Who Qualifies for SSDI in Missouri?

To qualify for SSDI in Missouri, you must meet both medical and work-related requirements set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). These rules apply uniformly across all states, but your application may also be reviewed by the Missouri Disability Determination Services (DDS).

Basic SSDI Eligibility Rules in Missouri

Here are the key requirements:

• Work History: You must have a sufficient number of work credits based on your age and past employment. Typically, you need 20 credits earned in the last 10 years before your disability began.
• Social Security Contributions: You must have worked jobs that required you to pay Social Security taxes (FICA).
• Severe Disability: Your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death.
• Medical Documentation: You must provide strong medical evidence demonstrating the extent of your limitations and how they impact your ability to work.

SSA’s Five-Step Disability Evaluation

The SSA uses a standard five-step process to evaluate every SSDI application:

1. Are you working? Earning above the SGA limit can disqualify you.
2. Is your condition severe? It must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities.
3. Is your condition listed? SSA maintains a list of qualifying medical conditions. Meeting or equaling a listed condition can lead to approval.
4. Can you perform your past work? If not, you proceed to the next step.
5. Can you perform any other work? SSA considers your age, education, and work experience to decide if other work is possible.

Common Qualifying Conditions in Missouri

While any severe condition can potentially qualify, common SSDI-approved conditions include:

• Musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., back injuries, arthritis)
• Neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, multiple sclerosis)
• Mental health conditions (e.g., depression, PTSD)
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Cancer and other chronic illnesses

Providing complete and current medical records is essential to support your claim.

Missouri DDS and Application Review

After you apply, your claim is forwarded to Missouri’s Disability Determination Services (DDS). DDS may:

• Request additional records
• Schedule a consultative exam
• Contact your doctors for more information

Being responsive and organized during this phase can speed up the process.