People with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in Arkansas can qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, plus state Medicaid programs. ALS is considered a severe disability, so approval is often faster. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
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].
The main federal programs for people with ALS are:
Arkansas offers several programs for people with ALS:
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].
ALS is a Compassionate Allowance, so your disability application will be fast-tracked. Approval is often automatic once you provide a confirmed diagnosis.
Arkansas Medicaid and ARChoices can help pay for home health, personal care, and equipment so you can live at home with ALS.
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].
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].
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].
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].
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].
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].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Yes, family members may qualify for dependent benefits if you are approved for SSDI. This includes spouses and children under certain conditions[4].
SSDI is based on work credits and is not means-tested. SSI is based on low income and resources. Both programs provide monthly payments for people with disabilities[1].
Yes, Arkansas offers Medicaid waivers and ARChoices for home and community-based services. These programs help people with ALS live at home and get personal care, home health, and equipment[5][6].
Yes, you can open an ABLE account to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. The account grows tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed[8].
