People with amputation in Missouri may qualify for federal benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Medicaid, as well as state programs. Eligibility and payments depend on factors like income, work history, and disability severity. Learn how to apply, manage your benefits, and avoid overpayments.
To qualify for SSDI with amputation, you must have a medical condition (such as amputation) that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability and have earned enough work credits, usually 40 credits with 20 in the last 10 years before your disability began[4]. There is no requirement that the amputation result from a specific cause—any amputation that prevents work for 12 months or more, or is expected to result in death, may qualify. SSI, by contrast, is for people with limited income and resources, and you do not need a work history. For both programs, your condition must prevent substantial gainful activity (SGA); for non-blind individuals, the SGA limit is expected to increase slightly in 2025 (about $1,470–$1,620 per month)[1][4]. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits, and the SGA limits are higher for people who are blind. The adult disabled child (DAC) benefit is available for some adults with disabilities that started before age 22, regardless of their own work history[4]. If you prove your disability, follow the rules, and meet income/resource requirements, you may get both cash and health benefits.
Missouri’s main program for people with amputation and other disabilities is MO HealthNet (Medicaid), which includes several coverage options. MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MHABD) can help adults with amputation who have low income and resources, with annual income limits for a single person at $13,303 (2025)[5]. If your income is higher but still low, you might qualify for MO HealthNet for the Working Disabled (MHWD), which has higher income and resource limits and is designed for adults with disabilities who want to work. The state does not have a unique cash benefit program for amputation—rely on SSI/SSDI for direct payments. Missouri also lets people with disabilities open ABLE accounts for savings without losing benefits[7]. For all Medicaid programs, you must live in Missouri, be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen, and meet the Social Security definition of disability. Missouri’s Family Support Division (FSD) runs the MO HealthNet programs and can help you find out if you qualify[6].
If you have an amputation and think you qualify for benefits, start by applying for Social Security (SSDI/SSI) online, by phone, or at a local office. For Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet), complete the online application or contact the Family Support Division (FSD). Gather medical records, ID, and financial documents before you start. If you need help, contact a local nonprofit or legal aid office[6].
1. Gather Documents – Collect medical records showing your amputation and how it affects your ability to work. Get your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of income, and Missouri residency. 2. Apply for SSDI/SSI – Apply online at ssa.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit your nearest Social Security office. Answer all questions and submit your documents. 3. Follow Up – Respond quickly to any requests for more information. Hiring a disability attorney or advocate can help, especially if you are denied at first. 4. Apply for MO HealthNet – Complete the application at mydss.mo.gov or contact your local FSD office. You may be automatically enrolled in MO HealthNet if you already get SSI. 5. Open an ABLE Account – If you’re eligible for SSI, consider a Missouri ABLE account to save money without losing benefits[7]. 6. Report Changes – Tell Social Security and FSD about any changes in income, work, or living situation to avoid overpayments.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the two main federal programs for people with amputation. SSDI is for those with a work history who are now unable to work; SSI is for people with little income or resources, regardless of work history[6]. In 2025, SSDI/SSI payments will increase by about 2.5% due to a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)[1][3]. The SGA income limit (how much you can earn before losing benefits) will also rise slightly in 2025[1]. If you became disabled before age 22, you might qualify for Disabled Adult Child benefits on a parent’s record[4]. Both programs offer access to free health insurance (Medicare after 24 months on SSDI, Medicaid immediately with SSI).
Missouri provides Medicaid through MO HealthNet for people with disabilities, including those with amputation. The main options are MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MHABD), with strict income and resource limits, and MO HealthNet for the Working Disabled (MHWD), offering higher limits for those who work[5]. Coverage includes doctor visits, hospital care, prosthetics, and rehabilitation services. Missouri also participates in the federal ABLE Act, allowing people with disabilities to save money in a special account without losing benefits[7]. For additional support, contact your local Vocational Rehabilitation office or Missouri Job Center about job training and employment services. The Family Support Division (FSD) manages MO HealthNet applications and can help with questions about eligibility, coverage, and reporting changes[6]. Missouri does not offer a separate state disability check or supplement to SSI/SSDI.
Missouri ABLE accounts help people with disabilities (including amputation) save money for disability-related expenses without risking SSI or Medicaid eligibility. The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council provides information and resources on how to open and manage an ABLE account[7]. ABLE accounts have an annual deposit limit and a lifetime cap, but the first $100,000 does not count toward SSI asset limits.
For SSI and Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet), strict income and resource limits apply. In 2025, the annual income limit for single applicants to MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled is $13,303 (about $1,109 per month)[5]. SSI’s federal benefit rate is adjusted yearly, with additional state supplements possible depending on your living arrangement. For SSDI, there is no income limit after approval, but you cannot engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2025, SGA is about $1,470 per month for non-blind applicants, slightly higher for those who are blind[1][4].
If you receive SSI, SSDI, or MO HealthNet, you must report changes in income, resources, or living situation. Failing to report can lead to overpayments, which you might have to pay back. If you think there is a mistake, contact Social Security or your local Family Support Division office right away[6]. For SSI/SSDI, income changes, work activity, and new medical treatment must be reported. For MO HealthNet, report all household changes that might affect eligibility. Missouri has processes for appeal if you disagree with a decision.
Social Security disability payments in Missouri will increase by about 2.5% in 2025 due to a cost-of-living adjustment—helping keep up with rising expenses[1][3].
You can save for disability-related expenses in a Missouri ABLE account without losing SSI or Medicaid. Visit the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council for details[7].
MO HealthNet covers medically necessary prosthetics for eligible Missourians with amputation. Coverage specifics may vary, so check with your provider.
SSDI and SSI are the main cash programs for people with amputation. SSDI requires work history; SSI is based on income and resources. Both provide access to health coverage (Medicare for SSDI, Medicaid for SSI). You may also qualify for Disabled Adult Child benefits if disabled before age 22[6].
Apply online through mydss.mo.gov or contact your local Family Support Division (FSD) office. Provide proof of income, residence, and disability. If you get SSI, you may be automatically enrolled in MO HealthNet[6].
Yes, but there are limits. For SSI/SSDI, earnings over the SGA limit (about $1,470/month in 2025) can affect your benefits. Missouri’s MO HealthNet for Working Disabled allows higher earnings for Medicaid eligibility[1][5].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council has details on how to open and use these accounts[7].
For MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled, the 2025 income limit is $13,303/year for a single person. Other programs (like MHWD) have higher limits for people who work[5].
Yes, SSDI and SSI payments will increase by about 2.5% in 2025 due to a cost-of-living adjustment[1][3].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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You can appeal. Many applicants are approved after reconsideration or a hearing with new evidence. Consider hiring a disability attorney or advocate for help.
Yes. Report all income, employment, and household changes to Social Security and the Family Support Division to avoid overpayments and possible penalties.
Yes, MO HealthNet covers medically necessary prosthetics for eligible individuals with amputation. Coverage details vary, so check with your provider.
Some people qualify for both programs (called “concurrent benefits”) if their SSDI payment is low and their income/resources are under the SSI limit.
