Eligibility Requirements for SSDI in Arizona

To qualify for SSDI benefits in Arizona, you must meet several criteria:

• Work History: You need to have worked and paid into Social Security for a sufficient number of years. Typically, you need to have 40 work credits, with at least 20 of those credits earned in the last 10 years before your disability started. Younger workers may qualify with fewer work credits.
• Severe Medical Condition: Your medical condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. The SSA maintains a Listing of Impairments, which includes conditions that are presumed to be disabling if they meet the criteria.
• Not Engaged in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): If you are currently working and earning above a certain threshold, the SSA will consider you not disabled. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,470 per month for non-blind applicants and $2,460 for blind applicants.

Steps to Qualify for SSDI in Arizona

Step 1: Meet the Work History Requirements

Before you can qualify for SSDI, you must meet the SSA’s work history requirements. The amount of work required depends on your age when you become disabled. For example, younger workers may need fewer work credits, but older workers typically need more. You can check your work credits by creating an online account with the SSA or reviewing your Social Security Statement.

Step 2: Prove Your Disability

You must provide medical evidence that supports your disability claim. This includes records from doctors, hospitals, and any specialists you've seen. The more detailed your medical documentation, the better your chances of approval. Conditions that are severe enough to meet the SSA’s definition of disability may include heart disease, cancer, neurological disorders, or mental health conditions.

Step 3: Apply for SSDI Benefits

Once you know you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for SSDI benefits. In Arizona, you can apply online through the SSA’s website, by phone, or by visiting your local SSA office. Make sure to provide accurate and complete information on your application to avoid delays.

Step 4: Follow the SSA’s Five-Step Process

The SSA evaluates disability claims through a five-step process:

• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): Are you working and earning above the SGA limit?
• Severe Impairment: Is your condition severe enough to interfere with your ability to work?
• Listed Impairment: Does your condition match one of the impairments on the SSA’s Listing of Impairments?
• Past Work: Can you perform any of your previous jobs despite your condition?
• Other Work: Can you perform any other kind of work based on your skills, education, and experience?

Providing thorough medical evidence and documentation is crucial at each step.

Step 5: Appeal If Denied

It’s common for SSDI claims to be denied, even if you meet the eligibility requirements. If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision. The first level of appeal is reconsideration, followed by a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), where you can present additional evidence to strengthen your case.