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Arkansas • Chronic Illness
If you have cancer in Arkansas, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI or SSI, plus state Medicaid and work support programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that stops you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. You also need enough work credits—usually 40, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet medical criteria. Both programs require your condition to be severe enough to prevent Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). In 2025, earning more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) is considered SGA and may disqualify you[1].
In Arkansas, people with cancer may qualify for Medicaid if their income and resources are low. Medicaid covers medical care, including cancer treatment, for eligible adults with disabilities. Arkansas also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with long-term care needs. Workers with disabilities can keep Medicaid even if they are employed. To qualify for these programs, you must meet both federal and state requirements, including Arkansas residency and income limits[2].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Arkansas, you can open an ABLE account to pay for qualified disability expenses, like medical care, housing, and education[12].
For SSI in 2025, the maximum monthly benefit is $967 for an individual, $1,450 for a couple. SSDI payments vary based on work history, with a maximum of $4,018 per month. Earning more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) may affect eligibility[13].
If your income or health changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to benefit reductions or repayment. Always report changes promptly to the Social Security Administration and Arkansas Department of Human Services[14].
Contact your local Social Security office or the Arkansas Department of Human Services for help with applications and questions.
Yes, if your cancer is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You must also meet income and resource limits for SSI[15].
SSDI payments depend on your work history, with a maximum of $4,018 per month in 2025. SSI pays up to $967 for an individual, $1,450 for a couple[16].
Yes, Arkansas Medicaid covers medical care for people with disabilities, including cancer treatment, if you meet income and resource limits[17].
Medicaid waivers provide home and community-based services for adults with disabilities, including cancer patients who need long-term care. These can help with daily living and medical needs[18].
Yes, there are work incentives that let you keep benefits while working. Earning more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) may affect your benefits[19].
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. For Medicaid, apply through the Arkansas Department of Human Services[20].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check official government websites for the most current information.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for disability expenses. You can open one in Arkansas to pay for medical care, housing, and education without losing benefits[21].
Yes, you must report changes to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to benefit reductions or repayment. Always report changes promptly to the Social Security Administration and Arkansas Department of Human Services[22].
Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements for both programs. SSDI is based on work history, SSI on income and resources[23].
If your claim is denied, you can appeal. You have 60 days to file an appeal. You may want to get help from a disability attorney or advocate[24].
