People with intellectual disability in Missouri can get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. Eligibility depends on age, income, work history, and disability severity. Missouri also offers extra help for families and children.
To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for intellectual disability, you must meet federal rules. For SSDI, you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. For SSI, your income and assets must be low. Both programs require that your disability limits your ability to work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses medical evidence to decide if your intellectual disability meets their definition. Children with intellectual disability may qualify if their condition started before age 22 and a parent is retired, disabled, or deceased. [^1][^2][^3]
In Missouri, people with intellectual disability can also get Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services. These waivers help pay for things like personal care, therapy, and respite care. To qualify, you must meet income and asset limits and have a diagnosis of intellectual disability. Missouri also offers the MO ABLE program, which lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. Children with intellectual disability may get benefits if a parent is retired, disabled, or deceased. Missouri’s Medicaid income limits for 2025 are $13,303 for a single person and $17,978 for a couple. [^4][^8]
The MO ABLE program lets people with intellectual disability save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can save up to $18,000 per year. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and more. Visit the MO ABLE website to sign up. [^8]
| Program | 1 Person | 2 People | |---|---|---| | MO HealthNet (Aged/Disabled) | $13,303 | $17,978 | | MO HealthNet (Blind) | $15,650 | $21,150 | | Federal Poverty Level (133%) | $20,814 | $28,129 |
Source: Missouri Department of Social Services, 2025 income limits. [^4]
If your income, work, or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security and Missouri Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits. Report changes online, by phone, or in person. For Social Security, call 1-800-772-1213. For Missouri Medicaid, call 1-855-373-4636. [^6]
In 2025, SSDI and SSI payments will increase by 2.5% due to cost-of-living adjustment. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is now $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind).
You can work and still get SSDI or SSI, but there are limits on how much you can earn. Missouri offers work incentives to help you keep benefits while you work.
SSDI is for people with intellectual disability who have a work history and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with low income and assets, regardless of work history. Both programs require that your disability limits your ability to work.
Yes, children with intellectual disability may get SSI if their family income is low. Adults whose disability started before age 22 may get benefits if a parent is retired, disabled, or deceased. Children may also get Medicaid waivers for home and community care.
Medicaid waivers help pay for home and community-based services for people with intellectual disability. These cover personal care, therapy, respite care, and more. You must meet income and asset limits to qualify.
In 2025, you can earn up to $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) without losing SSDI or SSI. This is called the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. Earning more may affect your benefits.
The MO ABLE program lets people with intellectual disability save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can save up to $18,000 per year. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and more.
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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You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records, proof of income, and your Social Security number.
You must report any changes in income, work, or living situation to Social Security and Missouri Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits.
Yes, you can work and still get SSDI or SSI, but there are limits on how much you can earn. In 2025, the limit is $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind). There are also work incentives to help you keep benefits while you work.
The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for SSDI and SSI in 2025 is 2.5%. This means your monthly payment will increase by 2.5% to help keep up with inflation.
You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, Missouri Family Support Division at 1-855-373-4636, or Missouri Protection and Advocacy Services at 1-800-392-8667. There are also local offices and advocacy groups that can help.
