People with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in Missouri may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, plus state programs such as Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with ALS, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. ALS is considered a Compassionate Allowances condition, meaning applications are fast-tracked and approved quickly. You must be unable to work due to your condition, and for SSI, you must also meet strict income and asset limits. The SSA reviews medical records to confirm your diagnosis and how ALS affects your ability to work.
Learn more about federal eligibility (SSA.gov, 2025-11-06).
In Missouri, people with ALS may qualify for additional benefits beyond federal programs. Missouri Medicaid offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with disabilities, which can help pay for in-home care, assistive technology, and other supports. To qualify for these waivers, you must meet both federal disability standards and Missouri’s income and asset limits. Missouri also has an ABLE program, which lets people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits.
Learn more about Missouri Medicaid waivers (Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council, 2025-11-06).
Apply for SSDI/SSI (SSA.gov, 2025-11-06). Apply for Missouri Medicaid waivers (Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council, 2025-11-06).
Learn more about federal programs (SSA.gov, 2025-11-06).
Learn more about Missouri programs (Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council, 2025-11-06).
The Missouri ABLE program lets people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like Medicaid and SSI. You can save up to $16,000 per year (2025 limit) and the account grows tax-free. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as housing, education, and transportation.
Learn more about Missouri ABLE accounts (Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council, 2025-11-06).
Learn more about income limits (myDSS.mo.gov, 2025-11-06).
If your income or health changes, you must report it to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to benefit reductions or repayment demands. Report changes as soon as possible to avoid problems.
Learn more about reporting changes (SSA.gov, 2025-11-06).
ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so your application will be reviewed and approved quickly, often within weeks.
Missouri offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help pay for in-home care, assistive technology, and other supports.
Compassionate Allowances is a Social Security program that fast-tracks disability applications for serious conditions like ALS. If you have ALS, your application will be reviewed and approved quickly, often within weeks.
In 2025, the maximum monthly SSDI payment in Missouri is $4,555. Most people receive less, based on their work history and earnings.
You can work, but your earnings must stay below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700/month for blind individuals.
Missouri Medicaid waivers pay for in-home care, assistive technology, and other supports for people with disabilities. You must meet income and asset limits to qualify.
Apply for Missouri Medicaid waivers through your local Family Support Division office. You’ll need to provide proof of disability and meet income and asset limits.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. You can save up to $16,000 per year and use funds for qualified disability expenses.
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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Yes, you must report any changes in income, health, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments and benefit reductions.
SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes paid. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
Children with ALS may qualify for SSI if they meet the disability and income requirements. Adults with ALS that began before age 22 may qualify for Disabled Adult Child benefits.
ALS applications are fast-tracked through the Compassionate Allowances program. Most people are approved within weeks of applying.
