Anyone who lives in Missouri and was working in Missouri but can’t work now because they have become disabled can apply for Social Security disability benefits. If your application for disability benefits in Missouri is approved, you can use the money from those benefits to pay for your living expenses. The money you receive can be used to pay for utilities, housing, food, and any other living expenses that you have.
The Definition Of Disability In Missouri
You must be able to prove that you meet the Missouri definition of disability to qualify for disability benefits. The definition of disability in Missouri is the same definition of disability that the Social Security Administration uses. To be considered disabled in Missouri a person must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to a medical condition that is expected to last at least a year or end in death.
Substantial gainful activity means any kind of work that you can get paid for. If you can’t perform any type of work that an employer would pay you to do, then you can be approved for disability benefits.
Missouri workers who qualify for disability benefits also may be eligible for other assistance from the state. Disabled people can receive housing assistance, food assistance, and sometimes medical benefits at no or low cost.
What Disabling Conditions Qualify In Missouri?
When you apply for disability benefits in Missouri you will have to show that you have a medical condition that the Social Security Administration considers disabling. The SSA lists more than 200 conditions that qualify for disability benefits in their Blue Book.
You can find out if your medical condition is in the Blue Book by searching Blue Book on the SSA’s website. Your local SSA office also has a copy of the Blue Book you can look at.
You need to include a letter of diagnosis and as much medical evidence as you can with your application for disability benefits to prove that you meet the SSA’s requirements. Every listing in the Blue Book has a unique set of requirements, and you need to submit medical evidence showing you meet those requirements or your application for disability benefits will be denied.
You also need work credits to be approved for disability benefits in Missouri. Work credits are based on the amount of money that you make and how many hours you work. It’s possible to earn up to 4 work credits per year. Most people need to have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years to qualify for Missouri disability benefits.
Types of Disability Benefits Available in Missouri
If you’re a Missouri resident and you are applying for disability benefits you can apply for either SSDI or SSI, but not both.
Missouri Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
The type of disability benefit that most people are familiar with is Social Security Disability Income. SSDI is the Social Security Administration’s disability benefit program that all workers pay into if they are receiving paychecks from an employer. You are eligible to apply for SSDI if you worked at any time in the past. The average monthly SSDI payment in Missouri in 2024 is $1441.07.
Missouri Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income is a different type of disability benefit that is paid to people who have never been able to work because they became disabled in childhood. A teenager who is disabled can apply for SSI when they turn 18. The money that they receive from SSI can be spent on any of their living expenses.
Parents who have a child who is disabled can apply for SSI on behalf of their child and collect payments for that child. But the money must be spent on the child’s expenses only. Parents will need to submit documents to the SSA showing that the money is only paying for the things the child needs.
If you’re a parent applying for SSI for your child you will also need to submit your W-2, tax returns, or pay stubs to prove your income. There is an income cap for receiving SSI. You will need to show that the total income of the household is below the SSA’s income cap before your application for benefits can be approved.
State of Missouri Disability Programs
You can also receive short-term disability benefits through the state of Missouri, or through your employer. When you opt-in for short-term disability your coverage usually starts the 31st day after you opt-in. And if you need to use your short-term disability benefits you can start claiming benefits on the 8th day after you become disabled.
You can also receive long-term disability benefits even if you are getting SSA disability benefits. You can receive both. But the amount of your SSDI may be reduced in that case. The total of the two benefits can’t be more than your previous salary.
Find A Disability Lawyer In Missouri
Most people find the process of applying for Social Security disability benefits difficult and confusing. You must fill out all paperwork correctly, make sure you pay attention to deadlines, and make sure that you include enough medical documentation. It’s overwhelming for a lot of people. A disability lawyer in Missouri can help.
Working with a Missouri disability lawyer can make the application process easier if you are filing for Social Security disability benefits in Missouri. A disability lawyer in Missouri can help you with tasks like:
- Filling out the application paperwork
- Talking you through the application process.
- Advising you on what medical documentation you need.
- Helping you meet deadlines.
- Arguing your appeal.
You don’t have to pay anything upfront to speak with an experienced Missouri disability lawyer. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation now to get connected with a Missouri disability attorney who can answer your questions and give you advice.
How Much Disability Can You Receive in Missouri?
If you apply for Social Security disability benefits in Missouri, you could receive up to $3,822 a month in disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. If you are approved for SSI the maximum SSI benefit is $943 for one person, and $1,415 a month if you are married to someone that also receives SSI.
To find out what your Social Security benefit payment could be use our disability benefit calculator. Then, reach out to a Missouri Social Security lawyer who can help you start your application.
