Open a Purple account in minutes. Banking built for people with disabilities.
Arkansas • Chronic Illness
People in Arkansas with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI or SSI. Eligibility depends on medical severity, work history, and income. Arkansas does not offer a state disability program, but Medicaid and work incentives are available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Arkansas, you must have a disabling medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis often meets this standard if it severely limits your ability to work. You must also have earned enough work credits, usually 40, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits. SSDI is not based on income, but you cannot earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,620 per month in 2025 ($2,700 if blind). If your condition is not listed in the SSA's Listing of Impairments, you may still qualify if you can prove it is equally severe. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSI has strict income and asset limits. Both programs require a medical review to confirm your disability status[1][2][3][4].
Arkansas does not offer a state-specific disability benefits program for adults with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Eligibility for federal benefits is determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and reviewed by the Arkansas Disability Determination for Social Security Administration (DDSSA). The DDSSA reviews medical records and work activity but does not issue checks or accept applications. Arkansas residents must apply through the SSA. Medicaid is available for those who qualify based on income and disability. Arkansas also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which may help those with chronic illnesses like Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Workers with disabilities in Arkansas can keep Medicaid coverage if they are employed through the Workers with Disabilities Medicaid program[5][6].
Arkansas does not offer a state disability program for adults with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. However, the state provides Medicaid for those who qualify based on income and disability. The Workers with Disabilities Medicaid program allows employed individuals with disabilities to keep Medicaid coverage. Arkansas also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can provide support for those with chronic illnesses. There is no state-specific disability cash benefit, but residents may qualify for federal programs and state Medicaid support. For more information on Medicaid waivers, see the Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) guide[6].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. Arkansas residents can open an ABLE account through the state's ABLE program. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as medical care, education, and housing. Contributions do not affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility up to certain limits. For more details, see the ABLE Accounts guide[ABLE Accounts].
For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you cannot earn more than the SGA limit of $1,620 per month in 2025 ($2,700 if blind). For SSI, the income limit is much lower and depends on your living situation. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual, but this may be reduced based on your income and resources. State-specific income limits for Medicaid and other programs may apply. For more details, see the SSI Income Estimator tool[SSI Income Estimator].
You must report any changes in your condition, income, or work status to the SSA to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or reduced future benefits. For more information on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes, see the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide[Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Contact your local Social Security office or the Arkansas Disability Determination for Social Security Administration for help with your application.
Yes, if your Myalgic Encephalomyelitis severely limits your ability to work for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You must meet medical and financial criteria set by the SSA.
The maximum SSDI payment in 2025 is $4,018 per month. Most people receive less, with an average of $1,580 per month. Payments depend on your work history and may be reduced by other public disability benefits.
No, Arkansas does not offer a state disability program for adults. Residents must apply for federal SSDI or SSI benefits through the SSA.
You can apply online at the SSA website, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office. You will need to provide medical records and work history. The Arkansas DDSSA will review your medical evidence.
Yes, but you cannot earn more than the SGA limit of $1,620 per month in 2025 ($2,700 if blind). Exceeding this limit may result in a suspension or termination of benefits.
The SGA limit for 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning more than this may affect your eligibility for disability benefits.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Yes, if you qualify based on income and disability, you can get Medicaid in Arkansas. The Workers with Disabilities Medicaid program allows employed individuals with disabilities to keep Medicaid coverage.
Medicaid waivers in Arkansas provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. These waivers can help those with chronic illnesses like Myalgic Encephalomyelitis get support services.
Arkansas residents can open an ABLE account through the state's ABLE program. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
If you don't report changes in your condition, income, or work status, you may receive an overpayment. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or reduced future benefits.
