Where to Start: The Social Security Administration, Not the State

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are federal programs run by the Social Security Administration (SSA), not by the state of Arkansas. This means you file with SSA regardless of where you live. Arkansas does not have a separate state disability program that runs parallel to these federal programs, and you cannot file through the Arkansas Department of Human Services for federal disability benefits.

You have three ways to file: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or in person at your local Social Security field office. The online option is fastest if you have a my Social Security account already set up. If you call or visit an office, you will need to provide the same documents either way, so there is no advantage to one method over another except speed and your own comfort level.

Arkansas has 23 Social Security field offices across the state. You can find the one nearest you by entering your zip code at ssa.gov/locator. Walk-in hours vary by office, but most are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some offices require you to make an appointment in advance, especially after the pandemic changed how many people they can see at once.

Key Takeaways

  • You file with the federal Social Security Administration, not with Arkansas, using ssa.gov, 1-800-772-1213, or your local field office.
  • You will need medical records from your doctors, a list of your medications, work history for the past 15 years, and proof of citizenship or legal residency.
  • The SSA will ask you to try work incentives like Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) or Plans to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) before denying your claim if you earn over the limit.
  • If SSA denies your claim, you have 60 days to request reconsideration, and you can work with a disability representative who is paid only if you win.
  • Arkansas has no state-specific rules that change how SSDI or SSI works, but you may be affected by Medicaid rules that differ from other states.

What Documents You Need Before You File

Gather these documents before you contact SSA. Having them ready speeds up the process and reduces the chance you will be asked to come back with something you forgot. SSA will not process your claim without most of these, so do not assume you can submit them later.

You need: proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, or green card); your Social Security card or a record of your number; a photo ID; medical records from every doctor who has treated you for your condition in the past three to five years; a list of all medications you take, including the dose and how often; names and addresses of all hospitals or clinics where you have been treated; and your work history for the past 15 years, including job titles, dates, and the names of employers.

If you do not have medical records yet, ask your doctor's office to send them to SSA on your behalf. Many offices will do this at no charge if you sign a release form. Do not wait until you have perfect records to file — SSA can request records directly from your providers, but this adds weeks to the process. File now and send records as you get them.

Online Filing Through my Social Security

If you are between 18 and 65 and have internet access, filing online through my Social Security is usually the fastest route. Go to ssa.gov, click "Create an account" under my Social Security, and follow the steps to verify your identity. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number where SSA can reach you.

Once your account is set up, log in and look for "explore for benefits." You will see options for retirement, family, and disability. Click "Disability" and answer questions about your medical condition, work history, and living situation. The form saves as you go, so you can stop and come back later if you need to find documents or information.

After you submit online, SSA will send you a confirmation number and tell you what happens next. You should hear from a claims examiner within two to three weeks. If SSA needs more information, they will call you or send a letter asking you to provide it or to come in for a consultative exam.

Filing by Phone or in Person

Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are longest on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and shortest on Thursdays and Fridays. Have your documents ready before you call, because the representative will ask for information from them as you speak.

The representative will fill out your process over the phone and tell you what documents to send in. They will give you an address to mail them to or ask if you want to bring them to your local field office in person. Mailing is fine — there is no speed advantage to going in person unless you need to hand-deliver something urgent.

If you prefer to file in person, go to your nearest Social Security field office with all your documents. Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies, for proof of citizenship and identity. The office will make copies for your file. You do not need an appointment at most Arkansas offices, but calling ahead to confirm hours and whether they are taking walk-ins that day will save you a trip.

What Happens After You File

After you submit your process, SSA sends it to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Arkansas. This is a state agency that works under contract with SSA to make the initial decision on your claim. DDS will review your medical records, order any additional tests or exams they think they need, and send their recommendation back to SSA within 60 to 90 days.

During this time, SSA may contact you to ask follow-up questions or to schedule a consultative exam with a doctor they choose. You do not pay for this exam — SSA pays the doctor. If you have a doctor who knows your condition well, tell SSA that you prefer to have your own doctor do the exam instead. SSA will consider this request, though they do not always grant it.

SSA will mail you a decision letter. If you are approved, the letter will say when your benefits start and how much you will receive. If you are denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to request reconsideration. You have 60 days from the date on the letter to ask for reconsideration or to appeal.

Work Incentives and Earnings Limits in Arkansas

If you are working or thinking about working, SSA has programs that let you earn money without losing all your benefits. These are called work incentives, and they are the same in Arkansas as everywhere else. The most common ones are Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) and Plans to Achieve Self-Support (PASS).

IRWE lets you subtract certain work-related costs from your earnings before SSA counts them toward the limit. For example, if you need a wheelchair ramp at work or special transportation to get there, those costs can be deducted. PASS lets you set aside income and resources for a specific work goal — like going to school or starting a business — without SSA counting them against you.

The earnings limit for SSDI in 2024 is $1,550 per month (this amount changes each year). If you earn more than this, SSA will review whether you are still disabled. For SSI, the limit is lower and varies based on your living situation and other income. Ask SSA about work incentives before you start working or increase your hours — they can help you structure your work so you keep as much of your benefits as possible.

If Your Claim Is Denied

About 65 to 70 percent of initial claims are denied. This does not mean you will never get benefits — most people who appeal and provide more medical evidence are approved at the reconsideration or hearing stage. You have three chances to appeal before you go to federal court: reconsideration, a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), and Appeals Council review.

Request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter. You can do this online, by phone, or in person at your local field office. Tell SSA what new information or medical records you have that were not in your file the first time. If you have seen a new doctor or had new test results since you filed, send those in.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an ALJ. This is where most people win. At a hearing, you can bring a representative — a lawyer, a non-lawyer advocate, or a disability representative — who knows Social Security law. Many representatives work on contingency, meaning they are paid only if you win, and only from your back pay (the money owed from when you should have been approved). You do not pay them out of pocket.

Working With a Representative

You can hire a representative at any stage of your claim, but most people wait until after a denial. A representative can be a lawyer, a non-lawyer advocate certified by SSA, or a disability representative. All of them must be approved by SSA before they can charge you a fee.

The fee is limited by law: SSA takes 25 percent of your back pay, up to a maximum of $7,200 (this amount changes yearly). You do not pay anything upfront. The representative is paid only if you win, and only from the money SSA owes you for the months before you were approved.

To find a representative, search the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) website or ask your local legal aid office. Arkansas has legal aid programs in every county that may represent you for free if your income is low enough. Call your county bar association or search lawhelp.org to find the legal aid office near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for disability while I am still working?

Yes. You can work and file at the same time. SSA will look at whether your condition prevents you from working at a substantial level (earning over $1,550 per month in 2024). If you are working below that amount, you can still file. If you are earning more, tell SSA about work incentives like IRWE or PASS that might let you keep your benefits.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Initial decisions usually take 60 to 90 days from the time you file. If SSA needs more medical records or wants you to have a consultative exam, it can take longer. If you are denied and appeal, reconsideration takes another 60 to 90 days, and a hearing before an ALJ can take 6 to 18 months depending on how busy the court is in your area.

What if I do not have a doctor treating me for my condition?

You should see a doctor before you file, because SSA needs medical evidence to approve your claim. If you cannot afford a doctor, ask SSA about a consultative exam. They will pay for you to see a doctor they choose, and that doctor's report becomes part of your file. Community health centers and free clinics can also help if cost is a barrier.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to get SSDI or SSI in Arkansas?

For SSDI, you do not have to be a citizen, but you must have a valid Social Security number and have worked long enough to earn credits. For SSI, you must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to non-citizen (such as a lawful permanent resident). Bring proof of your citizenship or immigration status when you file.

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes you paid. SSI is based on financial need and is available to people who have not worked enough to earn SSDI. You may be able to get both if your SSDI payment is very low. SSA will tell you which program you may have access to for when they review your process.