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Missouri • Chronic Illness
If you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Missouri, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, as well as state programs for healthcare and support. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available in 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), your condition must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means your COPD must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You must also meet work credit requirements for SSDI or income/resource limits for SSI. The SSA uses a medical listing for respiratory disorders, including COPD, to evaluate claims. If your symptoms and test results match the listing, you may qualify automatically. If not, SSA will assess your ability to work based on your medical records and other evidence [ssa.gov, 2025-01-01].
In Missouri, eligibility for disability benefits is based on federal rules, but state agencies handle applications and some support programs. For Medicaid, you must meet income and asset limits, which are updated yearly. Missouri also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS) for people with disabilities, including COPD. These waivers can help with in-home care, transportation, and other supports. To qualify for a waiver, you must meet both medical and financial criteria. Missouri’s ABLE program allows people with disabilities to save money without losing benefits, as long as the disability began before age 26 [mydss.mo.gov, 2025-01-01; mo.db101.org, 2025-01-01].
The MO ABLE program lets people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing federal benefits. You can contribute up to $16,000 per year. The account can be used for things like medical care, education, housing, and transportation. To qualify, your disability must have started before age 26. Enrollment is easy through the MO ABLE website [moddcouncil.org, 2025-01-01].
| Program | 2025 Income Limit (1 person) | |---|---| | MO HealthNet for the Aged and Disabled | $13,303/year | | MO HealthNet for the Blind | $15,650/year | | SSI Federal Payment | $943/month | | SSDI Maximum Payment | $3,917/month | | SGA Limit (non-blind) | $1,620/month | | SGA Limit (blind) | $2,700/month |
SGA = Substantial Gainful Activity. Earning above this limit may affect your benefits [mydss.mo.gov, 2025-01-01; ssa.gov, 2025-01-01].
It is important to report any changes in income, work, or health to SSA and MO HealthNet. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. If you start working, report your earnings each month. If your health improves, let SSA know. If you move or change your address, update your information. Reporting changes helps ensure you get the right amount of benefits and avoid problems later [ssa.gov, 2025-01-01; mydss.mo.gov, 2025-01-01].
Contact your local Social Security office or Missouri Department of Social Services for help with applications and questions.
The SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) limit for non-blind individuals in 2025 is $1,620 per month. If you earn more than this, your SSDI benefits may be affected. For blind individuals, the limit is $2,700 per month [ssa.gov, 2025-01-01].
The maximum SSDI payment in 2025 is about $3,917 per month. Most people receive less, based on their work history. There is a 2.5% cost-of-living increase in 2025 [ssa.gov, 2025-01-01].
Yes, you can work, but your earnings must stay below the SGA limit. If you earn more than $1,620 per month (non-blind), your benefits may be reduced or stopped. There are work incentives to help you try working without losing benefits [ssa.gov, 2025-01-01].
For MO HealthNet for the Aged and Disabled, the 2025 annual income limit for a household of one is $13,303. For MO HealthNet for the Blind, it is $15,650. These limits are updated yearly [mydss.mo.gov, 2025-01-01].
Contact the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to apply for Medicaid waivers. They will guide you through the process and help you determine which waiver you qualify for. Waivers can provide in-home care, transportation, and other supports [mydss.mo.gov, 2025-01-01].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing federal benefits. In Missouri, you can open an ABLE account if your disability began before age 26. You can contribute up to $16,000 per year [moddcouncil.org, 2025-01-01].
Yes, you must report any changes in income, work, or health to SSA. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. Reporting helps ensure you get the right amount of benefits [ssa.gov, 2025-01-01].
You need medical records showing your COPD diagnosis, severity, and how it affects your ability to work. Include pulmonary function tests, imaging, and doctor’s notes. The more detailed your records, the stronger your claim [ssa.gov, 2025-01-01].
Children with severe COPD may qualify for SSI if they meet the SSA’s definition of disability and their family meets income limits. Benefits for children stop at age 18 unless they have a qualifying disability [ssa.gov, 2025-01-01].
If your claim is denied, you can appeal within 60 days. You may want to get help from a disability advocate or attorney. The appeals process includes reconsideration, a hearing, and review by the Appeals Council [ssa.gov, 2025-01-01].
