SSDI Denial Appeal Guide for Arkansas, AR

Introduction: Why This Guide Matters to Arkansans

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program is a lifeline for more than 142,000 Arkansans who live with serious medical impairments. Yet every year the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies well over half of initial SSDI applications statewide. If you received a denial letter from the SSA’s Disability Determination office in Little Rock—or any of the state’s 19 field offices—do not give up. Arkansas law and federal regulations give you powerful rights to challenge that decision, but strict deadlines apply. This comprehensive, claimant-focused guide explains the legal framework, appeal steps, and local resources you need to maximize your chance of winning benefits in Arkansas.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

Who Is Eligible?

Under Social Security Act §223(d) and 20 CFR 404.1505, you must prove:

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

• Inability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA).

• Sufficient work credits—generally 20 of the last 40 quarters for most adults.

Arkansas workers earn one credit for every $1,640 in wages (2023 figure) reported to the SSA, just like claimants nationwide.

Your Due-Process Rights

• The right to written notice explaining the denial (20 CFR 404.130).

• The right to examine your electronic claims file.

• The right to representation by an Arkansas-licensed attorney or qualified non-attorney advocate (regulated by 20 CFR 404.1705).

• The right to a four-level administrative appeal before you file suit in federal court.

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims in Arkansas

• Insufficient Medical Evidence – AR DDS examiners rely heavily on treatment notes from UAMS, CHI St. Vincent, Baptist Health, and other local hospitals. Missing records can sink a claim.

• Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment – SSA may assume you would work if you complied with medication or therapy.

• Earnings Above SGA – In 2024, monthly earnings over $1,550 (non-blind) result in automatic denial.

• Ability to Perform Past Relevant Work – Many Arkansas claimants previously worked in light industrial or retail jobs; SSA often concludes these skills transfer.

• Missed Deadlines – Not appealing within 60 days (plus 5 for mailing) closes your case.

Knowing these pitfalls lets you supply the evidence and testimony needed to overcome them.

Federal Legal Protections & Key Regulations

Appeal Deadlines

20 CFR 404.909 and 404.933 give you 60 days to request reconsideration or a hearing. Good-cause extensions are rare; file on time.

Levels of Review

• Reconsideration (20 CFR 404.907): A different DDS examiner reviews your file.

• Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing (20 CFR 404.929): Conducted in the Little Rock Hearing Office or by video.

• Appeals Council Review (20 CFR 404.967): Located in Falls Church, VA; may grant, deny, or remand.

• Federal District Court (42 U.S.C. §405(g)): The U.S. District Court for the Eastern or Western District of Arkansas oversees civil actions.

Evidence Rules

ALJs follow 20 CFR 404.1513 for medical source hierarchy and Social Security Ruling (SSR) 16-3p for evaluating pain.

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

1. Read the Denial Letter Carefully

Identify whether the issue is medical, technical, or work-credit related.

2. File a Timely Request for Reconsideration

Use SSA-561 or online Appeal a Decision. Mail to the Arkansas DDS, P.O. Box 1437, Slot N450, Little Rock, AR 72203.

3. Gather Missing Evidence

• Updated MRI scans from UAMS Medical Center.

• Function reports completed by family or co-workers.

• Opinion letters from board-certified specialists practicing in Arkansas.

4. Prepare for the ALJ Hearing

The Little Rock Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) is at 700 W Capitol Ave., Suite 1200, Little Rock, AR 72201. Average wait time: 9–11 months (SSA May 2024 data).

5. Consider On-the-Record (OTR) Requests

If new evidence clearly supports disability, your attorney can file an OTR brief requesting a favorable decision without a hearing.

6. Track Deadlines Meticulously

Every appeal resets the 60-day clock. Mark calendars and send filings by certified mail or SSA’s secure online portal.

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

Statistics published by the SSA show nationally represented claimants are nearly three times more likely to win at the ALJ level. Arkansas is no exception. A licensed Arkansas disability attorney can:

• Obtain missing medical or vocational evidence quickly.

• Draft legal briefs citing 20 CFR 404.1520(a)–(g) and applicable Eighth Circuit case law (e.g., Polaski v. Heckler, 739 F.2d 1320).

• Cross-examine vocational experts to neutralize transferable-skills arguments.

• Charge fees only if you win, capped by 20 CFR 404.1728 at 25% of back pay or $7,200 (2024 maximum) unless approved otherwise.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Key SSA Offices in Arkansas

• Little Rock Field Office: 700 W Capitol Ave., Suite 300, Little Rock, AR 72201, Phone 866-593-0933.

• Fort Smith Field Office: 3600 Massard Rd., Fort Smith, AR 72903, Phone 888-436-4797.

• Jonesboro Field Office: 1809 Latourette Dr., Jonesboro, AR 72404, Phone 866-593-0933.

Vocational & Medical Support

• Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS) offers free vocational counseling that can strengthen your medical-vocational profile.

• Community health centers such as ARcare provide sliding-scale medical care for uninsured claimants.

Authoritative Information Links

20 CFR 404.909 – Request for Reconsideration SSA Appeals Process Overview SSA Data on SSDI Beneficiaries in Arkansas

Statute of Limitations for Federal Court

You have 60 days after the Appeals Council’s notice to file suit under 42 U.S.C. §405(g) in the proper U.S. District Court (Little Rock or Fayetteville divisions, depending on county).

Conclusion

An SSDI denial is not the end—it’s the beginning of a structured legal process designed to protect your rights. By understanding federal regulations, meeting every deadline, gathering robust Arkansas-specific medical evidence, and working with a qualified attorney, you dramatically increase the odds of securing the benefits you need.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice on your specific case, consult a licensed Arkansas attorney.

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