How Long Does It Take To Get Disability Benefits in Arkansas?
After applying for Social Security disability in Arkansas, it can take about 5.3 to 20.3 months to receive benefits. The wait time will vary depending on whether your initial application is approved or you need to appeal a denial.
It’s important to understand how long it takes to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) so you know what to expect. In this article, we’ll analyze the process in Arkansas and provide time estimates for each step.
Average Wait Times in Arkansas
The disability application process is slow, even though many applicants need urgent financial assistance. Many applicants get denied the first time they apply, so going through the appeals process only adds to this. Here’s what you can expect for each stage of the process:
Initial Decision
In Arkansas, it takes an average of 5.3 months to receive an initial decision, which is slightly faster than the national average of 6.8 months.
Your initial decision will be made based on the details of your application and medical records to support your case. After submitting your disability application, you can contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) a few days later to ensure they have received it. Doing this won’t speed up your processing time but can prevent any initial delays.
During the initial decision phase, the Arkansas Disability Determination for Social Security Administration may request additional medical evidence or other documentation. This might further extend your processing time. While you usually have 10 days to respond to the requests, it is best to act immediately to prevent further delays.
Reconsideration
If your application is rejected, the next step is to request a reconsideration. You have 60 days to file for reconsideration, which takes an average of 7 months to complete.
While in the reconsideration stage, an agent not previously assigned to your case will review it and provide a decision of acceptance or rejection.
Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
In Arkansas, it takes an average of 8 months to get a hearing with a judge. This hearing wait time is slightly longer than the national average of 7.8 months.
If your reconsideration is unsuccessful, you can appeal the SSA’s decision and request a court hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). At this stage, legal representation is highly recommended.
During the hearing, you or your legal team will present your case to an ALJ, who will then determine the validity of your disability claim.
After the hearing, you’ll receive a decision within three months.
Total Time
From the initial application to the hearing, the total time to receive disability benefits in Arkansas is about 20.3 months. Hiring a disability lawyer in Arkansas can help simplify this complex process, and a well-presented case can increase the chances for approval.
At Impact Disability Law, we focus on ensuring you receive the Social Security Disability benefits you deserve. We specialize in guiding you through every step of the process, from beginning to end.