Filing for Disability in Arkansas

When disability claims are medically reviewed in Arkansas, 36.4% are approvedbelow the national average of 36.7%. This rate measures how often claims are approved at medical review, not all applications filed.

Data through February 2026

Your Chances at the Initial Level

Medical approval rate = allowances / completed medical determinations at DDS.

Overall36.4%

Nat'l avg: 36.7%

SSDI39.1%

Nat'l avg: 38.7%

SSI42.0%

Nat'l avg: 42.1%

Know Your Numbers

Arkansas approves 36.4% of initial disability claims. That’s 0.3 percentage points below the national average of 36.7%. Understanding your state’s data before you file helps you prepare.

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What You Could Receive

National payment amounts by program. Individual amounts vary based on earnings history and state supplements.

Avg New SSDI Award

$1,821/mo

Max SSDI Benefit

$4,152/mo

SSI Individual Rate

$994/mo

SSI Couple Rate

$1,491/mo

SSDI amounts based on your earnings record. SSI is the 2026 federal rate; some states add a supplement. How benefits are calculated →

Medical Approval Rate Over Time

Monthly medical approval rates (allowances / determinations at DDS) for Arkansas vs. the national average. Data covers Feb 2021Feb 2026 (monthly).

Arkansas's medical approval rate has fallen from 37.6% to 36.4% over this period.

At a Glance — February 2026

Monthly activity and current caseload at the state DDS office

Approval Rate

36.4%

Claims Filed

2,396

Determinations

2,466

Pending Claims

9,733

If Your Claim Is Denied

Reconsideration

If your initial claim is denied, you can request reconsideration — a new review by a different examiner. Is reconsideration worth it? →

Recon Approval Rate

11.7%

Recon Claims Pending

2,322

Hearing

If reconsideration is also denied, your case goes to a hearing. Hearing office assignment is based on your ZIP code, not state lines — some residents may be assigned to an office in a neighboring state.

Detailed Breakdown

Initial Rates

Concurrent
23.8%
Disabled Child
53.3%

Reconsideration Rates

Concurrent
9.4%
Disabled Child
18.4%

SSDI Volume

Claims Reviewed
910
Approved
356

SSI Volume

Claims Reviewed
935
Approved
393

SSDI + SSI Combined

Claims Reviewed
621
Approved
148

Disabled Child (SSI)

Claims Reviewed
441
Approved
235

Recon Volume

Claims Reviewed
734
Approved
86

What to Do Next

1

Review Arkansas's medical approval rates above to understand how your state compares.

2

Gather your medical records, treatment notes, and any test results that document your condition. See our evidence guide →

3

Consider getting a free case review from a disability advocate who knows your state's process.

Learn More

Filing for Disability in Arkansas?

Claimants who understand their state’s approval data and process are better prepared. Get a free, personalized Approval Guide with your state’s rates, local offices, and a documentation checklist.

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