Cerebral Palsy Benefits in Missouri

To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSDI or SSDI), you must have a medically documented condition—like cerebral palsy—that prevents you from working for at least 12 months[5]. SSDI requires work credits based on your employment history; SSI does not, but limits income and resources. For children (under 18), SSI is available for families with limited income and resources, and children with disabilities may receive SSI if they meet the medical and financial criteria. Adults with cerebral palsy that began before age 22 may be eligible for Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits if their parent is deceased or receives Social Security benefits[5]. You cannot earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which increases annually with inflation[1].

Missouri follows federal guidelines for SSI/SSDI, but also offers state Medicaid waivers (MO HealthNet) for people with cerebral palsy. These waivers provide home and community-based services—like personal care, therapies, and respite—for eligible individuals with disabilities who need more care than traditional Medicaid covers. Income and asset limits for Missouri Medicaid are stricter than SSI/SSDI, but the state considers disability status and medical need. MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled and MO HealthNet for the Blind have specific income limits (e.g., $13,303/year for MO HealthNet ABD)[7]. Missouri does not have additional state disability benefits, but residents can combine federal and state programs for more comprehensive support.

• Start online: Apply for SSDI or SSI at ssa.gov, or call 1-800-772-1213 to apply by phone or schedule an in-person appointment.
• Gather documents: Collect medical records, work history, and financial information.
• Check Medicaid eligibility: Apply for MO HealthNet online through DSS.mo.gov or in person at a local Family Support Division office.
• Seek help: Contact a disability lawyer or advocacy organization if your application is denied or you need help navigating the process[4].

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1. Gather documentation**: Collect your birth certificate, Social Security card, medical records (doctors’ notes, hospital visits, therapy records), work history, and financial statements. If you are applying for SSI, include information about your income and resources. 2. Complete your application: For SSDI/SSI, start at the Social Security Administration website or visit an SSA office. If applying for DAC benefits, provide evidence that your cerebral palsy began before age 22[5]. 3. Submit your application: Upload documents online, mail them, or bring them to an SSA office. 4. Wait for a decision: The SSA will review your application and may schedule a consultative exam with their doctor. Most initial applications are denied, but you can appeal. 5. Apply for Missouri Medicaid: If you qualify for SSI, you are typically eligible for Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet). If not, use the DSS online portal ('myDSS') or visit a local office to apply. Include all medical documentation, especially for waiver programs. 6. Appeal if needed: If your SSI/SSDI application is denied, you can request reconsideration and, if needed, a hearing before an administrative law judge. Disability attorneys can help with appeals[4]. 7. Set up an ABLE account: If you qualify for SSI or Medicaid due to a disability that began before age 26, open a Missouri ABLE account online to save money without losing benefits[8].

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash benefit for people with disabilities and limited income/resources. In Missouri, the maximum federal SSI payment for 2025 is about $967/month for a single person[6].
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For workers who have paid into Social Security but can no longer work due to disability. Monthly payments depend on your earnings history, with a 2025 increase due to COLA[1][2][3]. For Missouri in 2025, the maximum monthly SSDI payment could be up to $4,555[9].
• DAC (Disabled Adult Child) benefits: These benefits are for adults whose disability began before age 22 and whose parent is retired, disabled, or deceased. The benefit amount is based on the parent’s Social Security record[5]. Under all programs, you must not earn above the SGA limit (adjusted annually). If you do, you risk losing benefits.

• Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet): Provides health coverage for low-income individuals with disabilities, including cerebral palsy. Medicaid covers doctors, hospital stays, therapies, and medications.
• MO HealthNet Waivers (Home and Community-Based Services—HCBS): These waivers enable people with disabilities, including cerebral palsy, to receive services at home instead of in institutional care. Services can include personal care, home modifications, therapies, and respite for caregivers. Apply through the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS)[7]. State-specific information shows that a single person can receive up to $967/month in SSI benefits in 2025[6]. Missouri does not have a state supplement for SSI, and MO HealthNet ABD income limits are set, for example, at $13,303/year for a non-blind individual[7]. If you are denied, consider reapplying or seeking legal assistance.

Missouri residents can open MO ABLE accounts—tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities (onset before age 26). Savings in these accounts do not affect eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other means-tested benefits. You can open an account online and use funds for qualified disability expenses, including healthcare, housing, transportation, and education[8].

• SSI: You must have limited income and resources (2025 maximum benefit: $967/month for a single person in Missouri)[6].
• SSDI: No resource limit, but payment amount depends on your work history and you must not exceed the yearly Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which for 2025 is expected to increase from the 2024 level ($1,470/month for non-blind individuals, $2,460/month for blind individuals)[1].
• Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet ABD): Income limits are $1,109/month for a non-blind individual ($13,303/year) and $1,317/month for a blind individual ($15,812/year)[7].
• DAC benefits: You must not earn more than $1,620/month for 2025 ($2,700/month if blind)[5].

If you receive SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid benefits, you must report changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to the Social Security Administration or Missouri DSS. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments, which must be repaid. For SSI and Medicaid, even small changes in household composition or income can affect eligibility. Always keep records and report promptly[1]. Learn more about Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.

• Social Security Administration (Local Office)
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Mon–Fri, 8AM–5:30PM (local time)

  Website

  Call to schedule an appointment or ask questions about SSI/SSDI.
• Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS)
  Phone: 855-373-4636

  Hours: Mon–Fri, 6AM–6PM

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid (MO HealthNet) and get general benefits help.
• MO ABLE Program
  Phone: 888-609-4685

  Email: [email protected]

  Website

  Questions about Missouri ABLE accounts.

• Can a child with cerebral palsy get SSI in Missouri?

  Yes, children under 18 with cerebral palsy and limited family income/resources may qualify for SSI. The application requires medical documentation of disability and proof of income limits.

• What is the maximum SSI payment in Missouri in 2025?

  The maximum federal SSI payment for a single person in Missouri is $967 per month in 2025[6].

• How does SSDI differ from SSI for people with cerebral palsy?

  SSDI is based on your work history and tax contributions, while SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both require meeting disability criteria. See our [SSI vs SSDI](/guides/ssi-ssdi) guide for details.

• Can adults with cerebral palsy get benefits if their disability started as a child?

  Yes, adults with cerebral palsy that began before age 22 may qualify for Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits if a parent is retired, disabled, or deceased[5].

• What is the SGA limit for SSDI in 2025?

  The SGA limit for non-blind individuals is expected to be higher than $1,470/month and for blind individuals, higher than $2,460/month, adjusted for inflation[1].

• Are there Missouri Medicaid waivers for cerebral palsy?

  Yes, Missouri offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers through MO HealthNet for people with disabilities, including cerebral palsy, who need more support than traditional Medicaid covers.