Common Myths That Hurt Your Harrison Arkansas Social Security Disability Case

April 17, 2026

If you are hearing mixed messages about your Social Security Disability case, you are not alone. Many people in Harrison, Arkansas and across the Ozarks delay filing or make avoidable mistakes because of myths they have heard from friends, online sources, or well-meaning family members instead of working with an experienced Social Security disability law firm.

  • You do not have to be bedridden or completely helpless to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
  • Social Security focuses on whether your medical conditions keep you from performing full-time work on a sustained basis, not whether you can do a few basic activities.
  • Hiring an experienced Social Security Disability attorney before you file can help you avoid mistakes on your application and better explain your functional limitations.
  • Working part-time does not automatically disqualify you from applying, although it can make your case more difficult.
  • Receiving VA disability, long-term disability, or workers’ compensation does not automatically prevent you from pursuing SSDI.
  • You do not have to wait a full year to apply if your condition is expected to keep you out of work for at least 12 consecutive months.
  • Back pay may go back farther than many people realize, depending on when your disability began and when you filed your claim.
  • The best way to protect your case is working with an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer instead of relying on common myths.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these main points in more detail.

Common Myths That Hurt Your Harrison Arkansas Social Security Disability Case

If you live in Harrison, Arkansas or anywhere in the Ozarks, you’ve probably heard a lot of “unsolicited advice” about your Social Security Disability case.

Unfortunately, much of what people read online or hear from friends is simply not true.

As an experienced Social Security disability law firm representing clients across Arkansas and Missouri, we see these myths hurt people’s cases every day.

Below are the most common myths that prevent people from applying for or receiving the disability benefits they need. And the real truth behind them.

Myth #1: “You Must Be Bedridden to Qualify for Disability.”

This is the single most damaging myth that we hear.

You do not have to be bedridden, at death’s door, or completely unable to function.

Social Security uses a very specific definition of disability: Your medical conditions must prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity.

For 2025, that means you cannot consistently earn more than $1,620 per month.

In 2026, the amount rises to $1,690 per month.

You can be:

        • Walking around your home
        • Driving
        • Doing simple chores
        • Or even working part-time

…and still be found disabled under Social Security’s rules.

If you are 50, 55, or older, the rules become even more favorable.

You do not have to prove you are completely incapacitated. Only that you cannot perform full-time work on a sustained basis.

Myth #2: “Wait to Hire an Attorney Until After You’re Denied.”

This is not true and a bad idea.

You can and should hire an experienced Harrison Arkansas Social Security disability attorney even before you file your application.

In fact, many of our clients let us handle the application from day one.

Here’s why:

        • Social Security’s forms are written in vocational language, not medical language.
        • Saying things like “I can’t sit very long” or “I can’t walk very far” is not specific enough.
        • Your answers must clearly explain functional limitations, not general statements.

Having a disability lawyer during the initial application helps you avoid mistakes that lead to unnecessary denials.

Myth #3: “You Can’t Work Part-Time and Apply for Disability.”

Not true. You can work part-time and still apply for or receive disability benefits.

As long as your earnings stay under the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit (about $20,000 per year), you may still qualify.

Many people in Harrison and surrounding counties simply cannot afford to stop working entirely while waiting months or years for a decision. Social Security understands this.

Working part-time does not disqualify you.  But it is important to understand that working part time will likely make your case much tougher to win.

Myth #4: “If You’re Getting  VA Disability or Long-Term Disability, You Can’t Apply for SSDI.”

Also false.

Social Security has its own definition of disability, separate from:

        • VA disability
        • Long-term disability insurance

You can receive VA benefits or long-term disability benefits and still apply for Social Security Disability.

Workers’ compensation is handled differently, but it still doesn’t automatically disqualify you.

Many people are approved for SSDI even after being denied for VA or LTD—and vice versa.

These systems do not cancel each other out.

Myth #5: “You Must Be Out of Work for One Year Before You Can Apply.”

Absolutely untrue.

The law says your medical condition must have: Already kept you out of work OR be expected to keep you out of work for 12 consecutive months.

If you stopped working yesterday, and your doctor believes your condition will keep you from working for a year, you can apply today.

Given how long disability cases take, in some instances you are much better off applying sooner rather than waiting.

If your condition improves and you return to work, you can always withdraw your claim.

Myth #6: “You Only Get One Year of Back Pay.”

No. You can receive back pay all the way back to one year before the date of your SSDI application, depending on your onset date and when your disability began.

For example: If you apply in March 2023, you may be eligible for benefits back to March 2022, even if you aren’t approved until months—or years—later.

We’ve seen clients receive $50,000 to $100,000 or more in past-due benefits after long appeals.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Let These Myths Stop You From Applying

There is a lot of bad information floating around about Social Security Disability. Especially online.

The safest thing you can do is speak directly with an experienced Harrison, Arkansas disability lawyer who handles these cases every day.

If you have questions about your claim, your work history, or your medical evidence, we’re here to help.

If you’re preparing for a disability hearing in Northwest Arkansas, from Boone County  to Washington County, call The Krebs Law Firm.

We’ll guide you every step of the way so you feel confident when it matters most.

Need Help with Your Arkansas Social Security Disability Claim?

At The Krebs Law Firm, we specialize in Social Security Disability law and are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of the application process. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

At The Krebs Law Firm, we fight as hard as we can to help you get the disability coverage you deserve. Call today for a free consultation at (870) 741-8100 or toll free at (800) 345-0535.

It can be daunting learning the ins and outs of Social Security Disability benefits, but it’s not a task you need to take on alone. Call on an Arkansas Disability Attorney from The Krebs Law Firm to help you every step of the way.

We offer a free book on Social Security Disability benefits to Arkansas residents. Give us a call at (870) 741-8100. We have an office in Harrison, Arkansas just a couple of doors down from the Harrison Social Security Office.

Jason Krebs is licensed in both Arkansas and Missouri. Our main office is in Springfield Missouri. Our Harrison Arkansas office is by appointment only. The address is 125 Industrial Park Road Suite E1 Harrison Arkansas 72601. Our local phone number in Harrison is (870) 741-8100. Our Toll Free phone number is (800) 345-0535. You can also send us an email to [email protected].