Where to Start Your process in Arizona

To explore for disability in Arizona, you work with Social Security, not the state. The Social Security Administration (SSA) runs both SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) — two separate programs with different rules. Arizona does not have its own disability program that replaces these federal ones, though the state does administer Medicaid for people who receive SSI.

You can start your process three ways: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or in person at your local Social Security office. The online route is fastest if you have a my Social Security account already set up. If you call or visit an office, a representative will walk you through the questions and submit the process for you.

Arizona has Social Security field offices in most cities — Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Glendale, Gilbert, Tempe, Peoria, and smaller towns. You can find the exact address and hours at ssa.gov/locator. Walk-ins are accepted, but calling ahead to schedule an appointment usually means shorter wait times.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore through Social Security (federal), not through Arizona state government, using either the online portal, phone, or a local office visit.
  • SSDI requires a work history and Social Security credits; SSI is for people with little or no work history and limited income or resources.
  • The process itself takes 15 to 30 minutes, but the full decision process takes three to six months on average.
  • You will need your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, medical records, and a list of doctors and hospitals you have visited.
  • If Social Security denies your claim, you can request reconsideration within 60 days, which restarts the review process.

Gathering Documents Before You explore

Social Security will ask for specific documents during your process. Have these ready before you start, whether you are explore online or in person: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or state ID), and your most recent tax return or W-2 if you worked.

You will also need medical evidence. Bring a list of all doctors, hospitals, clinics, and mental health providers you have seen in the past three years, along with the dates you visited them. If you have recent test results, imaging reports, or hospital discharge papers, gather those too. Social Security will request your full medical records directly from your providers, but having this list speeds up the process.

If you are explore for SSI (not SSDI), you will also need to show proof of your current income and resources — bank statements, pay stubs, proof of rent or mortgage, and documentation of any money or property you own. Bring the most recent statements, usually from the past 30 days.

The Online process Process

If you explore online at ssa.gov, you can start, save your progress, and return to finish later. The form asks about your medical condition, work history, family, and living situation. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have your documents in front of you.

After you submit, Social Security sends you a confirmation number and tells you what happens next. You do not hear back when ready — the agency reviews your medical evidence and work history over the following weeks. If Social Security needs more information, they will contact you by mail or phone.

One advantage of the online route: you can upload documents directly into your process. This is optional but speeds things up. You can upload medical records, test results, or anything else that supports your claim. If you do not upload them, Social Security will request them from your doctors.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

Once Social Security receives your process, it goes to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Arizona. This is a state agency that works under contract with Social Security to review disability claims. The DDS office has your process, your medical records, and your work history.

A disability examiner at DDS reviews your case. They look at whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability — a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. This is a strict standard. Social Security does not award benefits for temporary conditions or conditions that do not significantly limit your ability to work.

The review usually takes three to six months, though complex cases take longer. You will receive a decision letter in the mail. If approved, the letter tells you your monthly benefit amount and when payments start. If denied, it explains why and tells you how to request reconsideration.

Understanding SSDI vs. SSI in Arizona

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work history. You must have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes to earn enough "credits" — most people need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the past 10 years. If you meet the work requirement and your condition qualifies, you receive a monthly payment based on your past earnings. Your spouse and children may also receive benefits on your record.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program. You do not need a work history. Instead, you must have limited income (under roughly $943 per month for an individual in 2024, though this amount changes yearly) and limited resources (under $2,000 in countable assets). SSI also requires you to be disabled, blind, or over 65. If you may have access to, you receive a federal payment plus an Arizona state supplement.

Some people may have access to for both programs — this is called "concurrent" benefits. Social Security will determine which programs you are may be able to access for when they review your case. If you are unsure which one applies to you, mention both when you explore; Social Security will sort it out.

If Social Security Denies Your Claim

If your claim is denied, you have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request reconsideration. This is a free second review by a different examiner at the Arizona DDS office. You can request reconsideration online, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office.

When you request reconsideration, submit any new medical evidence you have — recent test results, updated doctor's notes, or records from new providers you have seen since your first process. New evidence often makes the difference. The reconsideration process takes another three to six months.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is a more formal process where you can present your case and question evidence. Many people who were denied twice win at the hearing stage. You have 60 days from the reconsideration denial to request a hearing.

Working With a Representative in Arizona

You can hire a disability representative — a lawyer or non-lawyer advocate — to help you with your claim. They cannot speed up the process, but they can organize your medical evidence, prepare you for a hearing, and handle paperwork. Many representatives work on contingency, meaning they take a fee only if you win — usually 25 percent of your back pay, capped at $6,600.

If you cannot afford a representative, you can ask a trusted friend or family member to be your "representative payee" — someone who helps you manage your benefits. This is different from a legal representative; a payee helps you spend the money, not fight the claim.

Arizona also has free help through Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities (PAPD), a nonprofit that assists people with disabilities. They can answer questions about the process and sometimes help with appeals. You can reach them at 602-274-6287.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my disability claim is being reviewed?

Yes. Working does not disqualify you from SSDI or SSI. However, if you earn more than the monthly limit (roughly $1,550 in 2024 for SSDI, less for SSI), it may affect your benefits. Report any work income to Social Security when you report it.

How much will I receive if I am approved?

SSDI payments are based on your past earnings — the higher you earned, the higher your benefit. SSI payments are a flat federal amount (roughly $943 monthly in 2024) plus an Arizona state supplement. Social Security will tell you the exact amount in your approval letter.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own. A representative is most useful if your claim is denied and you are preparing for a hearing. Many people win their first process without help.

What if I move out of Arizona during my process?

Your process continues. Social Security is federal, so it does not matter which state you live in. Tell Social Security your new address so they can mail you updates and your decision letter.

How do I check the status of my process?

Log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov, or call 1-800-772-1213. You can also visit your local Social Security office. Have your process number or Social Security number ready.