How to qualify for disability in Missouri?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 05/19/2025
If you’re unable to work due to a medical condition, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits in Missouri. Understanding the qualification requirements and how to meet them is the first step toward getting the support you need. Whether you’re applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), knowing the rules can help you build a strong application.
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Understand the Disability Programs Available
There are two main federal programs for disability benefits:
- SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Based on your work history and how much you’ve paid into Social Security through payroll taxes.
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Designed for individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
You must meet different criteria depending on the program you're applying for.
SSDI Eligibility Requirements in Missouri
To qualify for SSDI, you must:
- Have a disability that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
- Have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to earn sufficient work credits.
- Provide strong medical evidence that supports your disability claim.
The number of work credits required varies by age, but most people need about 20 credits earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled.
SSI Eligibility Requirements in Missouri
To qualify for SSI, you must:
- Be disabled, blind, or aged 65 or older
- Have limited income and assets (less than $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples)
- Meet the SSA’s medical definition of disability
Missouri may also supplement your SSI benefits, depending on your living situation.
Meeting the SSA’s Definition of Disability
Regardless of whether you’re applying for SSDI or SSI, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. SSA uses a five-step evaluation process:
- Are you working? (Earning over a certain amount may disqualify you)
- Is your condition severe?
- Is your condition listed in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments?
- Can you do your past work?
- Can you do any other type of work?
You’ll need comprehensive medical records and potentially a statement from your doctor to prove your limitations.
Tips to Strengthen Your Disability Application
- Visit your doctor regularly and follow prescribed treatment plans
- Collect detailed medical records, lab results, and imaging studies
- Ask your doctor to write a functional capacity statement describing your limitations
- Keep a record of how your disability affects daily life and work ability
How Hogan Smith Can Help You
At Hogan Smith, we specialize in helping Missouri residents navigate the Social Security Disability system. We can:
- Determine whether SSDI or SSI—or both—is right for you
- Help you collect the documentation needed to qualify
- Ensure your application meets all SSA requirements
- Represent you through any appeals, if needed
Contact Hogan Smith Today
Ready to take the next step toward disability benefits in Missouri? Contact Hogan Smith today for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, guide you through the qualification process, and help you get the support you deserve.
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