How Much Disability Pay Can You Get in Arkansas?
“How much will I receive in benefits?” It’s the most common question people have when applying for disability benefits through the Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance programs.
The Social Security Administration oversees the SSDI and SSI programs, so it would be natural to assume the benefit payments under the programs would be the same for everyone. It’s a natural assumption to make, but the amount the programs pay each month can vary depending on the program, the state where a claimant lives, and other factors. The disability payment
The disability attorneys of American Disability Action Group, serving the needs of individuals with disabilities in Arkansas and nationwide, explain disability payment amount Arkansas residents can expect from the SSDI and SSI programs. If you have questions or need assistance with anything discussed in this article, contact the ADA Group for a free consultation.
Overview of the SSDI and SSI programs
A work history at jobs or self-employment with Social Security taxes paid on the money earned is the financial requirement for coverage through the SSDI program. The medical requirement is an inability to work due to a disabling medical condition, according to a federal definition used by the Social Security Administration to evaluate claims.
SSI does not require a work history, and it is funded by federal income and other general taxes collected by the U.S. Treasury rather than by Social Security taxes. The medical requirement for disability benefits through SSI uses the same federal definition of disability as the SSDI program.
As a needs-based program, SSI imposes limits on the amount of income and the value of assets or resources an applicant may own. The program differences also include the benefits they pay.
Benefit payments in Arkansas through the SSDI program
The SSDI amount Arkansas residents can expect to receive each month depends on their lifetime earnings for which Social Security taxes were paid. The federal government sets a yearly limit on the amount of a person’s income subject to payment of Social Security taxes. For example, a person pays Social Security taxes only on $176,100 of the money they earn in 2025. The amount of the Social Security tax limit changes each year.
The formula used by the Social Security Administration to determine SSDI benefits takes into account the annual historical limits on income subject to Social Security tax payments. This results in a maximum SSDI benefit payment amount available to individuals who consistently worked high-paying jobs.
The SSDI maximum monthly benefit in 2025 is $4,018. Payments to those who do not receive the maximum vary with the average monthly SSDI benefit in 2025 being $1,580, according to the Social Security Administration.
Certain public disability benefits that you receive could reduce the amount you get each month through SSDI. Public disability benefits include the following:
- Workers’ compensation
- State short-term disability benefits
- State disability retirement benefits
The combined total of your SSDI and the public disability payments you receive cannot be more than 80% of the average earnings you had before the onset of your disability. A disability attorney at the ADA Group can help you determine the monthly benefit payment you can receive from SSDI based on your earnings record and benefits you receive from other sources.
Monthly benefits through the SSI program in Arkansas
Differences from the SSDI program in the SSI benefits Arkansas resides receive include the following:
- The federal government sets the amount payable as SSI benefits, with the maximum federal monthly benefit being $967 in 2025, with annual cost-of-living adjustments.
- Some states offer a supplemental payment to individuals in additional to the federal benefit payment.
- The maximum federal SSI monthly payment could be less than the maximum if you have earned and unearned income.
Only the following six states and the Northern Mariana Islands do not offer residents a state supplemental payment in addition to the federal SSI benefit payment in 2025:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Mississippi
- North Dakota
- Tennessee
- West Virginia
The Arkansas disability income for someone receiving SSI benefits is limited to the federal benefit amount of $967. However, it could be less if you have income from other sources.
Assume you were approved for SSI benefits Arkansas of the maximum federal benefit of $967, but you now have a part-time job and earned $475 this month. You may exclude the first $65 of earned income. Of the remaining $410, only half of it counts as earned income, so the SSI benefits you receive for the month will be reduced by $205, resulting in a payment of $762 from SSI.
Understanding the ins and outs of the SSDI and SSI programs can be challenging, but you have support from the disability benefits team at American Disability Action Group. Whether you have questions about your benefits, how to apply for them, or need a disability attorney to appeal a denial of a claim, an Arkansas attorney from the ADA Group can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.