People with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Missouri may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid (MO HealthNet), Medicaid waivers, and ABLE savings accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, income limits, and key programs—plus step-by-step instructions and FAQs for Missouri residents.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a significant work history and a medical condition (like severe Autism Spectrum Disorder) that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. Children under 18 with limited income and resources may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), even if they have never worked. Adults disabled before age 22 may qualify for Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits on a parent’s record if the parent is retired, disabled, or deceased. The disability must meet Social Security’s strict medical criteria and functional limitations[4].
State-specific information is limited; start here:
SSI/SSDI in Missouri:
MO HealthNet (Medicaid):
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS):
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides monthly cash payments to low-income children and adults with disabilities. SSI eligibility is based on financial need and disability criteria. The benefit amount depends on income, resources, and living arrangements.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Pays benefits to adults who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to a disability. In 2025, benefits will increase by 2.5% due to a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)[1][3].
Child Disability Benefits: Children under 18 may receive SSI if they meet disability and income rules. If a child is disabled before age 22 and their parent retires, becomes disabled, or dies, they may qualify for DAC benefits as an adult—even if they never worked[4].
Medicare: People approved for SSDI usually qualify for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period.
MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid): Covers doctor visits, therapies, prescriptions, and other health care for eligible children and adults with disabilities. Income limits apply—for example, $13,303/year for a single person under MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled in 2025[5].
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Missouri offers several Medicaid waiver programs that provide services not usually covered by regular Medicaid, such as respite care, behavior support, and community living supports for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Eligibility is based on care needs, income, and available funding.
MO ABLE: Missouri’s ABLE program allows individuals with disabilities (including Autism Spectrum Disorder) to save for disability-related expenses without losing access to public benefits[7].
Other State Programs: Missouri also offers SNAP (food assistance), vocational rehabilitation, and local disability support services.
MO ABLE accounts let individuals with disabilities (including Autism Spectrum Disorder) save up to $18,000 per year (as of 2025) without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility, as long as the balance stays below $100,000[7]. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, transportation, and health care.
Federal SSI/SSDI: In 2025, the income limit for non-blind SSDI recipients is $1,620/month (Substantial Gainful Activity, SGA)[3][4]. DAC beneficiaries also face this limit. For SSI, income and resource limits are strict and vary by living situation.
MO HealthNet: In 2025, the annual income limit for MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled is $13,303 for a single person[5]. Medicaid waiver programs may have different limits.
Households with more than one person: Income limits increase with household size—see the full chart at mydss.mo.gov for details[5].
If your income or resources change, you must report it to Social Security (for SSI/SSDI) and the Missouri Family Support Division (for MO HealthNet). Failure to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. For SSI, some changes must be reported within 10 days. See our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for more tips.
Missouri Protection & Advocacy offers free legal help for disability benefits appeals and questions. Call 1-800-392-8667 for assistance.
Children and adults with limited income and resources who meet Social Security’s strict disability criteria may qualify for SSI. Medical and school records are key for proving the impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder on daily functioning.
The amount varies based on household income, living situation, and resources. In 2025, the maximum federal SSI payment is increasing, but many recipients get less due to family income. Check your eligibility with the **SSI Income Estimator**.
Yes, if their income is below the MO HealthNet limit ($13,303/year for a single person in 2025). Adults may also qualify if they get SSI or meet other disability criteria[5].
Waivers pay for services not covered by regular Medicaid, like in-home supports, respite care, and behavioral therapies. Eligibility depends on care needs, income, and available waiver slots.
ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. Funds can pay for education, housing, transportation, health care, and more, up to annual and lifetime limits[7].
You can appeal. Missouri Protection & Advocacy (800-392-8667) offers free help. Many people are approved after appeal, especially with strong medical evidence.
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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ABLE Account:
Report changes to Social Security (for SSI/SSDI) and the Missouri Family Support Division (for MO HealthNet) as soon as possible. Delays can cause overpayments or loss of benefits. See our guide on **Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes**.
Yes, both SSI and SSDI offer work incentives to help you transition to employment without immediately losing benefits. See our guide on **SSI & SSDI Work Incentives** for details.
Typically, no—SSDI is for adults with a work history. However, disabled adult children (DAC) can get benefits on a parent’s record if the parent is retired, disabled, or deceased, and the child’s disability began before age 22[4].
Contact your local Social Security office, Missouri Family Support Division, or Missouri Protection & Advocacy. Vocational Rehabilitation offices also help with employment services for people with disabilities[6].
