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Missouri • Chronic Illness
If you have HIV/AIDS in Missouri, you may qualify for federal and state benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what changes are coming in 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with HIV/AIDS, your condition must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means your HIV/AIDS 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 (usually 40 credits, 20 in the last 10 years) or income/resource limits for SSI. The SSA reviews medical records and work history to decide eligibility. If you are approved, you may also qualify for Medicare (after 24 months of SSDI) or Medicaid (if you get SSI or meet MO HealthNet rules). [^1][^2]
In Missouri, people with HIV/AIDS can get SSI if their income and resources are low enough. The maximum monthly SSI payment in Missouri is $967 in 2025. You may also qualify for MO HealthNet (Medicaid), which covers medical care for people with disabilities, including HIV/AIDS. To qualify for MO HealthNet, your income must be below certain limits (for example, $13,303/year for a single person in 2025). Missouri also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with long-term care. If you are approved for SSDI or SSI, you may be able to save in an ABLE account without losing benefits. [^3][^4][^5][^6]
Missouri’s ABLE program lets people with HIV/AIDS save money in a tax-advantaged account without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $100,000 and use the funds for qualified disability expenses. To open an account, visit the Missouri ABLE website. [^7]
If your income, work, or medical status changes, you must report it to the SSA and MO HealthNet. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. Always keep records of your reports and follow up to make sure your benefits are correct. [^8]
Many people with HIV/AIDS get help from a disability lawyer. They can help you gather medical records, fill out forms, and represent you at hearings. This can improve your chances of approval.
Yes, if your HIV/AIDS is severe enough to prevent you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months. You must meet SSA’s disability criteria and work or income requirements for SSDI or SSI.
The maximum SSI payment in Missouri is $967/month in 2025. SSDI payments vary based on your work history. Both will increase by 2.5% in 2025 due to COLA.
Yes, if your income is below the MO HealthNet limit ($13,303/year for a single person in 2025). Medicaid covers medical care for people with HIV/AIDS.
Yes, but you cannot earn more than the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025). Work incentives let you test employment without losing benefits.
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Missouri’s ABLE program is open to residents with disabilities, including HIV/AIDS.
Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. For Medicaid, apply through MO HealthNet online or at your local Family Support Division office.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
You can appeal within 60 days. You may want to get help from a disability lawyer to improve your chances of approval.
Yes, you must report any changes to the SSA and MO HealthNet. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay.
Yes, Missouri offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with long-term care for people with HIV/AIDS.
It can take several months to get a decision. If denied, appeals can take longer. Getting help from a disability lawyer can speed up the process.
