Arkansas residents with Spina Bifida may qualify for federal disability payments (SSI or SSDI), state Medicaid waivers, ABLE accounts, and work incentives. Eligibility depends on medical, financial, and work history requirements. Here’s how to apply and maximize your Arkansas disability benefits.
To qualify for federal disability programs with Spina Bifida, you must have a medical condition that prevents full-time work (Substantial Gainful Activity, or SGA) for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death[2]. For SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits through past employment—generally 40 credits, with 20 in the last 10 years[2][4]. For SSI, you must also have limited income and resources[1]. Children under 18 may qualify as dependents, while adults whose disability began before age 22 may qualify as Disabled Adult Children (DAC) if their parent is retired, disabled, or deceased[4]. In 2025, earning more than $1,620/month (or $2,700/month if blind) is considered SGA and may disqualify you[2][4].
Arkansas residents with Spina Bifida must meet the same federal criteria for SSI and SSDI, but state Medicaid programs provide additional options. The Workers with Disabilities Medicaid program allows employed Arkansans with disabilities to keep full Medicaid coverage, even if their income exceeds standard limits[5]. While Arkansas does not have a unique disability program for Spina Bifida, the state administers federal benefits and offers home- and community-based services (HCBS) waivers for eligible individuals. State-specific income and asset limits for waiver programs may apply. Always check with the Arkansas Department of Human Services for the latest program details and application steps.
Start online at SSA.gov to apply for SSI or SSDI. Gather medical records and work history. For Arkansas Medicaid, apply with the Arkansas Department of Human Services online, by phone, or in person. Contact your local DHS office for direct help. Keep track of deadlines and submit all required documents to avoid delays.
Step 1: Collect your medical records, proof of income, work history, Social Security number, and other relevant documents. Make sure your doctor clearly documents your Spina Bifida diagnosis and limitations. Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or by visiting your local Social Security office. If you start online, a representative will contact you to complete your application[1]. Step 3: After applying, monitor your application status online and respond to any requests for more information. Step 4: For Arkansas Medicaid, apply via the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) website, by calling the DHS hotline, or visiting a local office. Bring all required documents and be ready to discuss your medical needs. Step 5: For HCBS waivers, ask DHS about any available waivers for people with Spina Bifida. Wait for a decision and follow up as needed. Step 6: Consider exploring Arkansas ABLE accounts for savings and have a plan for reporting changes in your work or income to avoid benefit overpayments[1].
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have low income and limited resources. Does not require a work history. Maximum benefit in 2025 is $967/month for individuals, $1,450 for couples[1]. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Pays benefits to those with a qualifying work history and a severe, long-term disability. Maximum benefit in 2025 is $4,018/month[1]. Disabled Adult Child Benefits: Adults with Spina Bifida that began before age 22 may qualify for benefits based on a parent’s work record, even if they have never worked[4].
Arkansas Medicaid covers children and adults with Spina Bifida, providing access to doctors, hospital care, prescriptions, and adaptive equipment. The state’s Workers with Disabilities Medicaid program lets Arkansans with disabilities keep full Medicaid coverage while working, even with higher income[5]. Arkansas also offers home- and community-based services (HCBS) waivers, which may cover personal care, therapy, home modifications, and respite for eligible individuals. While Arkansas does not have a specific Spina Bifida waiver, you may qualify under broader disability waivers. Contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services for the most current waiver options and eligibility. The state also supports ABLE accounts, which allow people with disabilities to save without losing benefits.
Arkansas residents can open an ABLE account—a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. This can help with future expenses without affecting eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. ABLE account funds can pay for qualified disability-related expenses.
SSI has strict income and resource limits—earn too much or have too many assets, and you may not qualify. In 2025, SSDI may be reduced if you earn more than $1,620/month ($2,700/month if blind)[2][4]. Arkansas’ Workers with Disabilities Medicaid program allows higher income for employed people with disabilities[5]. Always report income changes to the SSA and DHS to avoid overpayments.
Report changes in your income, living situation, or health to both Social Security and Arkansas DHS as soon as possible. Failing to report can result in benefit overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Learn more about Arkansas overpayment rules and reporting steps to avoid problems.
Arkansas is one of the few states with a Workers with Disabilities Medicaid program, allowing employed people with disabilities to keep full coverage even if their income is above standard limits. This is a key benefit for Arkansans with Spina Bifida who want to work.
In 2025, the maximum monthly SSDI payment is $4,018. The maximum SSI payment is $967 for a single person and $1,450 for a couple[1]. These amounts may be adjusted yearly based on Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).
You qualify if your Spina Bifida prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. SSDI requires a work history, while SSI is based on income and resources. Children and adults may have different eligibility pathways.
In 2025, earning over $1,620/month (non-blind) may affect SSDI eligibility; the limit is $2,700/month if you are blind. For SSI, income and asset limits apply[2][4]. Arkansas Medicaid’s Workers with Disabilities program allows higher income for working beneficiaries[5].
Yes, children may receive benefits as dependents under a parent’s SSDI or SSDI record. In some cases, benefits continue after age 18 if the disability began before age 22[4].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save up to $100,000 without jeopardizing SSI or Medicaid. Qualified expenses include education, housing, transportation, and medical or assistive technology costs.
Apply through the Arkansas Department of Human Services online, by phone, or in person. Bring medical and financial records, as well as proof of residency and citizenship.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Arkansas offers HCBS waivers for people with disabilities, which may cover certain services not included in regular Medicaid. While there is no Spina Bifida-specific waiver, you may qualify under a broader waiver. Check with DHS for details.
Report changes to both Social Security and Arkansas DHS right away. Keeping your information up to date helps prevent overpayments and benefit interruptions.
Yes, but there are limits. Both SSDI and SSI have income thresholds. Arkansas Medicaid’s Workers with Disabilities program is designed for people with disabilities who are employed and may allow higher earnings while keeping benefits[5].
Processing times vary. Initial applications can take 3–5 months. Appeals may take longer. Respond quickly to any requests for more information to avoid delays.
