If you have rheumatoid arthritis in Missouri, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI or SSI, plus state programs such as MO HealthNet and Medicaid waivers. In 2025, expect a 2.5% increase in payments and higher earnings limits for those working. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with rheumatoid arthritis, your condition must prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a 5-step process to decide if you meet their definition of disability. If you are working and earning more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, you generally won’t qualify. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Your medical records must show that your rheumatoid arthritis severely limits your ability to do basic work activities, such as walking, standing, lifting, or sitting for long periods. If your condition meets or equals a listing in SSA’s Blue Book, you may be automatically approved. Otherwise, SSA will consider your age, education, and past work experience.
In Missouri, eligibility for disability benefits is based on federal rules, but you may also qualify for state programs like MO HealthNet (Medicaid) and Medicaid waivers. To get MO HealthNet, you must meet income and asset limits and have a qualifying disability. Missouri’s Medicaid waivers, such as the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver, can help with home care, therapy, and other supports. These waivers have their own eligibility rules, including functional limitations and income limits. If you are approved for SSDI or SSI, you will automatically qualify for MO HealthNet. Missouri also offers ABLE accounts, which let you save money without losing benefits. To qualify for an ABLE account, you must have a disability that started before age 26 and meet SSA’s definition of disability.
Step 1: Collect Medical Evidence Get records from your doctors, including diagnosis, treatment history, lab results, and how your rheumatoid arthritis affects your daily activities and ability to work.
Step 2: Check Eligibility Make sure your earnings are below the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals). If you are blind, the limit is $2,700/month.
Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. The application will ask for personal, medical, and work history.
Step 4: Wait for a Decision SSA will review your application and may ask for more information. The process can take several months.
Step 5: Apply for State Benefits If approved for SSDI or SSI, apply for MO HealthNet and Medicaid waivers. You can do this online at MyDSS.mo.gov or by contacting your local Family Support Division office.
Step 6: Consider an ABLE Account If you have a disability that started before age 26, you can open an ABLE account to save money without losing benefits.
Step 7: Report Changes Always report changes in income, work, or medical status to avoid overpayments.
SSA Apply for Benefits (accessed 2023-11-06)
MO HealthNet Application (accessed 2023-11-06)
Missouri ABLE Program (accessed 2023-11-06)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. In 2025, payments will increase by 2.5% due to COLA.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources. Also increases by 2.5% in 2025.
Medicare: Health insurance for people on SSDI after 24 months.
Medicaid: Health coverage for people on SSI or with low income.
ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.
SSA Disability Programs (accessed 2023-11-06)
SSA COLA 2025 (accessed 2023-11-06)
Missouri offers several programs for people with rheumatoid arthritis:
MO HealthNet (Medicaid): Provides health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and asset limits. If you are approved for SSDI or SSI, you will automatically qualify.
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): These waivers help with home care, therapy, and other supports. Examples include the Elderly and Disabled Waiver and the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver.
Missouri ABLE Program: Lets you save money without losing federal benefits. You must have a disability that started before age 26.
SNAP (Food Stamps): Helps with food costs for people with low income.
Other State Benefits: Missouri offers programs for transportation, housing, and employment support.
MO HealthNet (accessed 2023-11-06)
Missouri Medicaid Waivers (accessed 2023-11-06)
Missouri ABLE Program (accessed 2023-11-06)
Missouri’s ABLE program lets people with disabilities save money without losing federal benefits. You can save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) and the account grows tax-free. To qualify, you must have a disability that started before age 26 and meet SSA’s definition of disability. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like medical care, housing, education, and transportation.
In 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is $1,620 per month. For blind individuals, it is $2,700 per month. If you earn more than these amounts, you may lose your SSDI or SSI benefits. For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple in 2025. Missouri’s MO HealthNet has its own income and asset limits, which are higher for people with disabilities.
Always report changes in income, work, or medical status to the Social Security Administration and Missouri’s Family Support Division. If you don’t report changes, you may get an overpayment and have to pay it back. Common changes to report include starting or stopping work, getting a raise, moving, or changes in your medical condition. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person.
In 2025, expect a 2.5% increase in SSDI and SSI payments due to COLA. The SGA limit for non-blind individuals is $1,620 per month.
Yes, if your rheumatoid arthritis prevents you from working for at least 12 months and meets SSA’s definition of disability. You may qualify for SSDI or SSI, plus state programs like MO HealthNet and Medicaid waivers.
In 2025, SSDI and SSI payments will increase by 2.5% due to COLA. The exact amount depends on your work history and income. The SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals.
Yes, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals). If you earn more, you may lose your benefits. There are work incentives to help you try working without losing benefits.
The SGA limit for non-blind individuals in 2025 is $1,620 per month. For blind individuals, it is $2,700 per month. Earning more than this may affect your benefits.
Yes, always report changes in income, work, or medical status to avoid overpayments. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person to SSA and Missouri’s Family Support Division.
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing federal benefits. You can open one in Missouri if your disability started before age 26 and you meet SSA’s definition of disability.
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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Missouri SNAP (accessed 2023-11-06)
Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (accessed 2023-11-06)
Missouri offers MO HealthNet (Medicaid), Medicaid waivers, ABLE accounts, SNAP, and other support programs for people with disabilities. Check MyDSS.mo.gov for details.
Gather medical records, check eligibility, apply online at SSA.gov or in person, wait for a decision, and apply for state benefits if approved. Report changes to avoid overpayments.
SSDI is for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with limited income and resources. Both can help with rheumatoid arthritis if you meet the eligibility rules.
Yes, children with disabilities may qualify for benefits on a parent’s record if the disability started before age 22. They must be unmarried and meet SSA’s definition of disability.
