Filing for Social Security Disability in Arkansas

The Social Security disability approval process in Arkansas is the same as in the rest of the country since Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are federal programs; however, states differ in where the claims are decided, their approval and denial rates, the amount of SSI a person can receive, and how long an appeal takes to be heard. This article discusses these differences and provides resource information for disability-related offices in Arkansas.

Monthly SSI Amount in Arkansas

Some states provide a supplemental payment to the federal monthly benefit for SSI recipients; Arkansas, however, does not. This means that SSI recipients in Arkansas may receive a lower monthly benefit than those in neighboring states.

Arkansas Limits on the Cost of Medical Records

Arkansas state law limits how much medical providers can charge you to copy your medical records for you. Arkansas law allows doctors and hospitals to charge patients $0.50 a page for the first 25 pages and $0.15 a page for any additional pages. A provider may also charge a $15.00 labor fee and can ask for reimbursement for the actual cost of postage.

Disability Approval Statistics in Arkansas

For the 2018 fiscal year, Arkansas's Disability Determination for Social Security Administration (DDSSA), a state agency that determines medical eligibility for Social Security and SSI disability for Arkansas residents, approved 33% of disability claims at the initial application level.

At the appeal hearing level, Arkansas administrative law judges (ALJs) awarded benefits in 46% of the cases heard. However, it took an average of 13 months from the time a disability claimant filed a request for hearing to the date the case was decided by an ALJ.

Contact Information for Arkansas's DDSSA

Social Security sends your claim to Arkansas DDSSA soon after you submit your application. You should call DDSSA with any questions you have about your application after you apply. Here is DDSSA's contact information.

Arkansas Disability Determination for SSA

701 Pulaski Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-682-3030
Fax: 800-482-9950
Website: www.arkansas.gov/ddssa/about.html

Hearing Office Locations in Arkansas

Arkansas has two hearing office locations where disability hearings are held. In addition, the Memphis and Shreveport offices service some areas in Arkansas. Below are the hearing offices' addresses.

Fort Smith

Central Mall, Suite 475
5111 Rogers Avenue
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903-2034
Phone: 877-348-7549

Little Rock

2405 Federal Office Building
700 West Capitol Avenue
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Phone: 866-592-2549

Memphis, T.N.

309 Monroe Street
Memphis, TN 3810
Phone: (866) 348-5830

(In addition to servicing field offices in Tennessee, this hearing office services West Memphis.)

Shreveport, L.A.

Louisiana Tower, Suite 700
401 Edwards Street
Shreveport, LA 71101-6129
Phone: (866) 690-1805

(In addition to servicing field offices in Louisiana, this hearing office services Texarkana.)

Vocational Rehabilitation Services in Arkansas

Arkansas offers vocational rehabilitation services through the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS), which is a division of the Department of Career Education. ARS serves disabled residents by providing such services as diagnostic and educational testing, access to technology, and help with supportive housing. For more information, visit the ARS website.

How to Contact a Disability Lawyer in Arkansas

Arkansas has plenty of experienced Social Security disability attorneys who can represent you in your appeal. Visit our Arkansas disability lawyers page to find a local attorney who will take your case.

_{Updated August 28, 2019}