Missouri Disability Benefits

Social Security disability benefits are provided by the Social Security Administration for blind, disabled, older citizens, and low-income earners.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is available for disabled or blind adults who are unable to work, and who also paid into the Social Security trust fund through payroll taxes. Missouri disability benefits help to establish a society without discrimination regardless of status or income.

Facts About Missouri

Missouri’s population is over 6 million. Approximately 4 million residents of Missouri are over 21 years old. CDC reports that 41.4% of adults in Missouri are living with one form of disability or the other. 15.0% have mobility issues. 13.4% have issues with cognition, and 7.9% have issues with independent living. 

In addition, 6.6% have hearing disabilities, while 5.0% have visual impairments. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention also states that 4.5% of the adult population of Missouri has challenges taking care of themselves.

For these members of the society, there are various programs such as rehabilitation services that cater to medical, housing, and food costs.

How To Qualify for SSDI in Missouri

Social Security disability insurance is a federal government program administered through the Social Security Administration. Benefits are available to those who are blind or have a long-term disability – or a developmental disability, such as autism or cerebral palsy.

The SSA describes long-term disability as one that is expected to last for at least a year or one that is life-threatening. 

In addition to certain medical requirements, there are some technical requirements that a person must meet to qualify for SSDI benefits. The benefit is only available for those who paid into Social Security while working. An applicant typically must have enough work credits or should have worked for at least five years in the ten years that precede the disability claim.

A person applying for SSDI benefits should also prove that their disability stops them from previous occupation or substantially gainful activity (SGA).

People with short-term disabilities do not qualify for SSDI. Your insurance company should be able to help with short-term disabilities.  Also, if you earn above the SGA ($1,310 and $2,190 for individuals with statutory blindness), you might not be qualified for SSDI.

Some employers also provide reasonable accommodation, such as the provision of a service animal, for individuals with disabilities. With reasonable accommodation, you might still be able to receive SSDI, but not in all cases.

Recipients of SSDI might also qualify for vocational rehabilitation services in Missouri. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education administers VR, a program designed to facilitate the training and employment of willing and able people with disabilities.

How To Apply for SSDI in Missouri

The Social Security Administration receives, processes, and approves all disability insurance claims. You can apply for Social Security benefits by visiting any of the agency’s field offices in Missouri. If you choose to apply in person, you must follow all the protocols of the COVID-19 pandemic.

You can also fill an online form or apply via phone call. You will need to prove that you are a citizen of the United States or a legal alien and you have a long-term disability that hinders your work.

If you are not sure that you are qualified for Social Security benefits in Missouri, you should still contact your local Social Security office or disability services division for assistance. Before you apply, ensure you have all proper documentation, such as medical and employment records.

The SSA administers SSDI benefits with the support of the Disability Determination Services in Missouri. The DDS is under the Office of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation Services in the state, but it remains under the control of the SSA.

When you submit your disability claim application to the local Social Security Office, the SSA checks if you meet the technical requirements. If you do, the agency passes your application to DDS, which assigns a claims examiner to ascertain if you meet all medical requirements.

How To Appeal a Denial in Missouri

If your SSDI application is not approved, you have the right to appeal. There are four stages in the appeals process. The first step is to request a reconsideration. During this stage, the DDS will assign another claims examiner to your case.

If your application is still denied, you can contact the Office of Hearings Operations to schedule a disability hearing before an administrative law judge. You might need to wait for over a year before the OHO schedules your hearing because of the backlog of disability hearings.

If the hearing is unsuccessful, you can appeal your case before the Appeals Council. If you are also denied by the Appeals Council, your final option is to appear before a federal court to appeal the rejection of your claim.

For a disability adjudication, you must hire a disability lawyer. It’s a good idea to contact an attorney before you even begin the appeals process. Claimants who employ a disability attorney often have greater chances of getting approval from SSA.

Missouri’s 2023 Social Security Increase

Applying for disability benefits in Missouri can be a complex process, with many different nuances to consider. Part of what makes the process so complicated is the fact that guidelines and regulations are constantly changing. However, these changes aren’t always negative. 

At the end of 2022, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that 70 million Americans would see an 8.7% increase in their social security benefits and SSI (Supplementary Security Income) this year, due to cost of living adjustments. 

This increase could be crucial to a huge number of Missouri residents, living with disabilities in a world of constant inflation and economic upheaval. If you want to ensure you have the best chance of successfully receiving the benefits you deserve this year, the following guide will walk you through everything you need to know about a Missouri disability benefits application.

What are the Disability Benefits Available in Missouri?

Missouri offers a range of disability benefits to choose from, including ABLE accounts to help people with special needs gain more independence and financial security. Missouri residents can also apply for the following programs:

• SSDI Missouri: The Social Security Disability Insurance program is available through the federal government. You may be eligible if a medical condition makes it impossible for you to continue working. It currently offers the largest payout of any disability program; with your past salary and the taxes you’ve paid determining monthly payments. 

• Missouri SSI: Supplemental Security Income in Missouri allows residents to apply for funding if they have a limited income. You may be eligible if you have never worked, or you haven’t worked enough to qualify for SSDI. 

• Veterans disability: The Department of veterans affairs offers benefits for retired or active-duty veterans who cannot work due to an injury sustained during military service. It is possible to apply for VA, SSDI, and SSI benefits at the same time. 

Missouri Medicaid for disabilities is also included with these programs. Additionally, there are various unemployment benefits Missouri residents can apply for. 

Missouri residents can also apply for Direct Express Mastercard financial management services through the US Department of the Treasury. There is also support available from the Midwest Special needs trust, and solutions for long and short-term private disability insurance. 

Determining Eligibility for Disability Benefits in Missouri

The eligibility guidelines for Missouri state disability benefits can vary depending on the type of support you choose to apply for. If you apply for veterans disability benefits, you will need to prove you’re either a retired or active member of the military, with an injury sustained during service. 

The SSDI and SSI benefits share the same medical requirements, though their technical requirements are slightly different. 

To apply for both SSI and SSDI from a medical standpoint, you will need to be able to prove that your medical condition or disability makes it impossible for you to work. You will need confirmation from your doctor that the condition is expected to last for at least one year.

While people over the age of 50 do qualify more easily for SSDI and SSI, it is possible to apply for medical disability benefits at any age. 

The technical requirements for SSDI applications require applicants to be under the age of 66, and to meet SSA requirements for work credits. This means you’ll need to have paid enough taxes into social security throughout your working life. 

For SSI, you’ll need to show you have limited or no income (less than $900 per month), and have few personal assets, such as personal savings or retirement funds.

Conditions that qualify for Missouri disability determination include: 

• Mental health conditions

• Musculoskeletal disorders

• Cardiovascular disorders

• Neurological disorders

• Injuries

• Cancers

• Respiratory conditions

• Digestive system disorders

• Endocrine disorders

• Genitourinary disorders

• Hematological disorders

• Skin conditions

• Infectious and parasitic diseases

• Congenital anomalies

How to Apply for Disability Benefits in Missouri

Applying for disability benefits in Missouri begins with ensuring you adhere to the Missouri disability benefits requirements for the service you want to apply for. Everyone’s experience applying for benefits will be unique because everyone’s individual and medical history is different. 

Typically, there are three stages in the application process: the initial application, reconsideration, and the hearing. If you’re approved the first time, you will not have to deal with appeals and hearings. 

To apply, you’ll need to fill in all of the questions asked on the Social Security Disability application form in full. After that, you’ll submit your work history and function report, outlining your work experience and the impact your condition has on your life. 

It can take a couple of hours to complete an application, so make sure you:

• Prepare all of your personal records: Collect medical records, treatment forms, bank account information, and work and income history for your application.

• Check you’ve answered every question: Ensure you fill out the full application and attach any supplemental documents to avoid processing delays.

• Be honest: Keep all of your answers honest and consistent. The SSA will check to see if your answers align with your medical documents.

• Follow-up: The SSA receives a lot of submissions, so get in touch to ensure they’ve received your application and are processing your information.

You can apply either through the SSA website, on the phone, or in person via your local SSA office. A disability lawyer can help you with the application process, as well as assist with your claims appeal if you’re denied your disability benefits. 

The Missouri Disability Benefits Appeals Process

Unfortunately, while Missouri disability benefits are increasing, it isn’t easy to get your application approved. Up to 70% of applicants get their applications denied. However, you can file for reconsideration. At that stage, the SSA will examine your application further. However, they also reject another 90% of applications. 

If you’re still denied disability benefits in Missouri after applying for reconsideration, you can appeal the decision and request a hearing with an administrative law judge. 

Though this process can sound daunting, it offers the highest chance for success in your claim. In 2022, over half of the applicants that took an appeal in front of a judge won their benefits. 

Keep in mind, you may need to wait several months before the OHO schedules your hearing due to a current backlog of disability hearings. If your hearing is unsuccessful again, you can appeal in front of the Appeal Council, or take your case to Federal court. 

You will need to hire a disability lawyer to represent you before you begin the appeals process, as this will boost your chances of approval. 

Missouri Disability Resources

You can find a variety of resources available online to help you with applying for disability and improving your quality of life. Here are some useful resources:

• The Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation: A website and community dedicated to Missouri vocational rehabilitation services. 

• The Missouri Protection & Advocacy Services: Part of the nation’s federally funded system to support people with disabilities in Missouri in defending their rights. 

• The Disability Rights Network: A network committed to sharing Missouri disability resources with people from all backgrounds. 

• State Medicaid Services: A department of social services committed to Medicaid resources. 

• The Great Plains ADA Services: The local solution for information, training, and guidance on disability services in Missouri. 

Earning Your Missouri Disability Benefits

Successfully applying for and receiving disability benefits in Missouri can be a complex and time-consuming process. There are multiple different types of benefits to choose from, each with its own eligibility requirements and components to consider. 

Ensuring you have the best possible information, support, and resources to guide you is crucial to achieving success with your claim. 

Visit Benefits.com for more help and information on how to successfully apply for disability benefits, or contact us for direct assistance. 

More Missouri Benefits

Missouri residents that are unable to afford their essential needs and pay for their medical care may also get SSI, unemployment benefits, and Medicaid.

Apply for SSI in Missouri

The SSA also administers Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to low-income Americans who are disabled, blind, or over
age 65. This program provides supplemental income for low-income earners who meet certain requirements.

Supplemental Security Income SSI is available for low-income earners and people with disabilities. If you are a disabled student, a pregnant woman, at least 65 years old, or living with a disability or someone with a disability, then you might be eligible to receive this income.

In Missouri, SSI benefits come in the form of a monthly payment of $794 or $1,310 (for couples) from SSA. The Missouri State Department of Social Services also provides financial aid for residents with special needs such as those in Residential Care Facilities and Assisted Living Facilities.

Missouri Medicaid

Missouri Medicaid provider is MO HealthNet. The Department of Social Service in the state gives medical aid below $904 ($1,221 for couples) per month. The program comes with extensive medical coverage, including assistive technology, medical transportation services, dental care, mental health services, and many more.

Missouri Unemployment

Missouri unemployment benefits are weekly grants for unemployed residents of Missouri. The program provides funding between $35 and $320 for 8 to 20 weeks to people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.

Missouri Social Security Offices

Missouri Hearing and Appeal Offices

Missouri is in Region 7 (Kansas City), which services Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri.