If you have arthritis in Missouri, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and other state programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what changes are coming in 2025.
To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for arthritis, you must meet federal rules. For SSDI, you need a qualifying disability that stops you from working for at least 12 months, and enough work credits from jobs covered by Social Security. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, and meet the disability definition. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a list of impairments, including arthritis, to decide if your condition is severe enough. If your arthritis prevents you from doing any substantial work, you may qualify. The amount you can earn while getting benefits changes each year. In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for most people with disabilities (or $2,700 if you are blind) [3].
If you are approved, you may also get Medicare (after 24 months for SSDI) or Medicaid (if you get SSI) [3].
In Missouri, people with arthritis may also qualify for state programs. Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) covers medical care for low-income residents with disabilities. You can apply for MO HealthNet if you get SSI or meet other income and asset rules. Missouri also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can help with personal care, therapy, and equipment if you have a qualifying disability like arthritis. These waivers have their own eligibility rules, including functional needs and income limits. Missouri’s income limits for Medicaid and other benefits change each year. For 2025, the monthly income limit for MO HealthNet for the Aged and Disabled is $1,692 for a single person and $2,892 for a couple [4].
If you are under age 22 and have arthritis, you may qualify for benefits as a disabled adult child on a parent’s Social Security record if you are unmarried and your disability started before age 22 [3].
The MO ABLE Program lets people with disabilities save money in a tax-advantaged account without losing SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses, such as medical care, housing, education, and transportation. To qualify, you must have a disability that started before age 26 and meet SSA’s definition of disability. You can open an account online at the MO ABLE Program website [6].
| Program | 2025 Monthly Income Limit (Single) | 2025 Monthly Income Limit (Couple) | |---|---|---| | MO HealthNet for the Aged and Disabled | $1,692 | $2,892 | | SGA (SSDI/SSI) | $1,620 | N/A | | SGA (Blind) | $2,700 | N/A |
Note: SGA = Substantial Gainful Activity. Exceeding this limit may affect SSDI/SSI benefits. MO HealthNet limits are for household size 1 and 2. For larger households, add $163 per member over 6 [4].
If your income, work, or health changes, you must report it to Social Security and MO HealthNet. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Common changes include starting or stopping work, getting a raise, moving, or changes in your disability. Report changes online, by phone, or in person. For Social Security, call 1-800-772-1213. For MO HealthNet, contact your local Family Support Division office [5].
Your SSDI or SSI payment will go up by about 2.5% in 2025. This helps with rising costs but may not cover all expenses [4].
You can work and earn up to $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) without losing SSDI/SSI benefits in 2025 [3].
Yes, if your arthritis prevents you from working for at least 12 months and you meet SSA’s disability rules. You may qualify for SSDI or SSI, and possibly Medicaid or other state programs.
In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for most people with disabilities (or $2,700 if you are blind). Earning more than this may affect your SSDI/SSI benefits [3].
For 2025, the monthly income limit for MO HealthNet for the Aged and Disabled is $1,692 for a single person and $2,892 for a couple [4].
Yes, you can save money in an ABLE account without losing SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid benefits. The MO ABLE Program lets you save up to $17,000 per year for qualified disability expenses [6].
Yes, you must report changes in income, work, or health to Social Security and MO HealthNet. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back [5].
The 2025 COLA for SSDI and SSI is 2.5%. This means your monthly benefit will increase by about 2.5% to help with rising costs [2].
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, children with arthritis may qualify for SSI or as a disabled adult child on a parent’s Social Security record if they meet the rules [3].
A Medicaid waiver lets you get home and community-based services if you have a qualifying disability. Contact the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to learn about waiver programs and how to apply.
Yes, you can work and earn up to the SGA limit without losing benefits. There are also work incentive programs to help you try working without losing benefits [5].
You can apply for Medicaid (MO HealthNet) online at MOHealthNet.com or through your local Family Support Division office. If you get SSI, you may be automatically enrolled [4].
