 5: Get Help with Work Incentives
- Contact Ability360 at 602-443-0720 or 866-304-WORK (9675) for work incentives planning.
- Visit Disability Benefits 101 Arizona at az.db101.org for online tools and expert help.
Step 6: Follow Up
- Keep copies of all applications and correspondence.
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly cash benefits to people who worked and paid Social Security taxes before their disability. Benefits are based on your work history and earnings [^1].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly cash benefits to people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Benefits are based on financial need [^1].
Medicare: Most people with kidney disease who receive SSDI qualify for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period. People on dialysis may qualify sooner [^1].
Medicaid: If you receive SSI or have low income, you may qualify for Medicaid, which covers medical costs [^1].

AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System): Arizona's Medicaid program provides health insurance to people with disabilities, including kidney disease. There are no monthly premiums for eligible individuals. AHCCCS covers a wide range of medical services, including dialysis and transplant care [^2].
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Arizona offers waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with daily living needs for people with kidney disease. These waivers may cover personal care, transportation, and other supports [^2].
Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA): Ability360 provides free counseling to help people with disabilities understand how work affects their benefits. This includes help with SSDI, SSI, Medicare, and Medicaid [^3].
Disability Benefits 101 Arizona: An online tool that helps you plan for work and understand how benefits and employment go together. You can get expert help from a Work Incentive Consultant by calling 1-866-304-WORK (9675) [^5].

Money & Banking

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses, such as medical care, education, and housing [^6].
To open an ABLE account in Arizona, visit the ABLE National Resource Center or contact your local ABLE program. The maximum annual contribution is $18,000 in 2025 [^6].

For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Arizona's AHCCCS income limit is $1,305 per month for a single person and $1,763 for a couple [^2].
If you work, Social Security may subtract work expenses from your income when determining eligibility. This can help you keep more of your benefits [^4].

It is important to report any changes in your income, health, or living situation to Social Security and AHCCCS. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties [^4].
If you receive an overpayment, contact Social Security or AHCCCS to set up a repayment plan. You may be able to request a waiver if the overpayment was not your fault [^4].

Tips & Gotchas

Need Help Applying?

Contact Ability360 at 602-443-0720 or 866-304-WORK (9675) for free help with disability benefits and work incentives.

Contacts

Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm
Website
Apply for SSDI or SSI.
AHCCCS Customer Service
Phone: 1-855-432-7587
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
Website
Apply for AHCCCS or get help with coverage.
Ability360
Phone: 602-443-0720
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
Website
Work incentives counseling and benefit planning.

FAQs

Can I get disability benefits for kidney disease in Arizona?
Yes, if your kidney disease meets Social Security's disability criteria and you meet the income and resource requirements for SSI or SSDI. You may also qualify for AHCCCS if you have low income.
How do I apply for disability benefits in Arizona?
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. For AHCCCS, apply online at azahcccs.gov or by phone.
What is the income limit for disability benefits in Arizona?
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual. For AHCCCS, the limit is $1,305 per month for a single person.
Can I work while receiving disability benefits in Arizona?
Yes, Social Security has work incentives that allow you to keep your benefits while working. Ability360 and Disability Benefits 101 Arizona can help you understand how work affects your benefits.
What medical services are covered by AHCCCS for kidney disease?
AHCCCS covers a wide range of medical services for kidney disease, including dialysis, transplant care, medications, and doctor visits.
How do I get help with work incentives in Arizona?
Contact Ability360 at 602-443-0720 or 866-304-WORK (9675) for free counseling on work incentives. You can also visit Disability Benefits 101 Arizona at az.db101.org.

Official resources

Social Security Disability Eligibility(federal)
AHCCCS Health Insurance for Disabled(state_agency)
AHCCCS Application(state_agency)

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

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