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Arkansas • Learning
Arkansas residents with dysgraphia may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI) and state Medicaid programs. Eligibility depends on medical, financial, and work history criteria. This guide explains how to apply, what to expect, and where to find help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) with dysgraphia, you must have a medically determinable impairment that severely limits your ability to work for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. For SSI, you must meet strict income and resource limits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not have a specific listing for dysgraphia, but if your learning disability—including dysgraphia and related conditions—prevents you from working, you may still qualify by showing your condition is "equivalent in severity" to a listed impairment[2]. The SSA will evaluate your medical evidence, school records, work history, and functional limitations. For SSDI, you generally need 40 work credits (20 earned in the last 10 years), though younger applicants may need fewer[7]. For SSI, there is no work requirement, but income and resources must be very low[1].
Arkansas follows federal rules for SSI and SSDI, but also offers state Medicaid programs for people with disabilities. Medicaid eligibility is based on income, resources, Arkansas residency, and disability status[5]. The ARChoices waiver provides home and community-based services for adults with physical disabilities, but learning disabilities like dysgraphia alone may not qualify—your overall functional limitations must be severe and documented. The Workers with Disabilities Medicaid program offers full coverage to employed individuals with disabilities, which could help if dysgraphia limits your job options but you are still working[6]. For children with dysgraphia, Medicaid may cover therapies and supports through the Children’s Health Services program[5]. Always check with the Arkansas Department of Human Services for the latest eligibility details, as state programs can change.
If you think you qualify for disability benefits in Arkansas due to dysgraphia, start by gathering your medical records, school reports, and work history. You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. For Medicaid, contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services online or by phone. Keep copies of all forms and correspondence.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) are the main federal programs for people with disabilities, including dysgraphia. SSI provides monthly payments to low-income children and adults with disabilities who have limited resources. SSDI offers benefits to adults who have worked and paid into Social Security but can no longer work due to disability. In 2025, the maximum SSI benefit is $967/month for an individual; SSDI benefits depend on your earnings record, with a 2025 maximum of $4,018/month[1]. Both programs require your medical condition to be severe enough to prevent "substantial gainful activity" (SGA); in 2025, earning more than $1,620/month (or $2,700 if blind) may disqualify you from benefits[2]. SSDI has a 5-month waiting period and a 24-month Medicare waiting period for most people[4]. SSI recipients in Arkansas may automatically qualify for Medicaid[5].
Arkansas Medicaid helps pay for medical care for eligible residents with disabilities. Eligibility is based on income, resources, and disability status[5]. The ARChoices waiver provides in-home and community-based services for adults with physical disabilities, but learning disabilities like dysgraphia generally do not qualify unless accompanied by severe physical limitations[5]. The Workers with Disabilities program offers full Medicaid to employed individuals with disabilities, which can be helpful if dysgraphia limits your job options but you are still working[6]. For children, Arkansas Medicaid may cover therapies, specialists, and school-based supports. To explore all state programs, visit the Arkansas DHS website or contact your local county office. State-specific information on learning disabilities is limited—start with Health Care Programs and Workers with Disabilities at humanservices.arkansas.gov[5][6].
Arkansas residents with disabilities (including learning disabilities like dysgraphia) can open an ABLE account to save money for disability-related expenses without risking SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Earnings in the account grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not counted as income. Learn more in our ABLE Accounts guide.
For SSI in 2025, individuals can receive up to $967/month if they meet income and resource limits. For a couple, the maximum is $1,450/month[1]. SSDI has no strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than $1,620/month (or $2,700 if blind) in 2025[2]. Income limits for Arkansas Medicaid vary by program and household size—check with Arkansas DHS for details[5].
Always report changes in income, living situation, or medical improvement to the SSA and Arkansas DHS. Failing to report can result in overpayments, which you may have to pay back. See our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for more.
Arkansas waiver programs like ARChoices focus on physical disabilities; learning disabilities like dysgraphia usually do not qualify alone. If you have both physical and learning disabilities, you may qualify if your overall functional limitations are severe. Always check with Arkansas DHS for the latest details[5][6].
Children with dysgraphia may get school-based supports through an IEP or 504 Plan, and Medicaid may cover therapies if deemed medically necessary. Applying for SSI can help families with limited income access additional resources[5].
Adults may qualify for SSDI if dysgraphia (together with other impairments, if any) is severe enough to prevent work for at least 12 months, and they have sufficient work credits from jobs covered by Social Security[2][7]. Medical and work evidence is key.
Yes, children with severe dysgraphia that causes marked limitations in learning or daily functioning may qualify for SSI if family income and resources are low. School records and medical evidence are important for approval[1][4].
Medicaid may cover certain therapies (like occupational therapy) if medically necessary. Coverage depends on your specific Medicaid category and the provider’s recommendation. Contact Arkansas DHS for details[5].
You have the right to appeal. Start by requesting reconsideration, then a hearing if needed. Consider getting help from a disability advocate or attorney.
You can earn up to $1,620/month (2025) without losing SSDI or SSDI-based Medicaid; SSI has stricter limits. Explore work incentives like the Trial Work Period. Our SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide has more[2][3].
Apply online through the Arkansas DHS website, by phone, or in person at a local office. You may need to provide proof of income, resources, and disability[5].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Program rules and benefits can change. Always verify details with official agencies. We are not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or Arkansas Department of Human Services.
An ABLE account lets you save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. Earnings are tax-free, and qualified withdrawals do not count as income for SSI or Medicaid. See our ABLE Accounts guide.
The ARChoices waiver serves adults with physical disabilities; learning disabilities usually do not qualify alone. Workers with Disabilities Medicaid may help if you are employed but have limited earnings due to dysgraphia[5][6].
There is a 5-month SSDI waiting period; benefits start the sixth full month after your disability began. Most people also wait 24 months for Medicare, except for certain conditions[4].
Report any medical improvement to the SSA and Arkansas DHS. Continuing Disability Reviews may be required to keep your benefits.
