People with Muscular Dystrophy in Missouri can qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, plus state programs such as MO HealthNet and Medicaid waivers. In 2025, expect a 2.5% cost-of-living increase and higher earnings limits for work incentives.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a qualifying disability that prevents substantial work and have paid enough Social Security taxes. For Muscular Dystrophy, this means your condition must meet Social Security’s definition of disability and last at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. You generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require that your earnings do not exceed the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,620 per month in 2025 for non-blind individuals (SSA, 2024-11-05).
In Missouri, people with Muscular Dystrophy may also qualify for state-specific programs. MO HealthNet (Medicaid) provides health coverage for low-income individuals with disabilities. Eligibility depends on income and assets, with higher limits for those with disabilities. Missouri also offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for long-term care support, which can help with home care, therapies, and equipment. To qualify, you must meet both federal disability criteria and state financial requirements. Children with Muscular Dystrophy may be eligible for benefits through their parents’ Social Security record if the disability began before age 22 (MO DSS, 2025-10-01).
Missouri offers ABLE accounts under the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. These accounts let you save up to $17,000 per year for disability-related expenses without losing SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and more. To open an account, visit the Missouri ABLE program website (MO ABLE, 2024-11-05).
In 2025, the SGA limit for SSDI is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual, but Missouri may have higher limits for MO HealthNet. The annual income limit for MO HealthNet for a single person with a disability is $17,978 (MO DSS, 2025-10-01).
If your income, work, or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security and MO DSS. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. Report changes online, by phone, or in person. For SSI/SSDI, call 1-800-772-1213. For MO HealthNet, contact your local FSD office (SSA, 2024-11-05).
In 2025, expect a 2.5% increase in SSDI/SSI payments and a higher SGA limit of $1,620/month. These changes help keep pace with inflation and support more work opportunities.
The SGA limit for non-blind individuals in 2025 is $1,620 per month. If you earn more than this, you may lose SSDI benefits. For blind individuals, the limit is $2,700 per month ([SSA, 2024-11-05](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html)).
SSDI payments will increase by 2.5% in 2025 due to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This means your monthly check will be about 2.5% higher than in 2024 ([Krebs Law, 2024-11-05](https://krebslawoffice.com/social-security-disability-changes-coming-2025/)).
Yes, you can work, but your earnings must stay below the SGA limit. Missouri also offers work incentives and vocational rehabilitation to help you keep benefits while working ([MO DB101, 2024-11-05](https://mo.db101.org/mo/programs/income_support/which_benefits/)).
MO HealthNet is Missouri’s Medicaid program for low-income individuals with disabilities. Apply online at mydss.mo.gov or at your local FSD office. You’ll need proof of income, assets, and disability ([MO DSS, 2025-10-01](https://mydss.mo.gov/benefit-program-income-limits)).
Medicaid waivers (HCBS) provide home care, therapies, and equipment for people with disabilities. You must meet both federal and state eligibility. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or FSD office for details ([MO DB101, 2024-11-05](https://mo.db101.org/mo/programs/income_support/which_benefits/)).
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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Yes, Missouri offers ABLE accounts. You can save up to $17,000 per year for disability-related expenses without losing SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid benefits ([MO ABLE, 2024-11-05](https://moddcouncil.org/resources/mo-able-program/)).
You must report any changes in income, work, or living situation to Social Security and MO DSS. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties ([SSA, 2024-11-05](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html)).
Children with Muscular Dystrophy may be eligible for benefits through their parents’ Social Security record if the disability began before age 22. They must be unmarried and meet the definition of disability for adults ([SSA, 2024-11-05](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html)).
If your application is denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Request an appeal online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office ([SSA, 2024-11-05](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html)).
Ticket to Work is a free program that helps people with disabilities find and keep jobs while keeping their benefits. It offers job training, counseling, and support ([SSA, 2024-11-05](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html)).
