Little Rock, Arkansas

A Little Rock, Arkansas Resident’s Guide to Social Security Benefits

Social security benefits provide relief and support to Little Rock residents with disabilities.  People who have experienced a loss of income due to an illness or accident may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).  This guide offers advice specific to Arkansas and its residents.  Knowing how to apply for SSDI or SSI offers comfort in a time of need.

The Application Process Explained in Simple Terms

SSDI and SSI are entirely different even though both are paid out by the Social Security Administration.  SSDI is for disabled workers with work credits.  It is not income based but does require workers to have worked a certain amount of time to obtain.

SSI is income based and available to disabled people who either didn’t work at all or work enough to become eligible for SSDI.  To receive SSI benefits, you must first demonstrate financial need for them.  Then, your medical records are reviewed.

On average, the amount of time spent waiting for a disability hearing in Arkansas is 420 days.  That’s significantly higher than the national average of 348 days.  During this time, an administrative law judge determines whether or not you’re disabled and entitled to the benefits you’ve applied for.

At the initial application level, Arkansas approved 30.3% of disability claims at the initial application level.  8.7% of claims were approved at the reconsideration level.  62.45 were approved at the appeal hearing level. That’s higher than the national average of 58.5%.

What to Expect in Terms of Monthly Benefits

Anyone on SSI qualifies for the same base amount.  It’s $733 for single people and $1,100 for couples.  The actual amount you’ll receive depends on if you have countable income, whether or not you’re married, and the state you live in.  Some states offer supplemental benefits.  Little Rock citizens and other people living in Arkansas do not qualify for state supplements.

Claiming the Benefits You Need and Deserve

You don’t need to suffer in silence.  Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is available to qualifying individuals in Little Rock, Arkansas.  Knowing the difference between the two helps speed up the application process and get you the benefits you need and deserve.  If you can no longer earn an income due to a disability, you may very well qualify for SSDI or SSI.