Medical Conditions That Qualify for SSI

The SSA maintains a list of impairments called the Listing of Impairments (Blue Book). If your condition meets or equals a listing, you may qualify for SSI. Qualifying conditions include:

Physical Impairments:

• Musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., back injuries, joint dysfunction, arthritis)
• Neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease)
• Cardiovascular conditions (e.g., heart failure, coronary artery disease)
• Respiratory illnesses (e.g., COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis)
• Digestive disorders (e.g., Crohn’s disease, liver disease)
• Cancer (depending on type and stage)

Mental Impairments:

• Depression and bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
• Anxiety-related disorders
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Intellectual disabilities
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Other Conditions:

• HIV/AIDS
• Diabetes with complications
• Kidney disease requiring dialysis
• Vision or hearing loss

Even if your condition isn’t listed, you can still qualify if it’s severe enough to prevent you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

How SSA Determines Eligibility

SSA will evaluate:

• Medical records and treatment history
• How your condition limits your daily functioning
• Whether you can perform any substantial work activity

If you are under 18, SSA uses different criteria focused on how your condition impacts your development and daily life.

Financial Requirements for SSI in Arkansas

In addition to having a qualifying disability, you must meet income and asset limits:

• Countable income must be below federal SSI limits
• Resources (like cash, bank accounts, property) must not exceed $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples

Arkansas does not supplement SSI payments, but qualifying may also give you access to Medicaid and other state programs.