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Arkansas • Sensory
If you are blind in Arkansas, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, as well as state programs. Eligibility depends on your work history, income, and medical documentation. This guide explains how to apply, what benefits are available, and how to manage your payments.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Arkansas due to blindness, you must meet both medical and financial criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Blindness is defined as having central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of a correcting lens, or a visual field limitation in the better eye such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees. You must also be unable to engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). In 2025, the SGA limit for blind individuals is $2,700 per month. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for benefits. You must also have a work history that meets the required number of work credits for SSDI, or meet the income and asset limits for SSI. The disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. [^1][^2][^4]
In Arkansas, blindness is considered a qualifying disability for both SSDI and SSI programs. The state does not have a separate disability benefit for blindness, but residents can access federal programs and state Medicaid. To qualify for Medicaid in Arkansas, you must meet federal and state income and asset limits. Arkansas also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which can provide additional services. The state’s Workers with Disabilities Medicaid program provides full Medicaid coverage to individuals with disabilities who are employed. If you are blind and working, you may be eligible for this program. [^5][^2][^4]
ABLE accounts allow individuals who are blind to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid. In Arkansas, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. Contributions to an ABLE account are not subject to federal income tax, and withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are also tax-free. [^7]
For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not earn more than the SGA limit of $2,700 per month in 2025 if you are blind. For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month, but this can be higher in some states due to state supplements. Arkansas does not have a state supplement for SSI, so the federal limit applies. [^1][^2][^4]
If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you may be required to repay the overpayment. It is important to report any changes in your income, work status, or living situation to the SSA. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties. [^4]
Contact your local Social Security office or the Arkansas Department of Human Services for assistance with your application. They can help you gather the necessary documents and complete the process.
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for blind individuals in Arkansas in 2025 is $2,700 per month. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits. [^2][^4]
Yes, you can work and still receive blindness benefits in Arkansas, but your earnings must not exceed the SGA limit of $2,700 per month in 2025. If you are employed, you may also be eligible for the Workers with Disabilities Medicaid program. [^5][^2]
To prove blindness for benefits, you need a medical evaluation from your doctor that includes a detailed report and any relevant test results. The SSA defines blindness as central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of a correcting lens, or a visual field limitation in the better eye such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees. [^4]
The SSA typically takes several months to review a blindness benefits application in Arkansas. The exact time can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the completeness of your application. [^1][^2]
Yes, family members may be eligible for dependent benefits if you are approved for SSDI due to blindness. This includes spouses and children who meet certain criteria. [^1][^4]
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
SSDI is based on your work history and the amount you paid into Social Security, while SSI is based on financial need. Both programs provide monthly payments to individuals who are blind, but the eligibility criteria and payment amounts are different. [^1][^2]
Yes, if you are blind and meet the income and asset limits, you can get Medicaid in Arkansas. If you receive SSI, you are automatically eligible for Medicaid. [^5][^2]
Medicaid waivers in Arkansas provide additional services to people who are blind, such as home care, personal care, and respite care. These waivers are available to individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria. [^5][^2]
Yes, if you are blind in Arkansas, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. [^7]
If you receive an overpayment of benefits in Arkansas, you should contact the SSA to discuss repayment options. It is important to report any changes in your income, work status, or living situation to avoid overpayments. [^4]
