Kidney Disease Benefits in Arkansas: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits in Arkansas, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two main programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require that your kidney disease meets SSA’s definition of disability and is expected to last at least a year or result in death. You must also meet financial criteria, such as income and asset limits for SSI, and work credit requirements for SSDI[1][2][5].

In Arkansas, you may also qualify for state-specific programs if you have kidney disease. Medicaid provides health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and resource requirements. ARChoices offers home and community-based services for adults with physical disabilities, including kidney disease. To qualify for these programs, you must be a resident of Arkansas and meet the program’s medical and financial criteria. Medicaid eligibility is based on income, resources, and disability status. ARChoices eligibility is for adults age 21–64 with a physical disability or age 65 and older. Both programs can help cover medical costs and support services for people with kidney disease[4][6].

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Visit the SSA website or local office to apply for SSI or SSDI.
• For Medicaid or ARChoices, apply through the Arkansas Department of Human Services.
• Consider using an advocate or attorney for help with your application.
• Report any changes in your condition or income to avoid overpayments[1][4][6].

• Step 1: Collect all medical records related to your kidney disease, including doctor’s notes, lab results, and treatment plans.
• Step 2: Check your eligibility for SSDI or SSI using the SSA’s online tools or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide personal information, work history, and medical evidence.
• Step 4: For Medicaid or ARChoices, apply online at humanservices.arkansas.gov, by phone, or in person at a DHS office. You will need to provide proof of income, residency, and disability.
• Step 5: Follow up on your application and respond to any requests for additional information.
• Step 6: If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. Consider seeking help from a disability advocate or attorney.
• Step 7: Once approved, report any changes in your condition or income to avoid overpayments and keep your benefits[1][4][6].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and have a qualifying disability.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who have a qualifying disability.
• Medicare: Available to most SSDI recipients after 24 months of receiving benefits.
• Medicaid: Available to SSI recipients and others who meet income and disability criteria[1][2][5].

• Medicaid: Provides health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and resource requirements. Covers medical services, including dialysis and kidney transplants.
• ARChoices: Offers home and community-based services for adults with physical disabilities, including kidney disease. Services may include personal care, home health, and respite care.
• Workers with Disabilities Medicaid: Provides full Medicaid coverage to individuals with disabilities who are employed. Helps people with kidney disease keep health coverage while working[4][6].

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses, such as medical care, education, and housing. Arkansas offers ABLE accounts through the state’s ABLE program. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one in Arkansas[7].

• SSDI: Not means-tested, but you cannot earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals.
• SSI: Must have income and resources below certain limits. In 2025, the maximum monthly SSI benefit is $967 for an individual and $1,450 for a couple.
• Medicaid: Income and resource limits vary by program. Check with the Arkansas Department of Human Services for current limits[1][2][5].

If your income or condition changes, you must report it to the SSA or DHS to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in benefit reductions or repayment. Always report changes promptly and keep records of your reports. Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes in Arkansas[1][4][6].

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

  Website

  For SSDI/SSI questions and applications.
• Arkansas Department of Human Services
  Phone: 1-800-482-8988

  Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Website

  For Medicaid, ARChoices, and Workers with Disabilities Medicaid.

• Can I get disability benefits for kidney disease in Arkansas?

  Yes, if your kidney disease prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You must also meet income and medical criteria for each program.

• What is the SGA limit for disability benefits in Arkansas?

  In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning more than this may disqualify you from benefits.

• How do I apply for Medicaid with kidney disease in Arkansas?

  You can apply for Medicaid online at humanservices.arkansas.gov, by phone, or in person at a DHS office. You will need to provide proof of income, residency, and disability.

• What is ARChoices and how can it help with kidney disease?

  ARChoices provides home and community-based services for adults with physical disabilities, including kidney disease. Services may include personal care, home health, and respite care.

• Can I work and still get disability benefits in Arkansas?

  Yes, there are work incentives and programs like Workers with Disabilities Medicaid that allow you to work and keep your benefits. You must report any changes in income or condition.

• What is an ABLE account and how can it help me?

  An ABLE account allows you to save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as medical care, education, and housing.