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Missouri • Rare/Genetic
People with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in Missouri may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, as well as state programs. Eligibility depends on medical severity, work history, and income. Missouri offers Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts to help with healthcare and savings.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Missouri, you must have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months and have enough work credits. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must meet Social Security’s definition. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome may qualify if it severely limits your ability to work and is expected to last at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews medical records, work history, and how your condition affects daily life. You must also meet the 20/40 work credit rule for SSDI if you are an adult. Children with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome may qualify for benefits if their disability started before age 22 and their parent is receiving Social Security benefits.
In Missouri, eligibility for disability benefits is based on federal rules, but state agencies manage some programs. For Medicaid waivers, you must have a qualifying disability and meet income and asset limits. Missouri’s Medicaid waivers, such as the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver, help people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome get support at home. The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council also provides resources for people with rare conditions. To qualify for Missouri Medicaid, your income must be below certain limits, which change yearly. For 2025, the income limit for MO HealthNet for the Aged and Disabled is $13,303 for an individual. You must also be a Missouri resident and meet other state requirements.
Step 1: Get a diagnosis and medical records from your doctor. Make sure your records show how Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome affects your daily life and ability to work.
Step 2: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at the SSA website, by phone, or in person at a local office. You will need to provide personal information, work history, and medical evidence.
Step 3: If you need Medicaid, apply through the Missouri Department of Social Services. You can apply online or in person. You may need to provide proof of income, assets, and disability.
Step 4: For Medicaid waivers, contact the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. You may need to be on a waiting list.
Step 5: If you want to save money without losing benefits, apply for an ABLE account through the Missouri ABLE program.
Step 6: Report any changes in your income, health, or living situation to the SSA and Missouri agencies to avoid overpayments.
SSA Apply for Benefits (accessed 2025-11-06)
Missouri Medicaid Application (accessed 2025-11-06)
Missouri ABLE Program (accessed 2025-11-06)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources.
Medicare: Health insurance for people with disabilities after 24 months of SSDI.
Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and disabilities.
ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.
SSA Disability Programs (accessed 2025-11-06)
Medicare for People with Disabilities (accessed 2025-11-06)
Missouri Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Waivers for home and community-based services for people with disabilities. These can help with personal care, therapy, and other supports.
MO ABLE Program: Allows people with disabilities to save money without losing federal benefits.
Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council: Provides resources and advocacy for people with rare conditions.
MO HealthNet: Medicaid program for low-income people with disabilities.
Missouri Medicaid Waivers (accessed 2025-11-06)
MO ABLE Program (accessed 2025-11-06)
Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (accessed 2025-11-06)
MO HealthNet (accessed 2025-11-06)
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing federal benefits. In Missouri, you can open an ABLE account through the Missouri ABLE program. The account can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as medical care, education, and housing. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits. For 2025, the annual limit is $18,000. The account grows tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free.
For 2025, the income limit for MO HealthNet for the Aged and Disabled is $13,303 for an individual. For MO HealthNet for the Blind, the limit is $15,650. These limits change yearly. For SSDI, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning more than these amounts may affect your benefits.
If your income or health changes, you must report it to the SSA and Missouri agencies. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. Report changes as soon as possible to avoid problems. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person.
In 2025, Social Security Disability benefits will increase by 2.5% due to the cost-of-living adjustment. This means your monthly check will be about 2.5% higher.
ABLE accounts let you save money without losing federal benefits. You can use the account for qualified disability expenses like medical care, education, and housing.
Yes, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can qualify for SSDI or SSI if it severely limits your ability to work and is expected to last at least 12 months. You must provide medical evidence and meet federal and state requirements.
For 2025, the income limit for MO HealthNet for the Aged and Disabled is $13,303 for an individual. For MO HealthNet for the Blind, the limit is $15,650. These limits change yearly.
The maximum monthly SSDI payment in Missouri in 2025 is $4,555. SSI payments vary based on income and resources. Payments may increase with the 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment.
Medicaid waivers in Missouri, such as the HCBS waiver, provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. These can help with personal care, therapy, and other supports.
Yes, you can open an ABLE account in Missouri. ABLE accounts let you save money without losing federal benefits. The account can be used for qualified disability expenses.
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at the SSA website, by phone, or in person. For Medicaid, apply through the Missouri Department of Social Services. For Medicaid waivers, contact the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
If your income changes, you must report it to the SSA and Missouri agencies. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay.
Yes, children with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome may qualify for SSI if they meet the disability and income requirements. Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may also qualify for benefits on a parent's record.
For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning more than these amounts may affect your disability benefits.
Report any changes in your income, health, or living situation to the SSA and Missouri agencies as soon as possible. This helps ensure you receive the correct amount of benefits.
