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Arizona • Neurological/Developmental
People in Arizona with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, as well as state programs such as AHCCCS health insurance. Eligibility depends on medical evidence, work history, and income. There are special work incentives and support services to help with employment and financial planning.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with a Traumatic Brain Injury, you must meet Social Security's definition of disability. This means your injury must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at your medical records, work history, and how your injury affects your daily life. You may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if you have enough work credits, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you have limited income and resources. Both programs require a formal application and medical review [1].
In Arizona, people with a Traumatic Brain Injury may also qualify for AHCCCS health insurance if they meet income and disability requirements. To be eligible, you must be an Arizona resident, a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, have a Social Security number, and receive Social Security disability benefits or be determined disabled by the Disability Determination Services Administration (DDSA). The gross monthly income limit for a single person is $1,305 as of February 2025. If your income is higher, you may still qualify for other AHCCCS categories. AHCCCS provides no-cost health coverage for eligible individuals with disabilities [2].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Arizona, you can open an ABLE account through the federal ABLE program. The account can be used for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits, but the funds do not count as income for SSI or Medicaid [4].
| Program | 2025 Gross Monthly Income Limit (Single) | |---|---| | AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid) | $1,305 | | SSI (Federal) | $943 | | SSDI (Federal) | No strict limit, but earnings above SGA may affect benefits |
SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) limit for 2025 is expected to be around $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning above SGA may affect SSDI benefits [1][5].
It is important to report any changes in your income, work, or health to the Social Security Administration and AHCCCS. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. If you receive an overpayment notice, contact the agency right away to discuss repayment options [5].
Call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 for free counseling on disability benefits and work incentives.
Use the Arizona Disability Benefits 101 website to learn how work affects your benefits and plan your financial future.
Yes, if your Traumatic Brain Injury is severe enough to prevent you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You must also meet income and resource limits for SSI.
As of February 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 categories.
You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide medical records and proof of income.
Yes, there are work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. The SGA limit for 2025 is expected to be around $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. Earning above SGA may affect SSDI benefits.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. The funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation.
People with TBI in Arizona may qualify for AHCCCS health insurance if they meet income and disability requirements. AHCCCS provides no-cost health coverage for eligible individuals with disabilities.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes paid. SSI is based on financial need and is for people with limited income and resources. Both programs provide monthly payments to people with disabilities.
You can report changes in income, work, or health to the Social Security Administration and AHCCCS online, by phone, or in person. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments.
Yes, veterans with TBI may qualify for additional benefits through the VA and state programs. Contact the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services for more information.
A Medicaid waiver provides extra support services for people with disabilities who need help to live in the community. Services may include personal care, respite care, and home modifications.
