If arthritis affects your ability to work, you may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), health coverage (Medicaid), and state supports in New Mexico. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, state-specific programs, ABLE accounts, work rules, and where to get help.
To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a severe arthritis (or other medical) condition that prevents work for at least 12 months and have enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 earned in the last 10 years)[1][6]. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) has strict income and resource limits and does not require work credits[6]. Both programs require you to be unable to do “substantial gainful activity”—in 2025, that means earning under $1,620/month if not blind[5][7]. Your doctor must document your arthritis severity, treatment, and how it affects daily activities and work. See <a href='/guides/ssi-ssdi'>SSI vs SSDI</a> for a full comparison.
In New Mexico, you may also qualify for Medicaid if you get SSI or meet low-income guidelines. The state offers extra help during federal benefit gaps, such as temporary food assistance if SNAP is interrupted[2]. New Mexico has not published arthritis-specific state disability programs, but if you are a state or local employee, check NM’s disability policy for possible short-term aid[8]. For Medicaid, if you lose SSI eligibility because your SSDI benefit is just above the SSI limit, you may get a brief Medicaid extension to reapply under another category[3]. For children and young adults with arthritis, the Children’s Medical Services program may help with coordinated care[3].
Start early—arthritis cases often need detailed medical proof. Apply for SSDI/SSI at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. For Medicaid, apply online at mybenefitsnm.com. If you need food help, check your SNAP EBT card for state emergency benefits[2]. For help, contact a New Mexico disability attorney or local Legal Aid. Keep copies of all medical records and work history.
1. Gather your documents: Collect medical records, doctor’s notes, lab results, and a list of medications and treatments for your arthritis. Include work history and tax information if applying for SSDI. 2. Apply for SSDI/SSI: Complete the online application at ssa.gov or visit your local Social Security office. Clearly describe how arthritis limits your daily activities and ability to work. 3. Follow up: Social Security may send you for a consultative exam. Respond quickly to all requests. 4. Appeal if denied: Many arthritis claims are denied at first. You can appeal—consider getting help from a NM benefits attorney[1]. 5. Apply for Medicaid: If you qualify for SSI, you’ll usually get Medicaid automatically. Otherwise, apply separately at mybenefitsnm.com. 6. Explore state supports: Check for temporary food assistance during federal aid gaps[2], and look into Medicaid waivers and the Children’s Medical Services program if you’re under 21[3]. 7. Report changes: If your income or health changes, report it promptly to avoid overpayment issues (<a href='/guides/overpayments-and-reporting'>Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes</a>).
SSDI provides monthly cash benefits if you have enough work credits and a severe arthritis condition that prevents work. SSI offers cash help if you have low income/resources, regardless of work history. Both come with Medicare (SSDI) or Medicaid (SSI) after a waiting period. See <a href='/guides/ssi-ssdi'>SSI vs SSDI</a>. SNAP (food stamps) helps low-income households, including people with disabilities, but federal SNAP can change due to budget issues—New Mexico may step in during gaps[2].
New Mexico Medicaid covers doctor visits, prescriptions, and therapies for eligible residents with arthritis. If you qualify for SSI, you usually get Medicaid automatically. If not, apply separately—Medicaid has higher income limits in NM than SSI. The state may provide extra SNAP-like food benefits during federal interruptions[2]. State and local government employees may access short-term disability benefits, but these are not specific to arthritis[8]. For children and adults with developmental disabilities, including some with severe arthritis, the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver program offers community-based services instead of institutional care[4]. If you lose SSI due to an SSDI benefit just above the limit, NM may extend Medicaid for 2 months so you can reapply under another category[3]. Children and young adults with chronic conditions like arthritis may access the Children’s Medical Services program for coordinated care[3].
You can open a New Mexico ABLE account to save money for disability-related expenses while preserving eligibility for SSI and Medicaid. The account doesn’t count toward resource limits. See <a href='/guides/able-accounts'>ABLE Accounts</a> for details.
In 2025, SSDI recipients can earn up to $1,620/month (non-blind) before benefits are affected; SSI is much stricter—income and resources both matter[5][7]. Medicaid has higher income limits than SSI. Always report income changes to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments (<a href='/guides/overpayments-and-reporting'>Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes</a>).
If you get too much SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid due to unreported income or changes, you may have to repay the overpayment. Always report medical improvements, income changes, or new resources right away. See <a href='/guides/overpayments-and-reporting'>Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes</a> for tips.
If the federal SNAP program is interrupted, New Mexico may add emergency food benefits to your EBT card. Check your card balance and watch for state announcements if you’re a SNAP household with a disability[2].
Arthritis disability claims need detailed doctors’ notes, test results, and treatment records. Keep your medical documentation organized and up-to-date for a stronger application.
Yes, if your arthritis is severe enough to prevent work for at least 12 months and you have enough work credits. You’ll need strong medical proof of your limitations and treatment[1][6].
In 2025, SSDI allows up to $1,620/month for non-blind individuals; SSI is much stricter and counts most income and resources[5][7]. Check the SSA site for the latest numbers.
New Mexico does not have a program just for arthritis. Focus on SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and—if you’re eligible—the state’s Children’s Medical Services or DD Waiver programs[3][4].
Appealing is common. Get help from a New Mexico disability attorney or legal aid group. You may need more medical evidence showing arthritis prevents work[1].
Maybe. Apply separately—Medicaid income limits are higher than SSI. If you lose SSI because SSDI is just above the limit, NM may extend Medicaid for two months so you can reapply[3].
Children’s Medical Services helps kids under 21 with chronic conditions, including arthritis, get coordinated care in their community[3].
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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Apply online at mybenefitsnm.com or at a local New Mexico Human Services Department office. If you get SSI, you’ll usually get Medicaid automatically[3].
ABLE accounts let you save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI or Medicaid. Money can be used for disability-related expenses. Learn more under <a href='/guides/able-accounts'>ABLE Accounts</a>.
