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Arkansas • Rare/Genetic
Arkansas residents with Williams Syndrome can access federal disability programs (SSI, SSDI) and state assistance (Medicaid waivers, Workers with Disabilities). Eligibility and application steps depend on medical documentation, financial limits, and work history. This guide walks you through qualification, application, and special state supports.
To qualify for SSI or SSDI, you must have a medical condition—like Williams Syndrome—that severely limits your ability to work for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death[7]. SSDI requires a work history and enough Social Security credits (typically 40, with 20 in the last 10 years)[7]. SSI is needs-based and has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the maximum federal SSI benefit is $967/month for individuals and $1,450/month for couples[1]. If you earn more than $1,620/month ($2,700 if blind), you generally cannot get SSI or SSDI[2][5]. Your condition does not have to be listed in the Social Security 'Blue Book,' but you must prove it is equally severe[4].
Arkansas uses federal rules for SSI and SSDI, but also has state Medicaid programs for people with disabilities. The Workers with Disabilities Medicaid program offers full Medicaid coverage to employed individuals with disabilities, which can be especially helpful for those with rare conditions like Williams Syndrome[6]. The state does not have a specific program just for Williams Syndrome, so access to benefits depends on demonstrating disability severity and financial need. For Medicaid waivers, Arkansas offers Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers that may help cover in-home supports, but availability can be limited and waiting lists may apply. Contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services for the latest on waiver openings[6].
Start by gathering medical records that document your Williams Syndrome diagnosis and how it limits your daily activities. Check your work history for SSDI or income/resources for SSI eligibility. Apply online at the Social Security Administration (SSA) website, by phone, or in person at your local Arkansas SSA office. Consider contacting the Arkansas Department of Human Services to ask about Medicaid waivers or the Workers with Disabilities program.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid into Social Security, but can no longer work due to a disability lasting at least 12 months[1][7]. In 2025, the maximum monthly benefit is $4,018[1]. Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Offers benefits to children and adults with disabilities (or who are blind/aged) who have limited income and resources[1]. The maximum monthly benefit in 2025 is $967 for an individual and $1,450 for a couple[1].
Medicare: After 24 months of receiving SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare, which helps cover medical services, therapies, and medications[1]. ABLE Accounts: These tax-advantaged savings accounts help people with disabilities save for disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for SSI and Medicaid[1].
Arkansas Medicaid: Provides health coverage for eligible people with disabilities, including those with Williams Syndrome. The Workers with Disabilities Medicaid program offers full Medicaid to employed individuals with disabilities, which can supplement federal benefits[6].
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers: Arkansas offers Medicaid waivers that fund in-home supports, personal care, and other services for those who might otherwise need institutional care. Waiver availability and eligibility are limited, so contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services for current openings and requirements[6].
Arkansas does not have a state disability program specific to rare genetic conditions, so residents with Williams Syndrome should focus on federal disability programs and Medicaid options.
Arkansas ABLE Account: Arkansas residents can open ABLE accounts through the national program. These accounts let people with disabilities save up to $16,000–$17,000 a year (2025 limits) for qualified disability expenses. Money in ABLE accounts does not count toward SSI or Medicaid resource limits. For more details, see our ABLE Accounts guide.
SSI Income Limits (2025): For individuals, the monthly SSI benefit is up to $967 if you meet income and resource limits. Earning more than $1,620/month generally disqualifies you from both SSI and SSDI (unless blind, with a higher limit of $2,700)[1][2][5]. These limits apply to everyone, regardless of disability type.
If you receive SSI or SSDI, you must report changes in income, living situation, or medical improvement promptly. Failing to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. For a full guide, see Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Williams Syndrome is rare and may require extra documentation for approval. Collect letters from geneticists, specialists, and therapists explaining how daily functions and work are limited.
Arkansas’s Workers with Disabilities Medicaid program is available to employed individuals with disabilities, providing an extra layer of support beyond federal programs—check with DHS for current eligibility[6].
No. Williams Syndrome must cause severe limitations in daily activities or work. You need medical documentation showing the condition prevents you from working for at least 12 months to qualify for SSI or SSDI[2][4].
The maximum federal SSI benefit in 2025 is $967 per month for an individual, but actual payments depend on your income, living situation, and resources[1].
You can work some, but earning more than $1,620/month in 2025 (or $2,700 if blind) usually disqualifies you from benefits. Special work incentives may help keep some benefits during employment[2][3][5].
SSDI is based on your work history and is not income-based. SSI is for people with limited income/resources, regardless of work history. See our [SSI vs SSDI](/guides/ssi-ssdi) guide for a detailed comparison.
Arkansas offers Medicaid waivers (like HCBS) that may fund in-home support, but availability is limited. These waivers are not specific to Williams Syndrome. Contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services for current waiver openings[6].
ABLE accounts allow you to save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. Savings in these accounts do not count toward the program’s asset limits. See [ABLE Accounts](/guides/able-accounts) for details.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Always consult official agencies for the most current and accurate information regarding your benefits and eligibility.
Collect your medical records, check your income/resources, and apply online, by phone, or at your local SSA office. You can start the process at ssa.gov[7].
You can appeal. Many initial claims are denied, but appeals often succeed with added medical evidence or legal help.
Arkansas does not have a dedicated program, but you can access federal programs and state Medicaid supports. Contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services to explore all options[6].
Local SSA offices, disability lawyers, and nonprofits can help. The Arkansas Department of Human Services can also guide you through Medicaid and waiver programs[6].
