Arkansas Disability Benefits: What You Need to Know

Important: We reviewed and updated this article in May 2024 using current Social Security Administration policy data. Did you know Arkansas is home to the only active diamond mine in the United States? It’s also illegal to honk a car horn after 9pm near any place that sells sandwiches in the Natural State. But fun facts aside, if you can’t work because of a medical condition, you still need to be able to pay your bills. That’s why it’s important to find out if you’re eligible for Arkansas disability benefits from the federal government.

Two programs pay monthly Social Security disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA):

1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Finding out if you may qualify is easy since both disability programs use the same criteria to evaluate medical conditions. We created this guide to help you qualify for disability benefits in the Natural State.

What Arkansas Disability Applicants Must Know About Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits

The SSDI program is funded by Social Security payroll taxes that come out of your job income. Here’s what Arkansas residents need to know before they apply for these monthly Social Security disability benefits.

1. Who Can File a Claim for Social Security Disability Insurance Payments?

If you answer “yes” to all these questions, you can apply for SSDI benefits:

• Do you have 40 Social Security work credits? You can earn no more than 4 work credits per calendar year. Pro Tip: If you worked 5 in the last 10 years full time, then you likely have 40 work credits already.
• Are you younger than 67 and not currently paid any other Social Security benefits? You cannot qualify for disability once you start drawing early retirement benefits or regular Social Security.
• Have any medical providers treated your disabling condition within the past year? If not, the SSA will schedule an Arkansas Disability Determination Services (DDS) exam to confirm you have a qualifying disability. This consultative examination is always free. Did you know Arkansas disability attorneys can pay for visits and medical records so you don’t have to?
• Does your doctor expect your medical condition to make you unable to work at all for at least 12 months? Only people who cannot engage in substantial gainful activity can qualify for SSDI. That also means you must have less than $1,550 in personal income from working each month. Pro Tip: If you’re still working when you apply for SSDI benefits, Disability Determination Services will probably deny your claim.

If you don’t have enough work history to qualify for SSDI payments, you may still qualify for SSI benefits instead.

2. How Much Money Does SSDI Pay in Arkansas Disability Benefits?

The SSA calculates Arkansas disability benefits based on your past work income before you became disabled. First, the SSA determines your average monthly paycheck over 35 years of work history. Then they set your payment at 40% of that amount.

The average recipient receives $1,537 in monthly SSDI for 2024. The largest amount anyone can receive is $3,822 each month.

Your monthly payments may go up in years where Congress approves a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

3. How Long Does It Take to Get Your First SSDI Payment?

Most other claimants wait 5 months, which means you could receive your first benefits payment in about 6 months. Unfortunately, though, about half the people who file an initial claim receive a technical denial. That means they made a mistake filling out the forms or don’t have enough work history.

If your claim is denied, you have 60 days to request a reconsideration. This appeals stage can take another 6 months. If you’re turned down, you can go before an Administrative Law Judge to appeal your case at a hearing. Once you appeal, it could take anywhere from 1-2 years to get to your hearing date.

That’s why it’s important to file a successful application the first time.

Did you know that hiring an Arkansas disability attorney can make you three times more likely to get payments? You only have to pay this kind of lawyer if you win your case.

4. How Long Can I Receive Arkansas Social Security Disability Benefits from the SSDI Program?

You can keep getting benefits until your 67th birthday, provided you can pass a disability update every few years. Once you turn 67, your Social Security disability automatically converts into regular retirement benefits. Social Security changes your payments automatically, and the pay amount you get in monthly benefits stays the same.

5. Does SSDI Come with Health Insurance Coverage?

Yes, 24 months after you qualify for disability benefits, the SSDI program grants you access to Medicare coverage. It’s one of only 3 possible ways to get Medicare before you turn 65 years old.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Information for Arkansas Disability Applicants

SSI benefits help people who are blind, disabled, or at least 65 years old with few resources and little or no income. Here’s what residents of the Wonder State need to know about filing SSI disability claims.

1. Does the SSI Program Have an Age Requirement?

Arkansans aged 65 and over are eligible on the basis of age alone. Younger residents with a qualifying disability must get a Disability Determination Services exam to determine eligibility.

2. What Are the SSI Asset and Income Limits?

Residents from Mountain Home to Magnolia who want SSI benefits must meet the following income and asset requirements:

• Possess total assets less than $2,000 ($3,000 for couples), including money in the bank and items you could sell in exchange for cash. Your vehicle, wedding ring, a home you own, and other daily living items will not count toward this limit.
• Have combined income from working or other sources that fall below $2,590 if you are blind and $1,550 if you have another qualifying disability. Child support, alimony, earned interest, SNAP, TANF, etc., all count as part of your monthly income.

3. How Much Money Can I Get In Arkansas Disability Benefits from SSI?

Approved individuals can get as much as $943; couples can get up to $1415. These amounts may go up when Congress approves a COLA.

4. How Long Can I Get SSI from the Social Security Administration?

Arkansas disability recipients must pass a disability update every 3-7 years. If you’re over 65, benefits continue as long as you stay within the SSI asset and income limits. If you’re under 65 but don’t pass a required update, you no longer qualify for disability and SSI payments end.

5. Will SSI Approval Give Me Access to Health Insurance?

Yes! The same month your first SSI payment shows up in your bank account, you’ll qualify for Medicaid.

Steps to Apply for Arkansas Disability Benefits

Once you have your medical evidence and other key documents handy, you can start the application process. Choose the method that works best for you below:

1. Make an appointment at your local SSA field office and file your claim paperwork in person. You can also chance showing up without an appointment, but we don’t recommend it. That’s because it takes 4-5 hours, minimum, just to apply for Arkansas disability benefits.
2. Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 8am-7pm EST to file for disability benefits by phone. You can also call this number to ask where the closest SSA office is, to make an appointment, check your claim status, etc.
3. Have an Arkansas disability attorney file your application for free. This is the only method that triples your chances for approval in less than 6 months. All Arkansas disability lawyers work on contingency, so you pay nothing up front for expert claim help now.

Important: You can also apply online for SSDI only, but not SSI disability. In addition, only adults can qualify for disability benefits from the SSDI program. Parents of a disabled child must file an SSI application only, and preferably in person.

How Arkansas Disability Benefits Seekers Can Get Free Expert Help Qualifying for Benefits

Disability lawyers can triple your approval odds within 6 months, but cost nothing out of your own pocket. What have you got to lose?

Qualified Social Security attorneys cost nothing if you don’t win Arkansas disability benefits. If your application succeeds, then you only pay one small fee afterwards. The approval rate for people who file without an attorney is about 20%; with an attorney, you have closer to a 60% chance to get benefits.

Don’t wait. Click the button below to start your free online benefits quiz and see if you may qualify for legal assistance:

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