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Bill

HB 1040

AN ACT FOR THE STATE DEPARTMENT FOR SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION DISABILITY DETERMINATION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.

2026 Fiscal Session

Arkansas allocates state funds to operate its federal Disability Determination Services office, processing disability claims for thousands of residents seeking Social Security benefits.

Notification that HB1040 is now Act 42
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Bill Summary · HB 1040

Legislative bill overview

HB 1040 is an appropriations bill allocating state funding to support the Social Security Administration's Disability Determination Services (DDS) office in Arkansas for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. States are required to fund their DDS operations, which process Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability claims under federal contract.

Why is this important

Adequate funding for DDS directly affects how quickly disability claims are processed for thousands of Arkansans seeking benefits. Underfunded DDS operations lead to longer wait times for applicants and backlogs in claim decisions, impacting vulnerable populations who depend on these benefits while unable to work.

Potential points of contention

  • Budget amount unclear - The bill text provided does not specify the actual dollar amount being appropriated, making it impossible to assess whether funding increases, decreases, or maintains current levels
  • Staffing and processing efficiency - Legislators may debate whether the appropriation is sufficient to meet current claim volume and reduce processing backlogs
  • Federal vs. state responsibility - Questions may arise about why states must fund federal disability program administration and whether Arkansas is adequately reimbursed by Social Security Administration

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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