If you have kidney disease in Missouri, you may qualify for 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), you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes, and have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration's (SSA) definition of disability. For kidney disease, this usually means you need dialysis or have had a kidney transplant, or your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. You generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet the SSA's disability criteria. Both programs require medical documentation showing your kidney disease prevents you from doing substantial work.
In Missouri, eligibility for SSI and SSDI follows federal rules, but you may also qualify for state-specific programs. Missouri Medicaid covers medical costs for low-income residents with disabilities, including those with kidney disease. To qualify for Medicaid, you must meet income and asset limits and have a qualifying disability. Missouri also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can help with in-home care, transportation, and other supports. If you have kidney disease and are under 65, you may qualify for Medicaid if you receive SSI or meet other criteria. Missouri's MO HealthNet program provides details on income limits and application steps.
Step 1: Get medical records from your doctor or hospital showing your kidney disease, treatments, and how it affects your ability to work.
Step 2: Check if you have enough work credits for SSDI (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years) or if your income and resources are low enough for SSI.
Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You can also apply for Missouri Medicaid online or at a local office.
Step 4: If your application is denied, you can appeal within 60 days. A disability lawyer can help you gather more evidence and represent you at hearings.
Step 5: If approved, you will receive monthly payments and may qualify for Medicaid and other benefits.
Step 6: Report any changes in your income, work, or medical condition to avoid overpayments.
Step 7: Explore work incentives like the Trial Work Period and Expedited Reinstatement if you want to try returning to work.
Step 8: Open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits.
SSA: How to Apply for Disability (2025-11-06)
Missouri Medicaid Application (2025-11-06)
Missouri ABLE Program (2025-11-06)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for those who worked and paid Social Security taxes.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for those with limited income and resources.
Medicare: Health insurance for those on SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.
Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income people with disabilities, often available with SSI.
Work Incentives: Programs like the Trial Work Period and Expedited Reinstatement help you try returning to work without losing benefits.
SSA: Disability Benefits (2025-11-06)
SSA: Work Incentives (2025-11-06)
Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet): Covers medical costs for low-income residents with disabilities, including kidney disease. Income limits vary by program and household size.
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, such as in-home care, transportation, and respite care.
Missouri ABLE Program: Allows individuals with disabilities to save money in tax-advantaged accounts without losing federal benefits.
State Supplemental Payments: Some states offer extra payments to SSI recipients, but Missouri does not.
MO HealthNet for the Aged and Disabled (2025-11-06)
Missouri Medicaid Waivers (2025-11-06)
Missouri ABLE Program (2025-11-06)
The Missouri ABLE Program lets people with disabilities save money in tax-advantaged accounts without losing federal benefits like SSI or Medicaid. You can use ABLE funds for disability-related expenses, such as medical care, education, housing, and transportation. To open an account, you must have a qualifying disability that began before age 26. Missouri residents can open an account online or by mail.
| Program | Individual Income Limit (2025) | Couple Income Limit (2025) | |---|---|---| | MO HealthNet for the Aged and Disabled | $13,303 | $17,978 | | MO HealthNet for the Blind | $15,650 | $21,150 | | SSI (Federal) | $967/month | $1,450/month |
If your income, work, or medical condition changes, you must report it to the Social Security Administration to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you earn too much, work above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, or fail to report changes. If you get an overpayment, you may have to repay it, but you can request a waiver if it wasn't your fault. Always report changes promptly to avoid problems.
In 2025, SSDI and SSI benefits will increase by 2.5% due to COLA. The SGA limit for non-blind individuals will rise to $1,620 per month. These changes help keep pace with inflation and allow you to earn more before benefits are affected.
You need a kidney disease diagnosis that prevents you from working for at least 12 months, and enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). Medical records must show your condition meets SSA criteria.
Yes, if you have kidney disease and meet income and asset limits, you may qualify for Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet). This covers medical costs and can be applied for online or at a local office.
The SGA 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.
SSI pays up to $967 per month for individuals in Missouri in 2025. The amount may be less if you have other income or live with others who help with expenses.
Work incentives like the Trial Work Period and Expedited Reinstatement let you try working without losing benefits. If your earnings drop below SGA, you can quickly restart benefits.
Yes, Missouri's ABLE Program lets you save up to $100,000 without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses.
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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Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You'll need medical records and proof of income. A disability lawyer can help if your application is denied.
SSDI benefits will increase by 2.5% due to COLA. The SGA limit will rise to $1,620 for non-blind individuals. These changes help keep pace with inflation.
A lawyer is not required, but can help with complicated cases or denials. They can gather evidence, represent you at hearings, and improve your chances of approval.
You can try working during the Trial Work Period without losing benefits. If your earnings exceed SGA, benefits may stop, but you can restart them quickly if your income drops.
