If you have a spinal cord injury in Missouri, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. In 2025, benefit amounts and work limits are changing, so it's important to stay informed.
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. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), eligibility is based on limited income and resources. Both programs require that your spinal cord injury prevents you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict definition of disability, and your condition must meet or equal a listing in their Blue Book or prevent you from doing any job in the national economy.
Learn more about federal eligibility.
In Missouri, people with spinal cord injuries may also qualify for state-specific programs. Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) provides health coverage for those with disabilities who meet income and asset limits. Missouri also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can help with personal care, therapy, and assistive technology. These waivers have their own eligibility rules, including functional need and financial criteria. Missouri also participates in the ABLE program, which allows individuals with disabilities to save money without losing benefits.
Apply for Social Security benefits, Apply for MO HealthNet, Apply for Missouri ABLE.
Learn more about federal programs.
Learn more about MO HealthNet, Learn more about Missouri ABLE, Learn more about Vocational Rehabilitation.
The Missouri ABLE program allows individuals with disabilities to save money in a tax-advantaged account without losing federal benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses, such as housing, education, transportation, and personal support. To qualify, your disability must have begun before age 26. The program is administered by the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council.
Learn more about Missouri ABLE.
| Program | 1 Person | 2 People | 3 People | 4 People | |---------|----------|----------|----------|----------| | MO HealthNet for Aged/Disabled | $13,303 | $17,978 | $22,653 | $27,328 | | MO HealthNet for Blind | $15,650 | $21,150 | $26,650 | $32,150 | | Federal Poverty Level (133%) | $20,814 | $28,129 | $35,444 | $42,759 |
As of October 1, 2025. For household sizes over 6, add $163 to the maximum monthly income for each household member.
Learn more about income limits.
If your income, resources, or living situation changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in reduced benefits or repayment. Report changes to Social Security, Medicaid, and other benefit programs as soon as possible. Keep records of all reports and communications.
In 2025, Social Security Disability benefits will increase by 2.5% due to the cost-of-living adjustment. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit will also increase to $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind).
The main benefits are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid (MO HealthNet), Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, and ABLE accounts. Each has different eligibility rules and application processes.
For SSDI, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit in 2025 is $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind). For SSI, income limits vary by household size and program. Exceeding these limits may affect your benefits.
The 2025 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security Disability benefits is 2.5%. This means your monthly benefit will increase by about 2.5% to keep up with inflation.
You can apply for Medicaid (MO HealthNet) online at mydss.mo.gov, by phone at 1-855-373-4636, or in person at a Family Support Division office. You'll need to provide information about your income, resources, and disability.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for individuals with disabilities. It allows you to save money for qualified disability expenses without losing federal benefits. You must have a disability that began before age 26.
Medicaid waivers provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. To qualify, you must have a functional need and meet financial eligibility requirements. Contact your local Family Support Division office for more information.
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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Working can affect your disability benefits. If you earn more than the SGA limit, your SSDI benefits may be reduced or stopped. SSI benefits are also affected by earned income. Work incentives can help you keep some benefits while you work.
You must report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in reduced benefits or repayment. Report changes to Social Security, Medicaid, and other benefit programs as soon as possible.
Yes, Medicaid waivers and Vocational Rehabilitation may provide transportation assistance for people with disabilities. Contact your local Family Support Division office or Vocational Rehabilitation office for more information.
You can get help from Social Security, the Missouri Department of Social Services, the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council, and local advocacy organizations. Contact information is available on their websites.
