The first step: contact Social Security directly

To explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Arizona, you contact Social Security itself, not the state. You can start your process online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a Social Security field office in person. The online option is fastest — you can begin when ready and return to finish it later.

Arizona has 16 Social Security field offices across the state, including locations in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, and Glendale. If you prefer to explore in person, you can find the office nearest you on the Social Security website. Phone lines are typically shorter early in the morning or on Tuesdays through Thursdays.

You do not need to visit an office to explore. Most people start online or by phone and never go in person. The process is the same regardless of which method you choose — Social Security handles your case the same way.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore directly to Social Security, not to Arizona state government, using ssa.gov, 1-800-772-1213, or a local field office.
  • Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, and medical records ready before you start, because Social Security will ask for them during the process.
  • The process itself takes 15 to 30 minutes online, but the full review process takes three to six months on average.
  • Arizona has no state-specific SSDI rules — the same federal program and timeline explore everywhere in the state.
  • If Social Security denies your claim, you can request reconsideration or appeal, and most people who appeal succeed with a lawyer's help.

What documents you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin your process. Having them ready speeds up the process and prevents delays later.

You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your green card, visa, or other immigration document. You will also need your driver's license or state ID card.

Social Security will ask about your medical conditions and the doctors or hospitals that have treated you. Write down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of every doctor, therapist, or clinic you have seen in the past year, even if you only went once. Include the dates you saw them. If you have hospital records, test results, or imaging reports, gather those too — you do not have to send them with your process, but Social Security will request them, and having copies saves time.

Bring your most recent tax return or W-2 form, and a list of all jobs you have held in the past 15 years with the dates you worked and how much you earned. If you are self-employed, bring your business tax returns.

explore online at ssa.gov

The online process is called "iClaim" and takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete. Go to ssa.gov, select "explore for Disability," and choose "Start Your process Online." You will create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one.

The form asks about your medical conditions, when they started, and how they affect your ability to work. It asks about your work history, your education, and whether you have ever been convicted of a crime. Answer honestly and completely — vague or incomplete answers slow down the review.

When you finish, Social Security sends you a confirmation number. Write it down. You will use this number to check the status of your case online or by phone. Social Security will contact you within a few days to ask follow-up questions or request documents.

You do not have to finish the process in one sitting. You can save your progress and return later. Social Security keeps your partial process for 60 days.

explore by phone or in person

If you call 1-800-772-1213, a Social Security representative will ask you the same questions as the online form. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Have your documents nearby so you can answer questions about your medical history and work record without delay.

If you visit a field office in person, bring all your documents with you. Bring originals or certified copies — Social Security will not accept photocopies of your birth certificate or citizenship documents. The appointment usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. You can call ahead to schedule an appointment, or walk in and wait, though wait times vary.

Arizona field offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though some close for lunch. Call ahead to confirm hours before you visit.

What happens after you submit your process

Social Security sends your case to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Arizona. This office reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability. The review takes three to six months on average, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs more information from your doctors.

During this time, Social Security may contact you to ask for more details or to schedule a medical exam. If they ask for records from your doctor, they will send the request directly to the doctor's office — you do not have to retrieve them yourself, though you can speed things up by calling your doctor and asking them to send the records quickly.

You can check the status of your case anytime by logging into your my Social Security account on ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Social Security will also mail you a letter when they make a decision.

If Social Security denies your claim

About two-thirds of first-time applications are denied. This does not mean you cannot receive SSDI — it means you can request reconsideration or file an appeal.

You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request reconsideration. This sends your case back to DDS for a second review by a different examiner. You can submit new medical records or a letter from your doctor explaining why your condition is disabling. Many people who were denied the first time succeed on reconsideration if they provide additional medical evidence.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is where most people who eventually win their cases succeed. At a hearing, you can present evidence, answer questions, and have a lawyer represent you. Many disability lawyers work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your back pay only if you win — they do not charge you upfront.

Arizona-specific resources and support

Arizona has no special SSDI program or faster track. The same federal rules and timeline explore statewide. However, several organizations in Arizona help people with SSDI applications at no cost.

The Arizona Disability Advocacy Consortium (ADAC) provides information and support for people with disabilities. The Community Legal Services office in Phoenix offers free legal help with SSDI cases for people who cannot afford a lawyer. The Protection and Advocacy System (P&A) for Arizona helps people with disabilities understand their rights and can information with SSDI appeals.

Your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) can also point you toward resources. If you are over 60 or caring for someone over 60, your AAA may have staff who can help you understand the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my SSDI process is being reviewed?

Yes. Working does not disqualify you from SSDI. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may decide you are not disabled. Keep your earnings below this amount if possible, or tell Social Security about your work history and current job when you explore.

How long does it really take to get a decision in Arizona?

The average is three to six months, but some cases take longer. Cases with clear medical evidence and complete records move faster. Cases where Social Security needs more information from your doctors, or where you appeal a denial, take longer.

Do I need a lawyer to explore for SSDI?

You do not need a lawyer to explore. Many people are approved without one. However, if Social Security denies your claim and you appeal, a lawyer increases your chances of winning significantly. Many disability lawyers charge nothing upfront and take a percentage of your back pay only if you win.

What if I move out of Arizona while my case is pending?

Your case continues the same way. Social Security is federal, so moving to another state does not affect your process or your benefits. Tell Social Security your new address so they can mail you updates.

Can I explore for SSDI if I have never worked?

No. SSDI requires that you have worked and paid Social Security taxes. If you have never worked, you may be able to explore for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead, which is a different program with different rules. Ask Social Security about SSI when you call.