If you live in Arkansas and you have a difficult condition that has caused you to be unable to work and earn an income as you otherwise would, you may be considering the possibility of filing a claim for disability benefits with the Social Security Administration. If so, you may wonder how the Social Security Administration makes decisions regarding benefits, and what steps you might need to take to file a claim. These are reasonable and important questions to ask. Let’s take a closer look at the law together.
What Disability Benefits Might be Available?
The Social Security Administration has two types of disability benefit programs. Because Social Security is a federal program, these benefits are offered in Arkansas and every other state in the country. Depending upon your circumstances, you may wish to seek one or both types of benefits. These benefits include:
- Social Security Disability Insurance: Also known as SSDI benefits, these are benefits that the Social Security Administration provides to applicants who have a disabling medical condition that has caused them to be unable to work for one continuous calendar year or more, and who are “insured.” Being “insured” may sound like you need a particular insurance policy to receive benefits, but this is not the case. Instead, to the Social Security Administration, being “insured” means that you worked a job for a sufficient time and regularly paid a portion of your salary as employment taxes into the Social Security system.
- Supplemental Security Income: To pursue SSI benefits, as with SSDI benefits, an applicant should have a disabling medical condition that has caused an inability to work for one continuous calendar year or more. Unlike the case with SSDI benefits, however, an applicant does not need to be “insured” to seek SSI benefits. Instead, they must have income and resources below a certain annual limit established by the Social Security Administration.
Regardless of which type of benefit you decide to pursue, it is important to remember that each benefit has a maximum monthly amount. In 2025, the maximum monthly SSDI benefit is $4,018, and the maximum monthly SSI benefit is $967 for an individual and $1,450 for a couple.
What are the Steps for Filing a Claim?
Once you have decided what type of benefit to pursue, knowing the general process for filing a claim can be helpful. Generally, the steps include:
- Finding the right attorney: The importance of this first step cannot be overstated. Having the right attorney can make all the difference in reducing stress and streamlining the application process. Take the time to find an attorney with whom you can work well and who knows and understands the law.
- Gather information: In order to pursue a claim for disability benefits, you will need sufficient proof of your condition and its disabling effects on your everyday life. You may need to gather medical evidence and documentation from your employer regarding your inability to work. The particular evidence you need will vary depending upon your unique circumstances, but sufficient evidence is always an essential part of a claim.
- File necessary paperwork: Pursuing a claim for disability benefits will include completing and submitting the necessary paperwork and legal documentation that the Social Security Administration requires. Information regarding specific paperwork can be found at www.ssa.gov and in consultation with your attorney.
- Wait for a decision: Depending upon the complexity of your claim and how busy the Social Security Administration is at the time, an initial decision on your claim can take anywhere from a few to several months. It’s important to remain patient and regularly check in with your attorney regarding the status of your claim.
- Appeal if necessary: It is not unusual for a claim to be denied on the first attempt. If this is the case, you may wish to pursue an appeal by filing a request for reconsideration. Your attorney will be able to help you make a decision regarding your particular situation.
Although this is a helpful overview of the general claims process, it’s important to remember that everyone has their own set of circumstances. As a result, your particular experience may have its own unique nuances. For that reason, hiring an attorney who knows and understands the law and can guide you through the process is important. At GCC Disability, we’re here for you.
Call GCC Disability Today
When you’re disabled and unable to work, disability benefits can make a tremendous difference in relieving financial stress and providing much-needed support and stability during a difficult time. At GCC Disability, we understand that, and it’s why we’re passionate about providing excellent representation and guidance to every client we serve as they pursue the benefits they need. We know and understand every aspect of the law concerning disability benefits, and we’ll always pursue the best legal strategies on your behalf. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today. We look forward to helping you soon.