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Missouri • Mental Health
If you have schizophrenia in Missouri, you may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSDI/SSI), Medicaid, and state support programs. In 2025, expect a 2.5% cost-of-living increase and updated earnings limits. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. Schizophrenia is listed in the Social Security Administration's Blue Book under mental disorders (Section 12.03) and is a qualifying condition if it meets the medical criteria.
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), eligibility is based on financial need and disability. You must have limited income and resources, and your disability must meet SSA's definition.
The SSA defines disability as the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically determinable impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. In 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is $1,620 per month.
Children with schizophrenia may qualify for benefits if the disability began before age 22 and the parent is receiving retirement, disability, or is deceased.
Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may be eligible for benefits on a parent's record if they are unmarried and meet the definition of disability.
You must not have substantial earnings above the SGA limit to maintain eligibility.
The SSA reviews your medical records, work history, and financial information to determine eligibility.
In Missouri, individuals with schizophrenia may qualify for Medicaid (MO HealthNet) if their income and resources are below state limits. MO HealthNet provides health coverage for low-income adults, children, and people with disabilities.
Missouri also offers SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) for food assistance, and other state programs for housing, employment, and support services.
The state does not have a separate disability benefits program, but residents can access federal programs and state-administered services.
Missouri's income limits for MO HealthNet in 2025 are $13,303 for a single person and $17,978 for a couple (133% of the federal poverty level).
Children with schizophrenia may qualify for MO HealthNet if they meet the state's criteria for children with disabilities.
Missouri offers the MO ABLE program, which allows individuals with disabilities to save money without losing federal benefits.
Step 1: Collect all necessary documents, including medical records, proof of income, identification, and proof of residency.
Step 2: Review the eligibility requirements for SSDI, SSI, and state programs. Make sure you meet the criteria for each program.
Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at the Social Security Administration website, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide detailed information about your medical condition, work history, and financial situation.
Step 4: For state benefits, such as MO HealthNet or SNAP, apply online at the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) website or visit a local DSS office. You may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of income and resources.
Step 5: Submit your application and wait for a response. The SSA and DSS will review your application and may request additional information or schedule a medical examination.
Step 6: If your application is approved, you will receive a notice of award and information about your benefits. If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision.
Step 7: Report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to maintain eligibility for benefits.
Step 8: Keep copies of all correspondence and documentation related to your application and benefits.
Step 9: If you have questions or need assistance, contact the SSA or DSS for help.
Stay informed about changes to benefit programs and eligibility requirements.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. In 2025, the maximum monthly SSDI payment is expected to be around $3,917.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to individuals with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
Medicaid: Provides health coverage for low-income individuals with disabilities. Eligibility is based on income and resources.
Medicare: Provides health coverage for individuals who receive SSDI for 24 months.
SNAP: Provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families.
Work Incentives: Programs that help individuals with disabilities work while maintaining benefits.
ABLE Accounts: Allows individuals with disabilities to save money without losing federal benefits.
MO HealthNet: Missouri's Medicaid program provides health coverage for low-income adults, children, and people with disabilities. In 2025, the income limit for a single person is $13,303 and for a couple is $17,978 (133% of the federal poverty level).
SNAP: Missouri's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families.
Missouri ABLE Program: Allows individuals with disabilities to save money without losing federal benefits.
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Provides home and community-based services for individuals with disabilities who would otherwise require institutional care.
State Employment Services: Provides job training, placement, and support services for individuals with disabilities.
Housing Assistance: Provides rental assistance and supportive housing for individuals with disabilities.
Provides transportation for medical appointments and other essential services.
The Missouri ABLE program allows individuals with disabilities to save money without losing federal benefits. You can open an ABLE account if you have a disability that began before age 26 and meet other eligibility requirements.
Contributions to an ABLE account are not subject to federal income tax, and withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are tax-free.
The maximum annual contribution is $18,000 in 2025.
ABLE accounts can be used for a wide range of expenses, including housing, education, transportation, and personal support services.
For more information, visit the Missouri ABLE program website.
SSDI: There is no income limit for SSDI, but you must not earn more than the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals).
SSI: The federal SSI income limit in 2025 is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple.
MO HealthNet: The income limit for a single person is $13,303/year and for a couple is $17,978/year (133% of the federal poverty level) in 2025.
SNAP: The income limit for a household of one is $1,580/month and for a household of two is $2,144/month in 2025.
ABLE Accounts: The maximum annual contribution is $18,000 in 2025.
Medicaid Waivers: Income limits vary by program and household size.
State Employment Services: Income limits vary by program and household size.
You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments and maintain eligibility for benefits.
Failure to report changes can result in overpayments, which you may be required to repay.
Report changes to the Social Security Administration and Missouri Department of Social Services as soon as possible.
Keep copies of all correspondence and documentation related to your benefits.
The Substantial Gainful Activity (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 per month.
In 2025, the maximum monthly SSDI payment is expected to be around $3,917. Most recipients will receive less, based on their work history and earnings record.
Yes, you can work while receiving SSDI, but your earnings must not exceed the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals). Work incentives may help you keep benefits while working.
In 2025, the income limit for MO HealthNet is $13,303 for a single person and $17,978 for a couple (133% of the federal poverty level).
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at the Social Security Administration website, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide detailed information about your medical condition, work history, and financial situation.
The Missouri ABLE program allows individuals with disabilities to save money without losing federal benefits. You can open an ABLE account if you have a disability that began before age 26 and meet other eligibility requirements.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
State-specific programs may have additional requirements, such as residency, citizenship, and proof of disability.
You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to maintain eligibility for state programs.
Missouri's Department of Social Services (DSS) administers most state benefit programs and can provide information on eligibility and application processes.
State agencies may have different application processes and documentation requirements than federal programs.
Support Services: Provides case management, counseling, and other support services for individuals with disabilities.
State agencies: Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS), Missouri Department of Mental Health, and local community organizations administer these programs.
If you receive an overpayment notice, contact the agency to discuss repayment options.
For more information, see our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Yes, children with schizophrenia may qualify for benefits if the disability began before age 22 and the parent is receiving retirement, disability, or is deceased. They must be unmarried and meet the definition of disability.
SSDI is based on work history and earnings, while SSI is based on financial need and disability. Both programs provide monthly payments to individuals with disabilities, but eligibility requirements and payment amounts differ.
You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to the Social Security Administration and Missouri Department of Social Services as soon as possible to avoid overpayments and maintain eligibility.
Missouri offers MO HealthNet (Medicaid), SNAP, the Missouri ABLE program, Medicaid waivers (HCBS), state employment services, housing assistance, transportation services, and support services for individuals with disabilities.
