Where to file your disability claim in Arizona

You file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through the Social Security Administration, not through the state of Arizona. You can start your claim online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security field office in your city.

Arizona has 24 Social Security field offices across the state. The largest are in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, and Scottsdale, but there is usually one within 30 minutes of where you live. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Social Security website. If you go in person, bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency.

Filing online is the fastest route if you have a computer and internet access. The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes and you can save your progress and come back to it. You will need your Social Security number, birth date, and information about your medical condition and work history.

Key Takeaways

  • You file through the federal Social Security Administration, not Arizona, either online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local field office.
  • The Social Security Administration will ask for medical records from your doctors, so gather the names and phone numbers of all providers who have treated your condition.
  • SSDI is based on your work history and the taxes you paid into Social Security; SSI is based on income and assets and has no work requirement.
  • Processing takes three to six months on average, but can take longer if the Social Security Administration needs more medical information or if you appeal a denial.
  • Arizona does not run its own disability program, but the state does administer Medicaid, which may cover medical costs while your claim is being reviewed.

What documents you need before you start

Gather these documents before you file, whether you are filing online, by phone, or in person. The Social Security Administration will ask for them during your claim, and having them ready speeds up the process.

You will need your Social Security card, birth certificate, and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (a passport, naturalization papers, or a green card). You will also need your most recent tax return or W-2 forms to show your work history and earnings. If you are filing for SSI instead of SSDI, you will need to show your current income and assets, including bank statements and proof of rent or mortgage payments.

Most important: get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of every doctor, hospital, or mental health provider who has treated your condition. The Social Security Administration will contact them directly to request your medical records. If you have seen many providers, write down the dates you saw each one and what condition you were treated for. This helps the Social Security Administration find the right records quickly.

SSDI versus SSI: which program you may be filing for

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work history. You must have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes to be found disabled. The amount you receive each month depends on how much you earned while working. There is no limit on how much money or assets you can have. You can work part-time and still receive SSDI, as long as your earnings stay below a certain amount (in 2024, that amount is $1,550 per month, but this changes yearly).

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is based on financial need, not work history. You can have no more than $2,000 in assets (or $3,000 if you are married) and your monthly income must be below a certain level. SSI pays a federal amount each month, and Arizona adds a small state supplement. You cannot work and receive SSI — any earnings above $65 per month will reduce your payment.

If you have worked and paid Social Security taxes, you will file for SSDI. If you have not worked enough, or if you are under 22 and disabled since childhood, you will file for SSI. You can file for both at the same time, and the Social Security Administration will determine which one you are found disabled for.

What happens after you file

After you submit your claim, the Social Security Administration sends it to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Arizona. This office reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets the Social Security Administration's definition of disability. You will not hear from DDS directly — all communication comes through the Social Security Administration.

The Social Security Administration will contact your doctors and ask them to send your medical records. This usually takes two to four weeks. If the Social Security Administration needs more information, it may ask you to see a doctor for an examination at no cost to you, or it may ask you to send additional records yourself.

You should expect a decision within three to six months. If you are found disabled, you will receive a letter saying when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you are denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal. You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal.

What to do while you wait for a decision

If you cannot work while your claim is being reviewed, you may be able to get help from Arizona programs while you wait. Arizona Medicaid covers medical care for people with low income, and you can explore for it separately from your disability claim. Some people are found disabled for Medicaid before they are found disabled for cash benefits, so explore for Medicaid does not hurt your SSDI or SSI claim.

If you have a child under 18 who depends on you, you may be able to receive Temporary information for Needy Families (TANF) through the Arizona Department of Child Safety. TANF provides a small monthly payment and helps with childcare costs while you are unable to work.

Keep copies of everything you send to the Social Security Administration. If you file online, print or save your confirmation page. If you file by phone or in person, ask for a receipt or confirmation number. Write down the date you filed and the name of the person who helped you. These records help if you need to appeal or if there is a question about what you submitted.

If your claim is denied

A denial does not mean you cannot receive benefits — it means the Social Security Administration did not find enough medical evidence that your condition is disabling. Many people are denied the first time and approved on appeal.

You have three ways to appeal: reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, or further appeal. Most people skip reconsideration (which has a low approval rate) and go straight to requesting a hearing. To request a hearing, you must file within 60 days of the denial letter. You can request a hearing by mail, phone, or in person at your local Social Security office.

At a hearing, you can bring a representative — a lawyer, a non-lawyer advocate, or a family member — to speak on your behalf. Many disability lawyers work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your back pay if you win, and charge nothing if you lose. You can find a lawyer through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives or by asking your local legal aid office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for disability in Arizona if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have a valid green card or are a refugee or asylee. You must have legal residency status and a Social Security number. Undocumented immigrants cannot receive SSDI or SSI, but may be able to receive emergency Medicaid for medical care.

What if I am still working but cannot work full-time?

You can file for SSDI while working part-time. Your earnings must stay below the monthly limit (currently $1,550 in 2024) to keep receiving benefits. The Social Security Administration calls this the "substantial gainful activity" limit, and it changes each year.

How long does it take to hear back after I file?

Most decisions come within three to six months, but it can take longer if the Social Security Administration needs more medical records or if you have to appeal. If you request a hearing, add another three to twelve months depending on how busy the hearing office is.

Do I need a lawyer to file for disability?

No, you can file on your own. A lawyer is most useful if your claim is denied and you are appealing. Many disability lawyers work for free unless you win, taking a percentage of your back pay as their fee.

What if my condition gets worse while I am waiting for a decision?

Tell the Social Security Administration when ready. Send new medical records or a letter from your doctor describing the change. The Social Security Administration will add this information to your file, and it may speed up your decision or help if you appeal a denial.