Panic Disorder Benefits in Arkansas: 2025 Guide

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Arkansas, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. Panic Disorder may qualify if it severely limits your ability to work, even if it is not listed in the Social Security Administration’s official list of impairments. You must also meet work credit and income requirements.

• SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. You generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years.
• SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
• In 2025, earning more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) is considered Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) and may disqualify you from benefits.
• Your condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Source: Social Security Administration, 2025

In Arkansas, eligibility for disability benefits is determined by the federal Social Security Administration, but the state’s Disability Determination Services (DDSSA) reviews your medical records and work history. Panic Disorder can qualify if it prevents you from working full-time, even if it is not listed in the official impairment list. Arkansas does not have a separate state disability program for adults, but it does offer Medicaid waivers and work incentives for people with disabilities.

• The Arkansas DDSSA reviews applications and medical evidence but does not issue payments or accept applications directly.
• Medicaid waivers in Arkansas can provide additional support for people with disabilities who are working or need long-term care.
• Arkansas also has programs for workers with disabilities, including Medicaid coverage for those who are employed.

Source: Arkansas Disability Determination Services, 2025, Arkansas Department of Human Services, 2025

• Gather medical records showing your Panic Disorder diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
• Check if you meet the work credit and income requirements for SSDI or SSI.
• Apply online at the Social Security Administration website or visit a local Social Security office.
• Submit all required documents, including medical evidence and proof of income.
• Wait for the Arkansas DDSSA to review your case and make a decision.
• If denied, you can appeal the decision.

• Step 1: Collect medical records from your doctor, therapist, or hospital that document your Panic Disorder diagnosis, treatment history, and how it limits your ability to work.
• Step 2: Review the eligibility requirements for SSDI or SSI. SSDI requires work credits; SSI requires low income and assets.
• Step 3: Apply online at the Social Security Administration website, 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: The Social Security Administration will send your application to the Arkansas Disability Determination Services (DDSSA) for review. They may request additional medical information or ask you to attend a consultative exam.
• Step 5: Wait for a decision. If approved, you will receive monthly payments and may be eligible for Medicaid.
• Step 6: If denied, you can appeal the decision within 60 days. You may want to consult a disability attorney or advocate for help with the appeal process.
• Step 7: Report any changes in your income, work status, or medical condition to avoid overpayments.

Source: Social Security Administration, 2025, Arkansas Disability Determination Services, 2025

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments based on your work history. In 2025, the average payment is $1,580/month, with a maximum of $4,018/month.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with low income and assets. Payment amounts vary by state and individual circumstances.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people who receive SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people who receive SSI or have low income.
• Disabled Adult Child (DAC) Benefits: For adults whose disability began before age 22 and whose parent is receiving Social Security benefits.

Source: Social Security Administration, 2025

• Arkansas Medicaid Waivers: Programs that provide additional support for people with disabilities who need long-term care or are working. These waivers can help you keep Medicaid coverage while working.
• Workers with Disabilities Medicaid Program: Full Medicaid coverage for individuals with disabilities who are employed.
• Arkansas Disability Determination Services (DDSSA): Reviews disability applications and medical evidence for the Social Security Administration.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. Arkansas residents can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses.

Source: Arkansas Department of Human Services, 2025, Arkansas Disability Determination Services, 2025

Arkansas residents with Panic Disorder can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. These accounts allow you to save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. Contributions are tax-free, and earnings grow tax-free. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses, such as medical care, education, housing, and transportation.

Source: ABLE National Resource Center, 2025

• SSDI: Not means-tested, but you cannot earn more than $1,620/month (2025) from work.
• SSI: Income and asset limits apply. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943/month for an individual, but this may be reduced by other income or resources.
• Medicaid: Income and asset limits vary by program. Arkansas Medicaid waivers may have different limits.

Source: Social Security Administration, 2025

If your income, work status, or medical condition changes, you must report it to the Social Security Administration to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits. Report changes as soon as possible to avoid penalties.

Source: Social Security Administration, 2025

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For disability applications and questions.
• Arkansas Disability Determination Services
  Phone: 501-682-2228

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For medical review questions.

• Can Panic Disorder qualify for disability in Arkansas?

  Yes, Panic Disorder can qualify for SSDI or SSI in Arkansas if it prevents you from working for at least 12 months. You must provide medical evidence showing how your condition limits your ability to work.

• How much can I get in disability benefits for Panic Disorder in Arkansas?

  SSDI payments depend on your work history; the average is $1,580/month in 2025. SSI payments are based on income and assets, with a federal base of $943/month in 2025.

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

  In 2025, you cannot earn more than $1,620/month from work to qualify for SSDI or SSI. SSI also has asset limits, which vary by state.

• Do I need to be on Medicaid to get disability benefits in Arkansas?

  No, Medicaid is separate from SSDI/SSI, but most people who receive SSI automatically qualify for Medicaid. SSDI recipients may qualify for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period.

• Can I work while getting disability benefits for Panic Disorder in Arkansas?

  You can work, but your earnings must not exceed $1,620/month in 2025. Working above this limit may disqualify you from benefits. Arkansas also has work incentives to help you keep coverage while working.

• What medical evidence do I need to apply for disability with Panic Disorder in Arkansas?

  You need medical records from your doctor, therapist, or hospital that document your Panic Disorder diagnosis, treatment history, and how it limits your ability to work.