Arkansas Social Security Disability Attorneys – Types of Disabilities Covered Under Social Security
In Arkansas, where the fourth-highest percentage of its population is on Social Security disability, navigating the claims process can be overwhelming. Nearly two hundred thousand Arkansans currently receive disability benefits, with the federal government distributing about $80 million monthly to beneficiaries. This highlights the crucial role these benefits play for many in the state. The assistance of a skilled Arkansas Social Security disability attorney is essential in navigating this complex process and increasing the likelihood of a successful claim.
The Arkansas Social Security attorneys at The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. serve as critical allies in the fight for disability benefits. Our attorneys ensure all necessary documentation and medical evidence are appropriately accounted for and represented. With such high stakes, the guidance of an experienced Arkansas Social Security disability attorney can be the key to securing the benefits you deserve. Contact
What is Social Security Disability?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Arkansas provides essential financial assistance to individuals who cannot work due to a long-term disability. As an Arkansas SSDI law firm, we understand the critical importance of these benefits for residents facing serious health challenges. SSDI serves as a lifeline, offering financial support to those who have contributed to the Social Security system through previous employment.
Understanding Disability
The Social Security Act defines “disability” as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment expected to result in death or last continuously for at least 12 months. This definition is central to determining eligibility for SSDI and SSI benefits.
Medically Determinable Impairment
A key term in the SSDI application process is “medically determinable impairment.” This refers to conditions verifiable by medical evidence, including clinical observations and laboratory diagnostics, that stem from physical or psychological abnormalities. Simply put, an impairment must be supported by medical findings, not just personal accounts of symptoms, to qualify for benefits.
Individuals unable to work because of their disability should consult with an Arkansas disability attorney to learn more about these and other key aspects of the program.
Top 5 SSDI Claims
SSDI claims nationwide have evolved significantly, with a noticeable increase from 446,083 awards in 1980 to 573,336 in 2022. This rise primarily reflects the growing number of awards to disabled workers, who accounted for 509,272 of the awards in 2022. Additionally, disabled adult children received 46,326 awards, while disabled widow(er)s saw 17,738 awards. These claims stem from various conditions, disorders, and diseases.
1. Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Disorders (34.4%)
Musculoskeletal disorders, which account for 34.4% of awards, include conditions that affect the body’s muscles, bones, and joints. These disorders, such as chronic back pain, arthritis, and fibromyalgia, significantly impede individuals’ ability to perform work, leading them to seek SSDI benefits for financial support and medical care coverage.
2. Neoplasms (13.6%)
Cancer (neoplasms) accounts for 13.6% of SSDI awards. This broad category includes various types of cancer, each affecting individuals differently. The severity, stage, and type of cancer play crucial roles in the SSDI application process, with a focus on how these conditions limit work capacity and meet the SSDI eligibility criteria.
3. Mental Disorders (12.0%)
Mental health disorders comprise 12.0% of the awards, covering a range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. Notably, depressive, bipolar, and related disorders represent 3.9% of the total, with neurocognitive disorders at 2.5%, intellectual disorders at 1.0%, and autism spectrum disorders at 0.5%. These statistics underscore the significant impact mental health conditions have on individuals’ ability to work, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support through SSDI.
4. Circulatory System Disorders (9.5%)
Circulatory system disorders, also at 9.5%, include conditions like heart disease and hypertension. These illnesses can severely limit an individual’s stamina, endurance, and overall ability
to maintain employment, making SSDI benefits critical for those affected.
5. Nervous System and Sense Organ Disorders (9.5%)
This category, tied with circulatory system disorders at 9.5%, encompasses conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system, including multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and vision and hearing impairments. These disorders can be particularly debilitating, impacting an individual’s capacity to engage in substantial gainful activity.
The remaining percentage of SSDI awards accounts for various other impairments, each with unique challenges and impacts on individuals’ lives. At the Law Office of Jason Hatfield, we recognize the complexities of each disability category. We are committed to guiding our clients through the SSDI claims process with experience, compassion, and a thorough understanding of securing the benefits they deserve.
How to Apply for SSDI in Arkansas
Navigating the SSDI application process in Arkansas can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance and preparation, you can confidently pursue the benefits you deserve. As an Arkansas SSDI law firm, the attorneys at The Law Office of Jason Hatfield are here to walk you through each step, ensuring you understand the process, the necessary documentation and evidence, and the timing requirements involved.
Starting Your SSDI Application
Initiating your SSDI claim is the first critical step toward securing your benefits. In Arkansas, you can apply online through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office. Opting for the online application allows you to start your claim at your convenience. However, if you prefer a guided approach, scheduling an appointment by phone or visiting an SSA office is available.
Before completing the application, gather all personal information, including your Social Security number, birth certificate, and detailed employment history. The lawyers on our team can help you with this preparatory step.
Documentation and Evidence: Building a Strong Case
A compelling SSDI application hinges on the strength of your documentation and medical evidence. You must provide comprehensive medical records that detail your disability, treatments you’ve received, and how your condition impedes your ability to work. Key documents include:
- Medical records and treatment history;
- Reports from treating doctors that outline your condition, treatment plan, and prognosis;
- Lab test results and imaging studies;
- A detailed list of medications and their effects; and
- An account of how your disability affects your daily life and work capabilities.
Additionally, employment documentation is essential to demonstrate your work history and earnings and prove your SSDI benefits eligibility based on your Social Security system contributions.
Timing Requirements: Understanding Deadlines and Appeals
The SSDI application process in Arkansas is time-sensitive, with specific deadlines that applicants must adhere to. After submitting your application, expect an initial decision within three to five months. However, this timeline can vary based on the complexity of your case and the workload of the SSA office handling your claim.
If your application is denied, don’t be discouraged. You have the right to appeal the decision, but be mindful of the 60-day deadline to file your appeal after receiving your denial notice. This stage involves several levels of appeal, including reconsideration, a hearing by an administrative law judge, a review by the Appeals Council, and a federal court review. Each level has its own timing and procedural requirements, emphasizing the importance of staying proactive and organized throughout the process.
SSA Reevaluations
Our SSDI law firm emphasizes the importance of understanding the reevaluation process for SSDI benefits in Arkansas. The Social Security Administration (SSA) periodically reviews your medical condition to ensure you qualify for disability benefits. These Continuing Disability Reviews (CDR) can happen every three to seven years, depending on the expected duration of your disability. If the SSA believes your health has improved to the point where you can return to work, your benefits might be discontinued.
Our team stands ready to support you through these reevaluations, guiding you in demonstrating the ongoing nature of your disability. We will help gather updated medical evidence, prepare for any SSA inquiries, and advocate for your continued eligibility during the review process.
Partnering with an experienced Arkansas SSDI law firm provides you with the support necessary to navigate the system. Our dedicated team offers personalized guidance, from preparing your initial application to representing you at appeal hearings, ensuring your case is presented compellingly and effectively.
SSDI Compensation and Benefits in Arkansas
At the Law Office of Jason Hatfield, we understand the life-changing impact securing SSDI benefits can have on our clients in Arkansas. Achieving approval for SSDI provides financial support and opens the door to a range of benefits designed to assist individuals with disabilities in managing their lives more effectively.
Monthly Cash Benefits
The cornerstone of SSDI approval is the monthly cash payment. This amount is based on your average lifetime earnings before your disability began. Understanding that these benefits are designed to partially replace your lost income and provide financial stability is crucial.
Medicare Benefits
After receiving SSDI payments for two years, beneficiaries become eligible for Medicare, regardless of age. This includes Hospital Insurance (Part A), which covers inpatient hospital stays, care in skilled nursing facilities, and some home health care. Medical Insurance (Part B) covers certain doctor’s services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
Dependent Benefits
If you have dependents, your SSDI approval may also benefit them. Children under 18, disabled children of any age, or a spouse age 62 or older may qualify for benefits based on your earnings record, helping to alleviate the financial burden on your family.
Back Pay
Many SSDI applicants receive back pay or retroactive benefits when approved. This compensates for the time between the onset of your disability and the start of your benefit payments, acknowledging the delay in receiving support.
Incentives to Return to Work
The SSA encourages SSDI recipients to return to work if they can. Through the Ticket to Work program and other initiatives, beneficiaries can explore employment while still receiving benefits, providing a safety net as they transition back into the workforce.
At the Law Office of Jason Hatfield, we are committed to guiding our clients through the SSDI application process, ensuring they receive the full range of benefits they’re entitled to.
Are You Seeking to Qualify for Social Security Benefits?
If you have a qualifying medical condition and are looking to obtain Social Security disability benefits, the red tape involved in the application process can be overwhelming. However, this is not a road you need to embark upon alone. At the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.C., we’ve assembled an experienced team of Arkansas SSDI lawyers who have decades of combined experience helping clients successfully navigate the application process. We also offer free consultations to all prospective clients and won’t charge you a fee for our services unless we can connect you with the benefit award you need, deserve, and are entitled to. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.C., at 479-361-3575. You can also reach our lawyers by filling out our secure online contact form.