Next Steps

Benefits programs may supply you with resources that can help make your life better.

To learn more about the programs discussed in this article, read DB101’s sections on:

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays cash benefits to people who can’t work, have no other sources of income, and have limited resources. SSI is the most important income support benefit for young people with disabilities.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is financed with Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers, and self-employed persons. SSDI benefits are payable to disabled workers, widows, widowers, and children or adults disabled since childhood who are otherwise eligible.

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) helps pay medical expenses for people with low income.

AHCCCS has more ways to qualify for people with disabilities.

AHCCCS Freedom to Work offers health coverage to people with disabilities who work.

Employer-sponsored health coverage is a benefit for employees and their children and spouses.

HealthCare.gov is the best place to buy individual health coverage.

Nutrition Assistance is a county-run, federal program that helps people with low incomes buy food. The program was formerly known as "Food Stamps."

Cash Assistance is Arizona’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. It helps families work their way out of poverty by giving them money to help pay for basic needs like food, clothing, and rent while also giving them a job support and training program.

Building Assets and Wealth discusses programs that can help you build your savings without risking your disability benefits.

ABLE Accounts are accounts that let you save up to $100,000 in resources and not have them count for SSI.

Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) is a program that helps you save money for a work-related goal while you get SSI benefits.

Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) are savings accounts that help people with low incomes build resources. You can use the money you save for a small business, for higher education, or for the purchase of a first home.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax program that lowers the amount of income tax owed by low- to moderate-income workers and families.

You can apply for SSI, SSDI, DAC, and Child’s Benefits at your local Social Security Office or by calling 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 ( TTY).

There are 3 ways to apply for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Nutrition Assistance, or Cash Assistance:

1. Apply online using Health-e Arizona
2. Download an application, fill it out, and submit it to your local DES/Family Assistance Administration office
3. Get the application at your local DES/Family Assistance Administration office and fill it out there.

To apply for a PASS, contact your local PASS Cadre.

The Arizona Department of Insurance has several guides about health insurance and your rights when you get it.

HealthCare.gov is the best way to find an individual health insurance plan.

If you're currently on SSI, SSDI, or CDB benefits, and you're looking for a job, you should qualify for free benefits consulting services. Trained Work Incentive Counsultants at Benefits 2 Work Arizona can help you understand Social Security work incentives, disability benefit programs, and how they are impacted by work. Their goal is to help you avoid complications while developing a sustainable financial plan for your future.

You can contact Benefits 2 Work Arizona at 1-866-304-WORK (9675) toll-free to find a Work Incentive Consultant serving your community.