If you have a mobility impairment in Arizona, you may qualify for federal and state benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), AHCCCS (Arizona’s Medicaid), ABLE accounts, and home- and community-based waiver services. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and ways to protect your income and health coverage.
To qualify for SSI, you must have a disability (including mobility impairment) that prevents you from working, have limited income and resources, and meet U.S. citizenship or legal residency requirements. For SSDI, you must have worked enough years and paid Social Security taxes, then become disabled according to Social Security rules[2][4].
SSI is for people with low income and few assets, regardless of work history. SSDI is for workers who have paid into Social Security and now have a qualifying disability. Federal rules require that your condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[2][4]. Families (including disabled adult children) may qualify for benefits based on a parent’s work record if the disability began before age 22[4].
The Social Security Administration has strict definitions of disability and detailed rules about work credits for SSDI. Age, work history, and the timing of your disability all impact eligibility[2][4].
In Arizona, AHCCCS (Medicaid) covers people with disabilities, including mobility impairment, if they meet income limits and either receive SSI or SSDI, or are found disabled through Arizona’s Disability Determination Services Administration (DDSA)[1]. You must be an Arizona resident, U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, and have (or apply for) a Social Security number[1].
Income limits for AHCCCS are strict and updated annually. As of February 2025, a single person with a disability can have up to $1,305 in gross monthly income; couples may qualify with up to $1,763 per month. If you work, certain work expenses may be deducted from your income when determining eligibility[1].
If you do not qualify for SSI/SSDI but still have a low income and a recognized disability, you may be eligible for AHCCCS under the ‘new adult’ category—check income limits and rules each year as they can change[1]. Arizona also has Medicaid waivers (Home and Community-Based Services, HCBS) that provide extra supports for people with physical disabilities, helping them live independently instead of in nursing homes.
If you think you may be eligible for SSI, SSDI, or Arizona Medicaid (AHCCCS) due to mobility impairment:
Step-by-Step Application for Arizona Mobility Impairment Benefits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly cash payments to adults and children with disabilities who have limited income and resources. In Arizona, a single person can get up to $967 per month (2025)[3]. SSI also helps you qualify for AHCCCS automatically.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays benefits to workers who have paid Social Security taxes and are now unable to work due to a disability. The amount depends on your past earnings. After receiving SSDI for 24 months, you qualify for Medicare[2][4].
Disabled Adult Child (DAC) Benefits are for adults disabled before age 22 who are unmarried and have a parent receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits. The adult child does not need their own work history, but their own earnings must be below Social Security’s substantial gainful activity (SGA) level[4].
ABLE Accounts let people with disabilities save up to $18,000 per year (2025) without affecting SSI or AHCCCS eligibility. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses. See our ABLE Accounts guide for details.
AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid) provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible residents with disabilities, including mobility impairment[1]. Covered services include doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, medical equipment, physical therapy, and more. There are no monthly premiums for most beneficiaries, but copays may apply for some services.
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) in Arizona offer additional supports for people with physical disabilities to live independently. These waivers can pay for personal care attendants, home modifications, adaptive equipment, and other services not usually covered by standard Medicaid.
Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) is a special Medicaid program for people who need a nursing home level of care but want to stay at home. It includes care coordination and in-home services.
Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) offers free benefits counseling to help you understand how work affects your SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. Call 1-866-304-WORK or visit DB101 Arizona for tools and expert help[3][5].
ABLE accounts are special savings accounts for people with disabilities. In Arizona, you can open an ABLE account if your disability began before age 26. Money saved in ABLE accounts does not count against SSI or AHCCCS resource limits. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, including housing, transportation, health care, and more.
SSI: For 2025, a single person can get up to $967/month if they meet income and asset limits[3]. Couples receive up to $1,415/month. Countable income and resources must be below these amounts.
AHCCCS: As of February 2025, a single applicant with a disability can have up to $1,305/month in gross income before taxes; couples may qualify with up to $1,763/month. If you work, AHCCCS may subtract certain work expenses from your income when determining eligibility[1].
If Social Security or AHCCCS pays you too much by mistake, you may have to pay it back (an overpayment). Always report changes in income, assets, living situation, or medical condition as soon as possible. Use our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for detailed steps.
You may be able to work part-time or even full-time and keep some or all of your Arizona disability benefits. Special rules and programs—like SSI work incentives, AHCCCS work expense deductions, and Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)—help you increase your income without losing health care or cash assistance. Contact an Arizona Work Incentive Consultant at 1-866-304-WORK for free, expert help[3][5].
SSI is for people with disabilities and low income/resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is for workers who paid Social Security taxes, became disabled, and earned enough work credits. Both can help you qualify for AHCCCS in Arizona, but the rules and payment amounts are different. See our SSI vs SSDI guide for details.
Yes, special rules let you earn some money without losing benefits. Programs like SSI work incentives and AHCCCS work expense deductions may apply. Contact an Arizona Work Incentive Consultant at 1-866-304-WORK for personalized advice[3][5].
Apply online at Health-e-Arizona Plus, by phone at 1-855-432-7587, or by mailing a paper application. You’ll need proof of income, Arizona residency, citizenship/immigration status, Social Security number, and medical records showing your disability[1].
AHCCCS covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, medical equipment, physical and occupational therapy, and more. Medicaid waivers (HCBS) add services like personal care, home modifications, and transportation for eligible members.
You can appeal the decision. Request a written explanation, gather more medical evidence, and consider getting help from a legal aid or benefits counselor. If you miss the deadline, you may need to start over.
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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ABLE accounts let you save up to $18,000/year (2025) without losing SSI or Medicaid. Funds can pay for many disability-related costs. See our ABLE Accounts guide for more on opening and using an ABLE account in Arizona.
Yes, Arizona’s DB101 and WIPA programs offer free benefits counseling and work incentives planning. Call 1-866-304-WORK to connect with an expert[3][5].
Medicaid waivers (HCBS) help people with disabilities get services at home instead of in a nursing home. You must meet functional and financial criteria. Ask AHCCCS or your case manager for details, and see our Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) guide for more.
Report changes in income, living situation, or health as soon as they happen to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits. Use our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for step-by-step help.
If your child is unmarried, age 18+, and became disabled before age 22, they may qualify for Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits on your Social Security record—even if you’re retired or disabled. Their own earnings must be below Social Security’s substantial gainful activity limit[4].
