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Missouri • Chronic Illness
If you have cancer in Missouri, you may qualify for federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, income limits, how to apply, and special programs for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses in Missouri.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked long enough (typically 20 credits in the last 10 years) and paid Social Security taxes. Your cancer must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or be terminal. SSDI uses strict medical criteria to evaluate disability claims[5]. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have very low income and assets, plus a disability, blindness, or be age 65+. SSI rules are the same in every state, but Missouri Medicaid may add extra requirements[5]. If your disability began before age 22, you might qualify as a Disabled Adult Child (DAC) on a parent’s record even if you have never worked[5].
Missouri uses federal SSI/SSDI rules but also has its own Medicaid programs for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses like cancer. MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MHABD) has higher income and asset limits than SSI alone, so you might qualify even if you do not get SSI. For 2025, MO HealthNet income limits for a single person are $13,303 per year for the aged/disabled and $15,650 per year for the blind[7]. Missouri also offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that provide extra help at home for people who would otherwise need nursing home care. You will need to meet both Missouri’s income/asset criteria and medical need standards for these waivers. State-specific forms and documentation are required, and applications must be submitted through the Missouri Department of Social Services[7].
If you have cancer in Missouri and need disability benefits, start by contacting the Social Security Administration (SSA) for SSI or SSDI. Visit your local Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) office or website for Medicaid and waiver help. Collect your medical records, work history, proof of income and assets, and ID. For SSDI, you can apply online, by phone, or in person. For SSI, you must call or visit an SSA office[5][7].
1. Gather documents: You’ll need your birth certificate, Social Security number, medical records (especially proof of your cancer diagnosis and treatment history), work records, recent pay stubs, bank statements, and asset information.
2. Apply for SSI/SSDI: Start your application online at the Social Security website, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or at your local Social Security office. For SSI, you must call or visit an office to complete your application. Wait for a decision—SSDI processing can take several months[5].
3. Apply for Missouri Medicaid: If you qualify for SSI, you will automatically get Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet). If you do not get SSI, apply directly at the Missouri DSS website or a local office. For HCBS waiver services, contact your local MO HealthNet Division or Aging and Disability Resource Center for an assessment. You will need to show that your cancer causes significant disability or a need for daily help[7].
4. Check for other programs: Explore Missouri’s ABLE accounts, job training, and other supports. The Missouri ABLE program lets you save money without losing benefits[8].
5. Report changes: Report any changes in your income, living situation, or health to Social Security and Missouri DSS to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits.
If you have cancer and cannot work, the main federal benefits are SSI, SSDI, Medicare, and ABLE accounts. SSI and SSDI both offer monthly cash payments if you meet strict medical and financial requirements. Medicare provides health coverage if you qualify for SSDI or are over 65. An ABLE account allows tax-free savings without losing federal disability benefits. Cancer must be severe enough to meet the SSA’s definition of disability, which generally means you cannot work for at least 12 months or expect your cancer to result in death[5].
Missouri offers several programs to help people with cancer and other disabilities. MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MHABD) covers health care for low-income Missourians with disabilities, including many with cancer. HCBS Waivers provide in-home care, personal care, and other supportive services for people who qualify. Missouri’s ABLE account program lets you save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council and local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) can help you find services and apply for programs. State-specific rules, forms, and documentation are required, and you must meet both income and medical need standards for Missouri Medicaid and waivers[7][8].
The Missouri ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) program lets people with disabilities—including those with cancer—save money in a tax-advantaged account without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. Up to $100,000 in an ABLE account will not count toward SSI’s $2,000 resource limit. Earnings in the account are tax-free if spent on qualified disability expenses[8].
For SSI, income and asset limits are strict: In 2025, a single person cannot have more than $2,000 in resources and must meet low-income rules. SSI’s federal monthly limit is $943, but this may change each year. Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) for the aged/disabled has higher limits: $13,303 per year for a single person[6][7]. If you receive SSI, you are automatically eligible for Missouri Medicaid. If you do not qualify for SSI, check if your income is below MO HealthNet’s higher limits, as many people with cancer can get coverage this way.
You must report any changes in your income, assets, living situation, or medical condition to Social Security and Missouri DSS as soon as they happen. Reporting late—or not at all—can lead to overpayments, benefit loss, or even penalties. Overpayments can sometimes be waived if you could not have known about the change or if repayment would cause hardship. Keep records of all changes and correspondence with these agencies.
Even if you do not qualify for SSI due to income, Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) might still cover your cancer care because it allows higher earnings and assets. Always apply for Medicaid through the Missouri Department of Social Services if your cancer limits your work or your income is below the state guidelines[7].
Processing for SSDI (and sometimes SSI) can take months. Apply as soon as you are unable to work due to your cancer and gather all your medical and work records. Severe or terminal cases may qualify for fast-track decisions, but most people need to be patient[5].
Yes, cancer can qualify if it prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is terminal. You must meet strict medical and financial rules. Cancer must be severe enough to meet Social Security’s definition of disability, and you must have very low income and assets for SSI[5].
Yes. Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) for the aged, blind, or disabled has higher income limits than SSI. If your income is below the state limit, you may still qualify for coverage even if you don’t get SSI[7].
SSI is a federal program with the same payment amounts nationwide. In 2025, the federal maximum is expected to be about $967 per month for a single person, but this can be reduced by income and living arrangements[6].
An ABLE account lets you save up to $100,000 without losing SSI or Medicaid. Earnings are tax-free for qualified disability expenses. This helps people with cancer and their families save for medical costs, housing, transportation, and more[8].
HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) waivers offer in-home care, personal assistance, and other supports for people with disabilities. If your cancer causes a need for daily help, you may qualify. Apply through Missouri DSS for an assessment[7].
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Always confirm details with official agencies and consult a benefits expert or attorney for your specific situation. Program rules and income limits can change.
Processing can take several months, sometimes longer. The SSA must review your medical records and work history. Severe or terminal cases may qualify for faster decisions, but you should apply as soon as possible[5].
Yes, for SSDI, you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. If you have never worked, you may only qualify for SSI if you meet the low-income and asset rules[5].
It depends on how your cancer affects your ability to work. If you are still unable to work because of lasting effects (such as pain, fatigue, or other complications), you may still qualify. Always report any changes in your condition to Social Security[5].
Yes, but strict income limits apply. For SSDI in 2025, Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) is about $1,470/month for non-blind applicants. For SSI, any income over very low limits can reduce your payment. Learn about work incentives that let you keep some benefits while working[2][5].
Contact your local Social Security office, the Missouri DSS, or your hospital’s social worker. Nonprofits and legal aid groups can also help with applications and appeals.
