How to Apply for Disability Benefits in Arizona

Disability benefits in Arizona SSDI vs. SSI: What’s the difference? How to apply for disability in Arizona SSA offices in Arizona Do I need a disability lawyer in Arizona? How much does disability pay in Arizona? Get help applying for benefits in Arizona Frequently asked questions about benefits in Arizona Resources > Arizona disability benefits Arizona disability benefits How to Apply for Disability Benefits in Arizona Written by Jackie Jakab Lead Attorney Published May 28, 2024 Updated May 29, 2024 2 min read Why trust us? Compass Disability offers free, high-quality disability advice for Americans who can't work. Our team of Stanford and Harvard-trained lawyers has a combined 15+ years of legal experience and has helped over 50,000 Americans apply for disability benefits.

Why trust us? If you haven’t worked for over 12 months due to a medical illness or injury, you might qualify for the Social Security Administration’s benefit programs. More than 150,000 Arizonians receive federal disability benefits and healthcare coverage.

We’ll walk you through how to apply for disability benefits in Arizona and the difference between the SSA’s two benefit programs.

Disability benefits in Arizona

Although Arizona does not offer state-sponsored disability benefits, you can still receive financial support from the Social Security Administration’s two federal disability benefits programs : Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You can also apply for private disability insurance and veterans disability benefits.

SSDI vs. SSI: What’s the difference?

Through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), beneficiaries receive monthly disability and healthcare coverage. In some cases, you can qualify and apply to both SSDI and SSI, but each program has its own application and set of requirements. Here are some key differences:

Type of program: SSI is a needs-based program for those with disabilities and people over 65. SSDI awards those who regularly paid their taxes during their working years.
Monthly payments: Monthly SSDI payment amounts depend on how much you’ve earned and paid in taxes. To calculate your SSI monthly checks, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers your current income and assets.
Documents: SSDI requires your medical and tax information to determine eligibility. For SSI, you will have to submit housing and medical information, as well as proof of current income and assets.
Work background: People who have worked for at least 5 of the last 10 years can apply for SSDI. This is not a requirement to qualify for SSI.

How to apply for disability in Arizona

There are three ways to apply and submit your Social Security disability application in Arizona:

Apply online: File your Social Security disability application directly on the SSA website and submit it electronically.
Apply via phone: Call the SSA at (800) 772-1213 or dial your local SSA office. Unsure about where to call? Our directory lists 14 offices in Arizona with phone and fax numbers.
Apply in person: Visit your local SSA office to apply. Applying in person lets you ask an SSA claims representative for specific instructions about your application. If you need advice on how to answer questions to increase your chances of winning your case, it’s best to contact a disability lawyer.

SSA offices in Arizona

Arizona currently has 14 SSA offices to help you apply for disability benefits. You can call them or speak directly with a representative in person. Here are a few locations to get started:

Apache Junction

253 W Superstition Blvd

Apache Junction, AZ 85120