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.

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.