Guide to SSDI Denials & Appeals in Arkansas, AR

Introduction: Why an Arkansas-Focused SSDI Guide Matters

For the nearly one in four adults in Arkansas who live with a disability, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can be the difference between stability and financial crisis. Yet, the Social Security Administration (SSA) initially denies more than 60% of SSDI applications statewide, according to SSA data reported by the Annual Statistical Report on the Social Security Disability Insurance Program. If you live in Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Jonesboro, or any other community across the Natural State, a denial letter can feel overwhelming. The good news is that federal law gives you multiple chances to appeal. This comprehensive, location-specific guide explains each stage of the appeals process, key federal regulations, and the local resources available to Arkansans. While we take a claimant-friendly perspective, every fact is backed by authoritative sources—primarily the Social Security Act, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and official SSA publications. Whether you filed at the Little Rock SSA Field Office on South University Avenue or the Northwest Arkansas office in Fayetteville, this guide will help you:

• Understand your rights and responsibilities under federal disability law.

• Identify the most common reasons Arkansas claims are denied.

• Navigate each appeal level within federally mandated deadlines.

• Leverage local medical, vocational, and legal resources to strengthen your claim.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

SSDI Basics for Arkansas Residents

SSDI is a federal insurance program funded by payroll taxes under Title II of the Social Security Act. To qualify, you must have:

• Sufficient work credits—generally 20 credits earned in the 10 years before disability onset for most adults.

• A medically determinable impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Because SSDI is federal, the legal standards are identical in Arkansas and every other state. However, each claim is processed locally by Arkansas Disability Determination for Social Security (DDSS), headquartered in Little Rock, which reviews medical records and consults with Arkansas physicians.

Your Right to Due Process

Section 205(b) of the Social Security Act guarantees every claimant the right to a hearing after an adverse determination. The implementing regulation, 20 CFR §404.900, outlines four administrative appeal levels:

• Reconsideration.

• Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing.

• Appeals Council review.

• Federal district court lawsuit.

Each step has strict time limits—usually 60 days from the date you receive notice, presumed to be five days after mailing (20 CFR §404.901).

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

Understanding why claims are denied can help you avoid pitfalls and build a successful appeal.

1. Lack of Medical Evidence

The SSA applies the five-step sequential evaluation process found in 20 CFR §404.1520. If medical records do not establish the severity or duration of your impairment, your claim may be denied at Step 2 (severity) or Step 3 (Listings comparison). In Arkansas, rural hospitals often have limited electronic record-keeping, making it critical to gather complete chart notes, imaging studies, and specialist reports.

2. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

If your earnings exceed the federal SGA threshold—$1,470 per month for non-blind claimants in 2023 (SSA annual update)—the DDS will find you not disabled at Step 1.

3. Non-Compliance with Treatment

Under 20 CFR §404.1530, failing to follow prescribed treatment without good cause can lead to denial. In Arkansas, transportation barriers or limited specialist availability in Delta counties can contribute to missed appointments. Document every reasonable excuse.

4. Vocational Denials

At Steps 4 and 5, the DDS evaluates whether you can perform past work or adjust to other work in the national economy. Arkansas’ economy is heavy in agriculture, manufacturing, and retail. Vocational experts may cite regional jobs such as poultry-processing line worker or cashier. Your attorney can cross-examine these assumptions at hearing.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations

Key Statutes and Regulations

• Social Security Act §205(g) – Judicial review in U.S. District Court.

• 20 CFR §404.1512 – Claimant’s duty to submit evidence.

• 20 CFR §404.1527 – Weighing medical opinions (for claims filed before March 27, 2017).

• 20 CFR §404.1520c – Supportability/consistency factors for newer claims.

Time Limits and Statute of Limitations

You must request each appeal level within 60 days (plus the five-day mailing presumption). Missing the deadline usually forfeits your right to the next stage, although good cause extensions are possible under 20 CFR §404.911. For civil actions, you have 60 days from the Appeals Council denial to file in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern or Western District of Arkansas.

Evidence Rules

Under 20 CFR §404.1513, acceptable medical sources now include physician assistants (PAs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), which is important in Arkansas where rural clinics rely on these providers. Objective tests, longitudinal treatment notes, and third-party function reports can strengthen your record.

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

1. Reconsideration (Initial Appeal)

Arkansas reinstated Reconsideration in 2019 after years of pilot program exemption. File SSA-561 and submit updated evidence. Average processing time at Arkansas DDSS is 90–120 days.

2. Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing

If Reconsideration fails, request a hearing (Form HA-501). Hearings in Arkansas are usually held at:

• Little Rock Hearing Office – 700 W Capitol Ave, Ste 2600, Little Rock, AR 72201.

• Fort Smith Hearing Office – 4516 Towson Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901.

Virtual tele-hearings remain an option statewide.

3. Appeals Council Review

Submit form HA-520. The Council in Falls Church, VA reviews written records and can remand, affirm, or reverse. Median wait: 12 months.

4. Federal District Court

If the Appeals Council denies review, file a civil complaint under 42 U.S.C. §405(g) in the Eastern or Western District of Arkansas. Court filing fee: $402 (fee may be waived via IFP motion).

Tips for a Strong Appeal

• Request complete records from Baptist Health, UAMS, CHI St. Vincent, or your local VA clinic.

• Obtain detailed Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) opinions from treating providers.

• Keep a daily symptom diary to corroborate testimony.

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

Federal law caps attorney fees at 25% of past-due benefits or $7,200, whichever is less (42 U.S.C. §406(a)(2)(A)). Most Arkansas SSDI lawyers work on contingency, charging nothing up front. You should strongly consider counsel when:

• Your impairment does not meet a Listing, requiring vocational analysis.

• You have a prior denial, complicating the record.

• You must cross-examine a vocational or medical expert at hearing.

Attorney Licensing in Arkansas: All attorneys representing claimants before the SSA must be licensed and in good standing with at least one state bar. To appear in Arkansas federal court, counsel must also be admitted to the Eastern or Western District bar.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Social Security Field Offices

• Little Rock: 700 W Capitol Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201; phone 866-593-0933

• Fayetteville: 2153 E Joyce Blvd, Fayetteville, AR 72703; phone 866-964-6285

• Jonesboro: 1809 Latourette Dr, Jonesboro, AR 72404; phone 866-593-0931

Vocational & Medical Support

The Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS) program provides job counseling, training, and assistive technology that can document functional limits. UAMS and Baptist Health routinely conduct consultative exams for DDS.

Statistics for Arkansas Claims

According to SSA Regional Office (Dallas) data for FY 2022, ALJ approval rates in Arkansas averaged 53%, slightly above the national average of 51%.

Helpful Links

SSA Appeals Process Overview 20 CFR §404.900 – Appeal Steps Arkansas Disability Determination for Social Security Arkansas Rehabilitation Services

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Arkansas attorney for guidance on your specific situation.

If your SSDI claim was denied, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation and claim review.