Step 1: Understand SSI Eligibility Requirements

Before you apply for SSI in Arkansas, it’s important to ensure you meet the program's eligibility criteria. To qualify for SSI, you must meet the following requirements:

• Disability or Age Requirement: You must be aged 65 or older, or you must have a disability or be blind. For disability, your condition must prevent you from working and is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
• Income and Resource Limits: SSI is a needs-based program, meaning your income and resources must be below certain limits. In 2025, the income limit for SSI is $1,138 per month for an individual and $1,913 per month for a couple. Resources (such as savings and property) cannot exceed $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple, although some assets (like your home and car) are excluded.
• U.S. Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualifying non-citizen to be eligible for SSI.

Step 2: Gather Necessary Documents

When applying for SSI, you’ll need to provide various documents to support your eligibility. Make sure to gather the following:

• Proof of Identity: You will need to provide a birth certificate, passport, or other official identification.
• Proof of Disability: You’ll need medical records and documentation from your doctor that show you are unable to work due to a disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires detailed medical records to determine if your disability meets their criteria.
• Income and Resource Information: Provide documentation of your income (such as pay stubs, tax returns, or Social Security benefits) and resources (bank statements, property ownership documents, etc.).
• Work History: If applicable, provide information about your work history, including tax returns and W-2 forms.

Step 3: Apply Online or In Person

You can apply for SSI in Arkansas through the following methods:

• Online Application: The fastest and most convenient way to apply for SSI is online. Visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) website at www.ssa.gov to start the application process. The online application will guide you through the necessary steps and allow you to submit your documents electronically.
• In Person: If you prefer to apply in person or need assistance with the application, you can visit your local SSA office. Use the SSA’s office locator tool on their website to find the nearest office in Arkansas. You can also call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment for an in-person interview.
• Phone Application: You can also apply over the phone by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. An SSA representative will guide you through the application process and help you submit the necessary documentation.

Step 4: Complete the Application Thoroughly

When filling out the SSI application, be sure to provide accurate and complete information. Missing or incomplete information can delay your application or result in a denial. Double-check your answers before submitting your application. The application process can take several weeks, so it's important to be thorough and detailed to avoid delays.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

After you submit your SSI application, the SSA will review your case. The process may take 3-5 months or longer, depending on the complexity of your case. During this time, the SSA may request additional information or documentation to make a decision.

• SSI Approval: If you are approved for SSI, you will begin receiving monthly benefits to help support your basic needs.
• SSI Denial: If your SSI application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The SSA will provide instructions on how to request a reconsideration of the decision, and you may also request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) if your reconsideration is denied.

Step 6: Follow Up on Your Application

Keep track of your application and stay in touch with the SSA to monitor the status. You can create a my Social Security account on the SSA website to track the progress of your application. If additional documents are needed, respond quickly to avoid delays.