Types of Disability Benefits Available

The SSA offers two main types of disability benefits:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For people who have a sufficient work history and have paid Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.

Each program has its own eligibility criteria, but both require that you meet the SSA’s definition of disability.

Key SSDI Eligibility Rules in Arkansas

To qualify for SSDI in Arkansas, you must meet the following conditions:

1. You Must Be “Insured”

You must have worked long enough—and recently enough—under Social Security. Generally, this means earning 40 work credits, with 20 credits earned in the last 10 years prior to becoming disabled.

2. You Must Have a Severe Disability

Your condition must:

• Last (or be expected to last) at least 12 months, or
• Be expected to result in death
• Prevent you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA), which in 2025 means earning more than $1,550 per month (or $2,590 if you're blind)

3. Your Condition Must Be on the SSA’s Listing of Impairments

The SSA maintains a “Blue Book” of conditions that are considered severe enough to qualify for disability. Even if your condition is not listed, you may still qualify if it limits your ability to work similarly to a listed impairment.

4. You Must Be Unable to Work

The SSA uses a five-step process to determine if you can:

• Perform your previous work
• Adjust to new work based on your age, education, and skills
• If you cannot do either, you may be found disabled.

SSI Eligibility Rules in Arkansas

For SSI, you must:

• Be aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled
• Have limited income and resources (under $2,000 for individuals, or $3,000 for couples)
• Be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien
• Reside in the United States (or specific U.S. territories)

No work history is required for SSI, but your disability must still meet the SSA’s medical criteria.

Arkansas-Specific Considerations

• Arkansas Disability Determination Services (DDS) handles medical decisions for disability applications filed in the state.
• You may be required to attend a consultative exam with an SSA-appointed physician if more medical information is needed.