There are three major stages in the application process for the Social Security Administration in Little Rock, Arkansas. Even though Social Security disability benefits are managed at the federal level, each state has its own processing status, and applying in one state does not always mirror the experience of applying in another. The more you can become familiar with the Social Security administration process in Little Rock, Arkansas, the more prepared you will be in the event that your claim is denied or you receive unexpected paperwork from the agency. The first step in the application process is your initial application. Some applicants will be immediately approved after their initial application but it is also very common to have your claim denied. Any mistakes made in your filing paperwork can increase your chances of being denied and could further delay the ultimate payment of your benefits. The second stage of the application process for the Social Security Administration in Little Rock is reconsideration. This happens when you have been denied benefits and need to appeal the initial decision. The third step is the hearing. The national average for approval on initial applications is just over 38%. In Arkansas, however, that number is 35.5%. At the reconsideration level, nationally 13.7% of applicants are approved at this second stage although just over 10% of Arkansas applicants are approved. Finally, at the hearing, 51.1% of people at the national level who go to the hearing process are successful in receiving their benefits but that number is 43.9% in Arkansas. Although you may believe that the facts of your case are strong, you need to be prepared for what to expect at reconsideration. Every additional stage of research that you do to increase your chances of approval can mean that much less time spent in these three different processes.