Are you preparing to file for Social Security disability benefits in Arkansas? You are certainly not alone. According to the Arkansas Disability Determination for Social Security Administration, nearly 200,000 people are currently receiving SSDI benefits in the state. This raises an important question: Does Arkansas law impact an SSDI claim? The short answer is that Social Security disability benefits are largely governed by federal regulations—but that you will have to deal with state agencies during the legal claims process. Here, our Rogers, AR Social Security disability lawyers highlight the key issues to know about how state law affects an SSDI claim.
Social Security Disability is a Federal Program (SSDI and SSI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are programs that are regulated predominantly by federal law. These programs are designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. SSDI is particularly targeted towards individuals who have accumulated a sufficient number of work credits. On the other hand, SSI aims to assist disabled individuals with limited financial resources regardless of work history. The implementation of SSDI and SSI adheres strictly to federal regulations, ensuring consistency in the operation and administration across different states. For this reason, a person can move away from Arkansas—or to Arkansas—without losing their SSDI benefits.
Disability Determination Services are State Agencies that Assess Non-Medical Eligibility
Although SSDI is a federal program that is regulated largely by federal law, a person seeking disability benefits must interact with state agencies during the claims process. In each state, including Arkansas, Disability Determination Services (DDS) play a crucial role in the evaluation process of SSDI claims. These federally-funded agencies are tasked with assessing the non-medical eligibility of applicants. To do so, DDS agencies work in tandem with the federal guidelines to ensure that the claimants meet the non-medical requirements necessary for disability benefits.
You Must Satisfy Both Non-Medical Eligibility and Medical Eligibility Requirements
In order to successfully claim SSDI benefits, an individual must meet both medical and non-medical eligibility requirements. Medical eligibility is primarily focused on the severity and duration of the disability, as well as its impact on the individual’s ability to work. Federal regulations strictly dictate these medical criteria, ensuring a uniform assessment process across states. On the other hand, non-medical eligibility involves various other factors such as income, resources, and work history. This is where state agencies like DDS come into play. Still, the Arkansas DDS applies federal regulations in their non-medical eligibility assessments.
Set Up a Free Case Evaluation With a Top Arkansas Social Security Disability Lawyer
At Gallo Cazort & Co. Law Firm, our Arkansas Social Security disability attorneys have the professional expertise that claimants can trust. If you have questions about SSDI claims, we are here to protect your rights. Contact us right away for a no cost, no obligation case assessment. From our Rogers office, our firm handles SSDI claims and SSDI appeals throughout all of Arkansas.