Welcome to Disability Benefits Help, an organization committed to helping claimants across the United States receive approval for disability benefits.
Since applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a difficult process, a disability attorney or advocate may increase your chances of being awarded benefits by helping accurately and favorably complete the complex paperwork, ensuring that all deadlines are met, and providing you with representation at a hearing. After submitting our web form, you will receive a 100% FREE evaluation of your disability claim. Disability attorneys and advocates receive compensation if you are awarded back benefits. We have no affiliation with the Social Security Administration, the agency at which you can apply for Social Security disability at no cost.
Are you unable to work because you have a disabling illness? If you’re an Arkansas resident, you may be eligible to apply for Social Security disability benefits in Arkansas. Disability benefits are typically available for anyone who has worked and paid into Social Security but has to stop working because they become sick or injured.
If you are unable to work now and you expect that you won’t be able to work for at least a year but you have worked in the past and you meet the Arkansas definition of disability you may be approved for disability benefits.
The Definition Of Disability In Arkansas
The definition of disability in Arkansas is almost the same as the definition of disability that the Social Security Administration uses to determine if someone is eligible for benefits. In Arkansas, the definition of disability is when someone is not able to engage in substantial gainful activity because of an illness or injury. They also must expect to be unable to work for at least because of that illness or that illness must be expected to result in death.
Substantial gainful activity is paid work. So, if you are not able to do any tasks that you can be paid for because of your illness or injury then you are not able to engage in substantial gainful activity.
Arkansas workers who qualify for disability benefits can also apply for other benefits including benefits for housing, food, and medical care.
What Disabling Conditions Qualify In Arkansas?
The Social Security Administration awards disability benefits for more than 200 different physical and mental illnesses. When you apply for Social Security disability benefits you will need to submit a letter of diagnosis for the illness that you have, and medical evidence showing that you meet all of the Social Security Administration’s requirements.
The conditions that qualify for Social Security disability benefits and the requirements for each condition are listed in the SSA’s Blue Book. To find out if your medical condition is in the Blue Book you can search the Blue Book on the SSA’s website. Your local SSA office also has a copy of the Blue Book you can look at.
If your illness is listed in the Blue Book, you must submit medical evidence showing that you meet all the requirements for that listing before your application will be approved. If your illness isn’t listed in the Blue Book you may still be approved for benefits, but you will need to show why your illness makes it impossible for you to work.
You also need to be able to show that you have work credits to be approved for disability benefits in Arkansas. Work credits are based on the amount of money that you make and how many hours you work. It’s possible to earn up to 4 work credits per year.
Types of Disability Benefits Available in Arkansas
Disabled people in Arkansas who are too sick to work can apply for SSDI or SSI, both types of disability benefits are available in Arkansas.
Arkansas Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
People in Arkansas who have worked before but now are disabled and can’t work should apply for Social Security disability insurance benefits or SSDI. SSDI benefits are specifically for people who have worked and paid into the Social Security system. You must have earned a certain number of work credits and met all the requirements set by the SSA to be approved for SSDI. The average monthly SSDI benefit payment in Arkansas is $1,415.43.
Arkansas Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a different kind of disability benefit, but this benefit is also available in Arkansas. People who have never been able to work because they’ve been disabled since childhood can apply for SSI because they don’t qualify for SSDI.
If you’re a parent in Arkansas who is struggling to make ends meet because you are caring for a disabled child, you can apply for SSI on behalf of your child. But, you will need to first prove that you are low-income and that your total household income is below the income cap the Social Security Administration has created.
To do that you will have to submit W2s, tax returns, pay stubs, or other proof that your income is below the cap. You will also have to submit documentation each month showing where the benefit money is spent because it must be spent on the child’s expenses.
State of Arkansas Disability Programs
Short-term disability benefits can help bridge the financial gap while you wait for your Social Security benefit application to be approved. You can get short-term disability benefits through your employer or the state of Arkansas. Once you sign up for short-term disability benefits and pay the premium you must wait 30 days for coverage to start. You also need to wait 7 days from the day you become disabled to start collecting benefits.
Long-term disability coverage helps pay for living expenses in the long-term. You can receive both long-term disability benefits and Social Security disability benefits. But the amount of your SSDI may be reduced in that case. The total of the two benefits can’t be more than your previous salary.
Find A Disability Lawyer In Arkansas
If you’re worried about applying for disability benefits in Arkansas don’t be. There are some great Arkansas disability lawyers who can help you with the application process, help you make sure that you have medical evidence, and answer your questions about the application process.
- A disability lawyer in Arkansas can help you with tasks like:
- Filling out the application paperwork and sending it in on time.
- Helping you through the application process.
- Helping you collect medical evidence and documentation.
- Helping you meet deadlines.
- Arguing your appeal.
You’ll be much more confident about your application when you have advice from a disability lawyer.
Speaking with an Arkansas disability lawyer is totally free to you. You don’t have to pay anything upfront to speak with a lawyer about your disability claim. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation now to get connected with an Arkansas disability attorney who can answer your questions and give you advice.
How Much Disability Can You Receive in Arkansas?
People who apply for Social Security disability benefits in Arkansas and are approved may receive up to $3,822 a month in disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. If you are approved for SSI the maximum SSI benefit is $943 for one person, and $1,415 a month if you are married to someone that also receives SSI.
To find out what your Social Security benefit payment could be use our disability benefit calculator. Then, reach out to an Arkansas Social Security lawyer who can help you start your application.
