Deaf-Blindness Benefits in Arkansas

• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a disabling medical condition, have earned enough work credits, and expect your disability to last at least 12 months or result in death. The general requirement is 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require that your disability prevents you from performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). In 2025, earning more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) is considered SGA and may disqualify you from benefits.
• The SSA maintains a "Listing of Impairments" that includes conditions considered severe enough to prevent work. Deaf-Blindness is recognized as a severe sensory disability and may qualify under these listings or by medical equivalence.
• Even if your condition is not listed, you may still qualify if you can prove it significantly limits your ability to work.
• Both SSDI and SSI require that your disability is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• The SSA will consider the severity of your Deaf-Blindness and its impact on your ability to work and perform daily activities.

Citations: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [7]

• In Arkansas, eligibility for disability benefits is determined by the Disability Determination Services for Social Security Administration (DDSSA). They review your medical records, work activity, and other factors to decide if you meet federal criteria.
• Arkansas does not have a separate state disability program, but residents may qualify for Medicaid, Medicaid waivers, and other state services if they meet federal disability criteria.
• The Workers with Disabilities Medicaid program provides full Medicaid coverage to individuals with disabilities who are employed, which may be relevant for those with Deaf-Blindness who are able to work.
• Arkansas residents with Deaf-Blindness may also qualify for ABLE accounts, which allow tax-advantaged savings for disability-related expenses.
• State-specific eligibility for Medicaid and other programs may depend on income, resources, and the severity of your disability.
• The Arkansas Department of Human Services and DDSSA can provide information on state-specific programs and eligibility.

Citations: [6], [8]

• Gather medical records and work history.
• Review eligibility criteria for SSI and SSDI.
• Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.
• Provide detailed information about your Deaf-Blindness and how it affects your ability to work.
• Follow up on your application and respond to any requests for additional information.
• Consider consulting a disability attorney or advocate for help with the application process.

Citations: [7], [8]

• Step 1: Collect all relevant medical records, including documentation of your Deaf-Blindness and its impact on your daily life and ability to work.
• Step 2: Review the eligibility criteria for SSI and SSDI. Make sure you meet the medical and financial requirements.
• Step 3: Apply for benefits online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You can also apply for SSI at your local Arkansas Department of Human Services office.
• Step 4: Provide detailed information about your Deaf-Blindness, including how it affects your ability to perform work activities and daily living tasks.
• Step 5: Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or documentation from the SSA or DDSSA.
• Step 6: If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal. Consider seeking help from a disability attorney or advocate.
• Step 7: If approved, you will receive monthly benefits and may be eligible for Medicaid and other state programs.
• Step 8: Report any changes in your income, resources, or medical condition to avoid overpayments and ensure continued eligibility.

Citations: [7], [8]

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly benefits to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. The maximum monthly benefit in 2025 is $4,018, with an average of $1,580.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly benefits to people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. The amount depends on your income and resources.
• Medicare: Available to most SSDI recipients after a 24-month waiting period.
• Medicaid: Available to SSI recipients and some SSDI recipients with low income.
• Work Incentives: Programs that help people with disabilities return to work without losing benefits.

Citations: [1], [2], [3], [5], [7]

• Medicaid: Arkansas provides Medicaid coverage to people with disabilities who meet federal and state eligibility criteria. This includes full Medicaid coverage for employed individuals with disabilities through the Workers with Disabilities program.
• Medicaid Waivers: Arkansas offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which provide additional services and supports not covered by regular Medicaid.
• ABLE Accounts: Arkansas residents with disabilities may open ABLE accounts to save for disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for means-tested benefits.
• Other State Services: Arkansas provides various services and supports for people with disabilities, including vocational rehabilitation, independent living programs, and assistive technology.

Citations: [6], [8]

• Arkansas residents with Deaf-Blindness may open ABLE accounts to save for disability-related expenses. These accounts allow tax-advantaged savings without affecting eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid.
• To qualify, you must have a disability that began before age 26 and meet other eligibility criteria.
• ABLE accounts can be used for expenses such as education, housing, transportation, employment training, and personal support services.
• For more information, visit the Arkansas ABLE program website or consult a financial advisor.

Citations: [6]

• In 2025, earning more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) is considered Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) and may affect your eligibility for SSDI and SSI.
• SSI is means-tested, so your income and resources must be below certain limits to qualify.
• The combined total of SSDI and public disability payments cannot exceed 80% of your average pre-disability earnings.
• Report any changes in income or resources to avoid overpayments and ensure continued eligibility.

Citations: [1], [2], [3], [5]

• Report any changes in your income, resources, or medical condition to the SSA or Arkansas Department of Human Services to avoid overpayments.
• Overpayments can occur if you fail to report changes or if your circumstances change.
• If you receive an overpayment, you may be required to repay the amount or have future benefits reduced.
• For more information, see the guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.

Citations: [1], [5]

• Arkansas Disability Determination Services for Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Email: null

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

  Website

  For questions about eligibility and application status.
• Arkansas Department of Human Services
  Phone: 1-800-482-8988

  TTY: null

  Email: null

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  For questions about Medicaid and other state programs.

• What is Deaf-Blindness?

  Deaf-Blindness is a combination of hearing and vision loss that significantly impacts communication, mobility, and daily living. It is recognized as a severe disability by the SSA and may qualify for federal and state benefits.

• How do I qualify for disability benefits with Deaf-Blindness in Arkansas?

  You must have a severe disability that prevents work for at least 12 months, meet work credit requirements for SSDI, or have limited income and resources for SSI. Medical documentation of your Deaf-Blindness is required.

• What benefits are available for people with Deaf-Blindness in Arkansas?

  People with Deaf-Blindness may qualify for SSDI, SSI, Medicaid, Medicaid waivers, ABLE accounts, and other state services. Eligibility depends on medical and financial criteria.

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

  In 2025, earning more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) is considered Substantial Gainful Activity and may affect your eligibility for SSDI and SSI. SSI is also means-tested.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits in Arkansas?

  Yes, you can work, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit. Arkansas offers work incentives and Medicaid coverage for employed individuals with disabilities.

• What is the maximum SSDI benefit in Arkansas in 2025?

  The maximum SSDI benefit in 2025 is $4,018 per month. The average benefit is $1,580. The amount depends on your work history and earnings.