This guide explains federal and Missouri-specific benefits for people with dyslexia, focusing on eligibility, how to apply, and state resources to support students and adults with learning disabilities.
To qualify for Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) based on a learning disability like dyslexia, you must show your condition is 'medically determinable' and significantly limits your ability to work (SSDI) or meet daily needs (SSI) for adults, or severely limits major life activities for children. Federal rules require proof of a medically documented impairment, not just academic struggles. Dyslexia alone rarely meets Social Security’s strict disability definition, unless it is accompanied by other serious impairments or health complications that prevent 'substantial gainful activity' (work). For SSDI, you generally need 40 work credits, 20 earned in the last 10 years before disability begins[4]. For SSI, strict income and resource limits apply. The 2025 COLA increases benefits by 2.5%[1][2]. Children may qualify for Medicaid or school supports, but federal cash benefits for learning disabilities alone (without other impairments) are very limited.
State-specific information is limited; start here: Missouri’s Medicaid (MO HealthNet) does not have a specific program for dyslexia, but children and adults may qualify for Medicaid based on income, or if they have additional health needs. Missouri offers MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MHABD), with income limits for 2025 set at $13,303 annually for a single person (85% FPL)[5]. The state does not offer a separate cash benefit for dyslexia. School districts provide special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), but these are educational supports, not cash benefits. Missouri’s ABLE account program (MO ABLE) helps individuals with disabilities save without losing federal benefits[7]. For the most direct support, contact your local school district or the Missouri Department of Social Services for guidance on Medicaid waivers and related services.
To seek benefits for dyslexia in Missouri:
1. Understand your options Most cash benefits (SSI, SSDI) require a severe, medically documented disability that prevents work or major life activities—dyslexia alone usually does not qualify. However, if you have additional impairments, you may be eligible. Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) is based on income and may cover health services[5].
2. Apply for Federal Benefits
3. Apply for Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet)
4. Seek School-Based Services If your child has dyslexia, contact your local school district to request an evaluation for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan under IDEA. These provide educational supports, not cash benefits.
5. Open a MO ABLE Account If eligible, open a MO ABLE account to save for disability expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility[7].
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the main federal cash benefits for disabilities. For 2025, SSDI payments increase with a 2.5% COLA[1][2]. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit—how much you can earn without losing benefits—also rises with inflation; in 2025, non-blind individuals can earn about $1,620/month, blind individuals $2,700/month before benefits are affected[1][4].
Medicare is available after 24 months of SSDI eligibility. Medicaid may cover low-income individuals, including those with learning disabilities, if they meet income and disability criteria. ABLE accounts allow tax-advantaged savings for disability expenses without losing federal benefits; Missouri offers a state ABLE program.
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) requires public schools to provide special education services to eligible students, including those with dyslexia, but these are not cash benefits.
Most federal programs require the disability to be severe enough to prevent work or major life activities—learning disabilities alone, like dyslexia, generally do not meet this standard without additional impairments.
Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) provides health coverage to low-income residents, including some people with disabilities. For 2025, income limits are $13,303/year for a single person at 85% of the Federal Poverty Level[5]. This program is not specific to dyslexia but may help those with additional health needs.
MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MHABD) covers those who are aged 65+, blind, or disabled, with 2025 income limits at $13,303/year for a single person[5].
MO ABLE Accounts help Missouri residents with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid[7].
School-Based Supports: Missouri school districts must evaluate children suspected of having a disability (including dyslexia) for an IEP or 504 Plan under IDEA. These supports include accommodations, specialized instruction, and related services—they are not cash benefits.
Waiver Programs: Missouri offers several Medicaid waiver (HCBS) programs, but these primarily serve people with developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, or mental health conditions—not specifically learning disabilities like dyslexia.
MO ABLE Accounts let Missourians with disabilities save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for federal benefits like SSI or Medicaid. Earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free. To be eligible, your disability must have begun before age 26. Visit MO ABLE’s official website to learn more and open an account[7].
2025 Income Limits (Missouri Medicaid/MO HealthNet):
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit (85% FPL) | |----------------|-------------------------------| | 1 | $13,303 | | 2 | $17,978 | | 3 | $22,653 | | 4 | $27,328 |
For MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled, the 2025 income limit for a single person is $13,303/year[5].
SSI: Federal SSI income limits also apply in Missouri; these are stricter, especially for non-blind adults and children. Check the SSA website for current amounts.
SSDI: No income limits, but you must not earn more than the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025 for non-blind recipients, $2,700/month for blind recipients)[4].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it promptly to the SSA or Missouri DSS to avoid overpayments, which you may have to repay. Changes include new income, changes in household, or improved health. For details, see our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
If your child has dyslexia, start with your local school district. They are required by federal law to evaluate and provide special education services (IEP or 504 Plan) if needed. These supports are separate from cash or health benefits.
Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) eligibility is mainly about income, not diagnosis. Even if you have a learning disability, you may qualify if your income is low enough—regardless of your specific disability type[5].
SSI or SSDI are rarely approved for dyslexia alone. You must show your dyslexia, combined with other impairments, severely limits your ability to work or perform daily activities. Most approvals require documented medical or mental health conditions beyond a learning disability[4].
Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) does not have a program just for dyslexia. If you meet income or disability criteria, you may qualify for MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MHABD). School-based services are also available but are not cash benefits[5].
MO ABLE accounts help Missourians with disabilities save for disability expenses without losing federal benefits. To qualify, your disability must have started before age 26. These accounts are helpful for managing savings and expenses related to disability[7].
Missouri schools must evaluate children with suspected disabilities (including dyslexia) and provide an IEP or 504 Plan if eligible. These plans offer accommodations and specialized instruction but are not cash benefits.
Direct cash benefits for adults with dyslexia alone are very rare. Most support is educational (schools) or health-related (Medicaid). If you have additional impairments, you may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid based on income and disability severity[4][5].
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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6. Appeal if Denied If your SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid application is denied, you can request a reconsideration or appeal. Consider contacting a disability attorney or advocate for help.
Summary: Missouri does not offer a state-specific cash benefit for dyslexia. Support is mainly through Medicaid (if eligible), ABLE accounts, and school-based services. For other needs, contact your local Family Support Division office.
Apply online at mydss.mo.gov, by mail, or in person at a Family Support Division office. You’ll need proof of income, identity, and Missouri residency. Eligibility is based mainly on income, not the type of disability[5].
You can appeal the decision. Contact the Social Security Administration for instructions or consider getting help from a disability attorney or advocate.
Missouri’s Medicaid waiver (HCBS) programs mainly serve people with developmental, physical, or mental health disabilities—not specifically learning disabilities like dyslexia.
Yes, but your earnings must stay below the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025 for non-blind recipients, $2,700/month for blind recipients). If you earn more, your benefits may be reduced or stopped[4].
Contact your local school district, the Missouri Department of Social Services, or a nonprofit disability organization for personalized guidance and support.
