Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Benefits in Arkansas

To qualify for federal disability benefits with ALS, you must have a diagnosis confirmed by a doctor. The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers ALS a Compassionate Allowance, meaning approval is fast and often automatic. You must be unable to work for at least 12 months or have a terminal diagnosis. For SSDI, you need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). For SSI, your income and resources must be below set limits. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) for non-blind individuals[2][4].

ALS is listed as a severe impairment, so you do not need to meet a specific listing if your doctor confirms the diagnosis. Family members may also qualify for dependent benefits if you are approved for SSDI[4].

In Arkansas, people with ALS can access Medicaid through the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) category if they meet income and resource limits. Medicaid covers medical care, home health, and long-term services. Arkansas also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help people with ALS live at home instead of in a nursing facility. Workers with disabilities can keep Medicaid if they work, as long as they meet certain rules. ARChoices is a program for adults with physical disabilities that provides home and community-based services[5][6].

State-specific eligibility for Medicaid is based on income, resources, Arkansas residency, and disability status. You must apply through the Arkansas Department of Human Services. Medicaid can help pay for doctor visits, medications, equipment, and personal care services for people with ALS[5][6].

• Get a confirmed ALS diagnosis from your doctor.
• Gather work history and income records.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or visit your local Social Security office.
• Apply for Medicaid through Arkansas Department of Human Services.
• Consider an ABLE account for savings.
• Report any changes in income or health to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Get a medical diagnosis of ALS from a licensed physician. The diagnosis must be documented in your medical records.
• Step 2: Collect your work history, pay stubs, and tax returns to prove work credits for SSDI.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. ALS is a Compassionate Allowance, so your application will be fast-tracked[4].
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid through the Arkansas Department of Human Services. You can apply online, by phone, or in person. Medicaid can cover medical care, home health, and long-term services for people with ALS[5][6].
• Step 5: If approved for SSDI, you will have a 5-month waiting period before benefits start. Most people wait 24 months for Medicare, but ALS is an exception—Medicare starts right away[4].
• Step 6: Consider opening an ABLE account to save money without losing benefits[8].
• Step 7: Report any changes in income, work, or health to the SSA and Arkansas Department of Human Services to avoid overpayments[4].

The main federal programs for people with ALS are:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments if you have enough work credits. In 2025, the maximum monthly benefit is $4,018. ALS is a Compassionate Allowance, so approval is fast[1][4].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments if your income and resources are low. In 2025, the maximum monthly benefit is $967 for an individual and $1,450 for a couple[1].
• Medicare: Most people with ALS get Medicare right away, not after a 24-month waiting period[4].
• Work Incentives: Allow some earned income while receiving benefits[4].

Arkansas offers several programs for people with ALS:

• Medicaid (Aged, Blind, and Disabled): Covers medical care, home health, and long-term services for people with ALS who meet income and resource limits[5].
• ARChoices: Provides home and community-based services for adults with physical disabilities, including ALS. This can include personal care, home modifications, and respite care[5].
• Workers with Disabilities Medicaid: Allows people with ALS to work and keep Medicaid coverage as long as they meet certain rules[6].
• Medicaid Waivers: Help people with ALS live at home instead of in a nursing facility. These waivers cover services like personal care, home health, and equipment[5].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Arkansas, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. The account grows tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed. ABLE accounts do not affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility as long as the balance is under $100,000[8].

For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you cannot earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind)[2][4]. For SSI, your income and resources must be below set limits. In 2025, the maximum monthly SSI benefit is $967 for an individual and $1,450 for a couple[1].

You must report any changes in income, work, or health to the SSA and Arkansas Department of Human Services. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. Report changes as soon as possible to avoid problems[4].

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  Apply for SSDI/SSI and get help with benefits.
• Arkansas Department of Human Services
  Phone: 1-800-482-8988

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid and ARChoices.

• Does ALS qualify for disability benefits in Arkansas?

  Yes, ALS is considered a severe disability and qualifies for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI. ALS is a Compassionate Allowance, so approval is fast and often automatic. You must have a confirmed diagnosis from a doctor[4].

• How much can I earn and still get disability benefits in Arkansas?

  In 2025, you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) from work and still get disability benefits. This is called the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. Earning more can affect your eligibility[2][4].

• Do I need to be poor to get disability benefits in Arkansas?

  For SSDI, you need enough work credits, not low income. For SSI, your income and resources must be below set limits. Medicaid also has income and resource limits[1][5].

• Can I work and still get disability benefits in Arkansas?

  Yes, there are work incentives that allow some earned income while receiving benefits. The SGA limit is $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) in 2025. You must report any work to the SSA[4].

• How long does it take to get disability benefits for ALS in Arkansas?

  ALS is a Compassionate Allowance, so approval is fast—often within a few weeks. Most people get benefits quickly once they apply and provide a confirmed diagnosis[4].

• What medical evidence do I need for ALS disability benefits?

  You need a confirmed diagnosis of ALS from a licensed physician. The diagnosis must be documented in your medical records. The SSA will review your records to confirm the diagnosis[4].