1. Work History Requirements

To qualify for SSDI in Arizona, you must have:

• Worked long enough under Social Security-covered employment.
• Earned work credits through your income and tax payments.
• In general, you need at least 40 work credits, 20 of which must be earned in the last 10 years before your disability.
• Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits, depending on their age.

2. Medical Disability Criteria

The SSA defines disability in strict terms. You must show that:

• Your condition prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA).
• Your disability is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• Your condition is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book of impairments, or your symptoms must be as severe as a listed impairment.

3. Inability to Work

The SSA reviews whether:

• You can still perform past work you’ve done in the last 15 years.
• You are capable of doing any other type of work based on your age, education, and skills.
  If the SSA decides you cannot adjust to other work, you may be found disabled.

4. Arizona-Specific Considerations

• Disability applications are processed by Disability Determination Services (DDS) in Arizona.
• Even though the rules are federal, local DDS staff and doctors review the evidence for residents of Arizona.
• You may be required to attend a consultative medical exam arranged by DDS.

5. Financial Limits

• While SSDI eligibility is based on work credits, you cannot be engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
• For 2025, SGA means earning more than $1,550 per month (or $2,590 if blind).