Where to Start Your process in Arizona

To explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Arizona, you must contact Social Security directly — not the state. Arizona does not run its own disability program. Social Security handles all federal disability claims, whether you live in Phoenix, Tucson, or anywhere else in the state.

You have three ways to start: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or in person at a local Social Security office. The online option is fastest if you have a Social Security number and can complete the form without interruption. Phone and in-person appointments let you ask questions as you go, which many people find helpful if this is your first time.

Arizona has 15 Social Security field offices. The largest are in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Chandler. You can find your nearest office and its hours on ssa.gov by entering your ZIP code. Walk-ins are accepted, but calling ahead for an appointment usually means shorter wait times.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore directly to Social Security, not to Arizona state government, using ssa.gov, 1-800-772-1213, or your local field office.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical records from doctors who have treated your condition, and proof of work history (W-2s or tax returns).
  • The initial decision typically takes three to five months; if denied, you can request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter.
  • Arizona has a Disability information Services office in Phoenix that makes the medical decision on your case after Social Security collects your records.
  • If you are working, you may still be able to work part-time while receiving benefits under work incentive rules that allow some earnings.

Documents You Need Before You explore

Gather these documents before you contact Social Security. Having them ready speeds up the process and reduces the chance you will be asked to resubmit something later.

Identity and work history: Your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or state ID). You will also need W-2 forms or tax returns from the past year to show your work history. If you are self-employed, bring business tax returns for the past two years.

Medical records: Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all doctors, hospitals, and mental health providers who have treated you for your condition. Dates of treatment matter — Social Security will contact them directly to request records. If you have already collected your own medical records, bring those too; it can speed things up. Include test results, imaging reports, and any letters from doctors describing your limitations.

Bank account information: If you are approved, Social Security will deposit your payment by direct deposit. You will need your bank's routing number and your account number, or you can provide this information later.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

After you submit your process, Social Security sends it to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Phoenix. This office is staffed by state employees who work under Social Security's rules. They review your medical records and make the medical decision about whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability.

The DDS office will contact your doctors to request records if you have not provided them. This step usually takes four to eight weeks. If records are missing or unclear, DDS may ask you to see a doctor for a consultative examination at no cost to you — Social Security pays for it. You will receive a letter telling you where and when to go.

Once DDS has all the information, they make a decision and send it to your local Social Security office, which mails you a letter. The entire process from process to initial decision typically takes three to five months, though it can be faster or slower depending on how quickly your doctors respond and how complex your case is.

Understanding the Medical Standards Social Security Uses

Social Security has a specific definition of disability: you must have a condition that prevents you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. This is stricter than many people expect. Having a diagnosis alone is not enough — Social Security looks at what you can actually do despite your condition.

Social Security publishes a list called the Blue Book that describes conditions that automatically meet the disability standard if your medical records show you have that condition at a certain severity level. Conditions on the list include cancer, heart disease, diabetes with complications, severe arthritis, and many others. If your condition is on the list and your records match the description, approval is more likely.

If your condition is not on the list, or if your records do not match the description exactly, DDS will evaluate your case individually. They look at your age, education, work history, and what you can physically and mentally do — called your "residual functional capacity." A 58-year-old with a high school education and a back injury may be found disabled even if a 35-year-old with the same injury would not be, because the older person has fewer job options.

What to Do If Your process Is Denied

About 70 percent of initial applications are denied. A denial does not mean you cannot receive benefits — it means DDS decided your condition does not meet the standard based on the records they reviewed. You have the right to challenge the decision.

You must request reconsideration within 60 days of the date on your denial letter. This is a new review by a different examiner at DDS. You can submit new medical records, new statements from your doctors, or additional information about how your condition affects your daily life. Many people hire a disability representative or attorney at this stage because they know what evidence DDS is likely to find persuasive.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This hearing is held in Arizona, usually in Phoenix or Tucson, and can be done in person or by video. The ALJ will review all your records and may ask you questions about your work history and daily activities. Hearings typically happen 12 to 18 months after you request one. At a hearing, having a representative who knows disability law significantly improves your chances.

Work Incentives That Let You Earn While Receiving Benefits

If you are approved for SSDI, you can work and still receive benefits under rules called work incentives. This is important if you want to test whether you can return to work without losing your entire benefit.

The most common work incentive is the Trial Work Period, which lasts nine months. During this time, you can earn any amount and still receive your full SSDI benefit. Social Security counts only months in which you earn over $1,090 (in 2024; this amount changes yearly) toward your nine-month limit. After the Trial Work Period ends, you enter the Extended may be able to access Period, which lasts 36 months. During this time, you receive a benefit check only in months when your earnings fall below a certain amount.

If you are on SSI instead of SSDI, the rules are different and stricter. You can earn $65 per month plus half of earnings above that before your benefit is reduced. Work incentives for SSI are more limited, but they exist. Ask your local Social Security office about the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) program, which lets you set aside income and resources for a work goal.

Getting Help With Your process in Arizona

You can represent yourself, but many people find it helpful to have someone information them. Social Security allows three types of representatives: attorneys, non-attorney practitioners (called "accredited representatives"), and non-profit organizations.

Attorneys and accredited representatives charge a fee only if you are approved — typically 25 percent of your back pay, up to a maximum of $6,000. They cannot charge you anything if you are denied. Non-profit organizations in Arizona, such as the Arizona Disability Advocacy Partnership and the Community Legal Services office in Phoenix, may offer free or low-cost help. You can find accredited representatives and organizations on Social Security's website under "Find Legal Representation."

If you cannot afford a representative, you can still ask Social Security for a "non-representative" — a friend or family member who can attend appointments with you and help you gather documents. They cannot charge you and do not need to be accredited, but they also cannot represent you at a hearing before an ALJ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore online in Arizona, or do I have to go to an office?

You can explore entirely online at ssa.gov without visiting an office. The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also explore by phone or in person if you prefer to speak with someone. All three methods lead to the same process and timeline.

How much will I receive if I am approved?

SSDI payments are based on your work history and earnings record, so the amount varies by person. SSI payments are based on financial need and are the same for everyone in Arizona (currently $943 per month for an individual, though this changes yearly). Your local Social Security office can estimate your payment amount before you explore.

What if I am still working when I explore?

You can explore while working. Social Security will look at your earnings to decide whether you are doing substantial work. If you earn over $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security will usually assume you are working and may deny your claim. If you earn less, they will look at the type of work and whether your condition limits what you can do.

How long does the whole process take from process to approval?

The initial decision usually takes three to five months. If you are denied and request reconsideration, add another two to three months. If you request a hearing, add 12 to 18 months. The total time from process to approval at a hearing can be two to three years.

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

You can submit new medical records and ask DDS to consider them as part of your current process. You do not need to start over. If you are already receiving benefits and your condition worsens, you can report the change to Social Security, and they will review your case.