If you cannot work due to a disability, you are entitled to Social Security Benefits in Arkansas.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to recover SSDI. Struggling to recover benefits? Trust the legal team at Taylor King Law to be on your side – by your side. Speak with a local Social Security Disability Lawyer near you to learn how our law firm can help you with your SSD claim today.
Table of Contents
Arkansas SSD Lawyers
Do I Need a Social Security Disability Lawyer?
Qualifications for SSDI Benefits
How to Apply for Benefits
What You Need to Apply for SSDI
What to Do If Your Claim is Denied
Eligibility Requirements in Arkansas
Can I Lose My Social Security Disability Benefits?
Medical Qualifications for SSDI
Common SSD Application Mistakes to Avoid
Differences Between SSI & SSDI
Can Children Qualify for Social Security Benefits?
SSDI Backpay
Why Hire a Social Security Lawyer Near Me?
Getting the Benefits You Deserve
Speak with an AR Social Security Disability Attorney.
Whether you’re applying for disability benefits for the first time or you’ve been denied:
Trust the legal team at Taylor King Law to be on your side – by your side
The Social Security Disability Lawyers at Taylor King Law will help you recover the benefits you deserve.
Taylor King Law has been representing our friends and neighbors for more than 30 years.
Arkansas SSD Lawyers
To receive Social Security disability benefits certain criteria must be met. Contacting an experienced attorney is the simplest, and easiest way to find out whether you qualify.
A consultation with Taylor King is both free and confidential. We’ll ask questions to help determine if you qualify for Social Security disability benefits, and then help you explore your options.
Entrust your legal needs to a local attorney who’s committed to fighting for Arkansans’ rights – trust Taylor King. With over 300 years of combined legal experience, you can expect Taylor King Law to be on your side – by your side.
Find Out If You Qualify for Social Security Disability in Arkansas
The Social Security Administration offers assistance to Arkansans who are unable to work due to a disability. According to the Social Security Act, a disability is defined as “the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.”
Fill out the form below to find out if you qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) OR Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. One of our team members will reach out to ask additional questions and ensure you receive the representation you need to obtain benefits.
Do I Have A Case?
REACH OUT VIA FORM
Do I Need a Social Security Disability Lawyer?
When you hire a Social Security attorney, they’ll advocate for you. An experienced SSD lawyer will answer your questions, and walk you through each step of the disability claims process.
You are not required to have an attorney to obtain SSDI benefits.
However, having legal representation on your side can make the process easier and help you avoid potential pitfalls. And because our firm works on a contingency basis, you won’t owe Taylor King Law anything until after we’ve helped you secure your benefits.
Do I Qualify for SSDI Benefits?
In order to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, you must meet two qualifications:
- You have worked in jobs that are covered by Social Security.
- And you have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of a disability.
According to the Social Security Administration, you must have also worked long enough to qualify for benefits. How long must you have worked to be eligible for benefits? The answer actually changes from year to year! Learn more here or call and speak with an attorney at Taylor King Law.
How to Apply for Disability Benefits in AR
In Arkansas, you can apply for Social Security Disability benefits online or by phone.
You can submit an online application at the Social Security Administration’s website HERE. Or you can schedule an appointment by calling the administration at 1.800.772.1213. They will determine whether your interview takes place over the phone or in person.
Let’s talk about what information you’ll need to apply for benefits.
What You Need to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits
Before you submit your SSDI application or schedule your interview, you’ll need some information prepared:
1. Date & Place of Birth
If you are not a U.S. citizen, then you will need a Permanent Resident Card.
2. Marriage (and Divorce)
You’ll need to provide your spouse’s name, date of birth, and Social Security number (optional) if you’re married or were married for at least 10 years. If no longer married, you’ll be asked to provide the beginning and ending dates of your marriage.
3. Children
You will be asked for names and dates of birth of children under 18, or if aged 18 to 19 and attending secondary school full-time.
4. U.S. Military Service
What type of duty and branch did you serve in? You also will need to know your service period dates.
5. Employment
You will need to provide your employer’s name, start and end date, as well as total earnings. If self-employed, you’ll need to provide your business type and total net income for the current year and the prior two years.
6. Direct Deposit
Account type and account number as well as bank routing number will be needed.
7. Alternate Contact
They will need the name, address, and phone number of an alternate person they can contact regarding your claim.
8. Medical Care
Names of medical professionals and clinics, dates of treatment and examinations, patient ID numbers, phone numbers, and addresses will all be required.
9. Medications
This includes the names of all prescriptions and non-prescriptions, as well as the reason for the medication, and the name of the prescribing doctor.
10. Job History
You will be asked the date that your medical condition began to affect your ability to work. Additionally, what jobs did you hold in the 15 years prior to your condition and what type of duties did you perform?
11. Education & Training
The highest grade completed and any special education you obtained, including the school’s name and location, will be needed. The names and dates of special job training, trade school, or vocational school are further required.
What If My Social Security Claim Is Denied?
First, you file an appeal. The first part of the appeals process is referred to as “the reconsideration step.” Similar to the initial filing, you’ll be provided with a different adjudicator and doctor. If denied a second time in Arkansas, you’ll then appeal to a Federal Social Security Administrative Law Judge. Finally, you can appeal to the Social Security Appeals Council if denied a third time.
Or you can call an attorney with the expertise to handle the claims process for you.
If your SSD claim is denied, then contact an attorney immediately. An experienced SSD lawyer can help with your appeals process; and, ultimately, ensure you receive SSD benefits.
How is Eligibility for SSD in Arkansas Determined?
An adjudicator will review several factors to determine eligibility for social security disability, including:
Current Work Activity
The SSA will determine if you’re taking part in what’s termed substantial gainful activity (SGA).
Severity of Impairment
A medical impairment is considered “severe” if it significantly impacts your ability to work.
Impact of Impairment on Ability to Work
The rules are different under Title II and Title XVI, but your ability to work will determine your social security benefits.
Past Work Experience
What is your past work experience and are you able to perform prior work responsibilities?
Age & Education
An adjudicator will use your age and education level to determine the extent of your benefits.
Can I Lose My Social Security Disability Benefits?
In Arkansas, you can lose your Social Security Disability benefits for one of four reasons:
1. Retirement
You can lose your SSD if you reach the age of 65 or retire at age 62 with regular Social Security benefits.
2. Improvement
You can lose your SSD if your physical or mental condition improves to the point you no longer are prevented from working.
3. Death
A benefactor of SSD benefits will lose those benefits upon the claimant’s death.
4. Fraudulent Activity
If it’s determined that you committed fraud, you can lose your SSD benefits.
What Medical Qualifications are Required for SSD?
A disability claims adjudicator will obtain any existing medical evidence. In order to approve your disability claim, the Social Security Administration will need medical evidence that proves your inability to achieve sustainable gainful activity.
In Arkansas, it’s preferred that the evidence comes from your treating medical provider. Acceptable medical sources include, but are not limited to:
- licensed physicians
- licensed or certified psychologists
- licensed optometrists or podiatrists
- licensed speech-language pathologists
Your treating doctor’s opinion and provided medical records weigh heavily in the decision to award or deny disability benefits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Social Security Disability
The application process for SSD is complicated, and each claim is entirely unique. However, there are common mistakes to avoid that may delay your SSD claim or force your claim to be denied.
Inaccurate Information
Don’t lie. Not only can it damage your chance to be approved, but providing false information can also make the appeals process difficult. Be truthful in both written statements and verbal testimony at all times.
Insufficient Details
Detailed information, documentation, and records are required for approval; so providing everything needed to support your claim is critical.
Overstating or Minimizing Your Disability
Exaggerating your disability is a common error. Medical records are required to support the severity of your disability; therefore, overstating or exaggerating your condition can be construed as misleading. However, the opposite approach of understating your condition isn’t helpful either.
Missed Doctor’s Appointments
If you’re being treated by a physician, but fail to adhere to your scheduled therapies then you could be denied benefits.
Missed Deadlines
Whether it’s a deadline to file paperwork or begin your appeals process, missing deadlines can result in your SSD application being denied.
What Is the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?
The major difference between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is that SSDI is based on your work, whereas SSI does not require you to have worked.
SSI provides you with benefits if you are 65 and older OR if you have a qualifiable disability.
SSDI provides benefits if you have a disability and have worked enough to qualify, regardless of your age.
You can qualify for both SSDI and SSI in Arkansas. To apply for SSI benefits, visit HERE or contact Taylor King Law for more information.
Can Children Qualify for Social Security Benefits?
Yes, children under 18 can receive benefits when their parent receives or has received Social Security retirement or disability benefits. To receive their parent’s benefits, the child must be:
- under 18 OR
- between 18 and 19 but still a full-time student OR
- 18 and older with a disability that began prior to turning 22
Children under 18 who are blind or have a qualifying disability are eligible to receive SSI benefits.
Will Social Security Benefits Include Backpay?
Yes, according to the Social Security Administration, they will pay disability benefits for as many as 12 months before your application if you had a disability during that time and meet all requirements.
Why Is It Important to Hire a Social Security Lawyer NEAR ME?
Hiring an attorney to help you navigate the Social Security Disability Application is an important decision. You need someone with the experience and the expertise to handle your claim. We also believe an important factor is hiring a disability lawyer near you.
By hiring a local Arkansas law firm, you are guaranteed to have someone on your side who’s available and committed to you.
Why hire a Social Security Disability Lawer near me? We have 7 reasons why we think it’s important to hire local and you can read them all here: Advantages of Hiring a Local Law Firm Near You
Difficulties with Your SSD Application?
We’re available to speak over the phone, schedule a virtual meeting online, or meet in person. However you prefer to discuss your social security claim, we’re prepared to listen.
It’s been our promise to be on the side of our friends and neighbors in Arkansas for over 30 years. With more than 300 years of combined experience, our expert legal team is proud to represent you and your loved ones.
If you are struggling to obtain Social Security benefits in AR, trust Taylor King Law to handle your claim.
We have the experience and the understanding to ensure you receive Social Security disability payments. You can call or visit any of our seven locations across Arkansas and into Texas. An initial consultation with a Social Security attorney near you is both free and confidential. We’ll answer all your questions, and because we work on a contingency basis, you won’t owe us anything until we settle your case.
Call us at 870.246.0505 or chat with a representative now.
Get the Social Security benefits you deserve
It’s possible to handle the appeal process on your own in Arkansas, but hiring an attorney will increase your chances of securing disability. Taylor King Law has the experience and expertise to represent your legal needs. We’ve been representing our friends and neighbors for nearly 30 years. Let our SSD attorneys be on your side – by your side.
