Understanding Disability Benefits in Missouri
If you or someone you care about has a disability, you know how hard it can be to work and cover basic needs. You or your loved one may be running low on funds from workers’ compensation or unemployment, and the situation can feel hopeless. Missouri disability benefits could provide a lifeline.
It can be difficult or sometimes impossible to hold a typical job with a disability. Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, can help provide steady monthly payments based on your past work experience.
To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have a sufficient work history and a qualifying medical condition preventing you from working that is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
If you live in Missouri, there are state-specific nuances you should know if you plan to apply for disability. Whether you’re just learning about SSDI or looking for help with a denial, this guide will help you take your next steps.
SSDI Payment Range in Missouri
SSDI payments are based on your past earnings. The maximum SSDI monthly payment in 2025 is $4,018, but most recipients receive less than that.
How Much Does Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Pay in Missouri?
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a needs-based program for older, blind, and disabled Americans with limited resources and income. Eligible individuals can receive this payment to help them handle their monthly expenses. In Missouri, recipients generally can receive up to $967 in monthly SSI benefits in 2025.
The primary difference between SSDI and SSI payments in Missouri is that SSI does not require a work history. Instead, you may qualify for SSI based on your household assets and income.
You can qualify for simultaneous benefits under both programs. If you receive a low SSDI payment and have little to no other resources, you might also qualify for SSI. By qualifying for both benefits, you could get closer to covering all your basic living expenses.
You may also qualify for other assistance programs in Missouri, including MO HealthNet or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The state also offers supplemental benefits to SSI recipients who live in licensed residential or nursing care facilities and don’t have enough money to pay for care.
Factors Affecting Your Disability Payments in Missouri
Many factors can affect your SSDI payments in Missouri, ranging from your past work history to cost-of-living adjustments. At Disability Advice, we offer calculators that you can use to estimate your monthly SSDI payment.
How Work History Influences SSDI
One major eligibility requirement for SSDI is work history. When you work, Social Security taxes are generally deducted from your paycheck, and those taxes earn you work credits. Most people who seek SSDI must have at least 40 credits to qualify. Of those, 20 must be from the 10 years prior to becoming disabled. Therefore, you generally must have worked at least five of the last 10 years.
You earn credits over time. Since 1978, you have been able to earn a maximum of four credits per year, which are granted based on your total wages and self-employment income for that year. For 2025, you get one credit for every $1,810 in covered earnings. Thus, you must earn $7,240 for 2025 to max out your credits for the year.
While work credits are used to establish eligibility, the Social Security Administration determines your SSDI payments based on your average earnings over your working years.
However, there are exceptions to the work credit requirements. For instance:
- If you become disabled before age 24 but have a work history, you may still qualify for SSDI even without 20 credits. If you have earned at least six credits within the three-year period before the disability’s onset, you may be eligible for SSDI.
- If you are between 24 and 31, you qualify if you have earned credits for at least half the time between the age of 21 and the disability’s onset. For example, if you’re 27 when you develop a disabling condition, you must have three years of work experience and 12 credits to qualify.
Cost-of-Living Adjustments
Cost-of-living adjustments, or COLA, may also impact the amount you receive for SSDI. COLA increases are issued annually to account for inflation. In 2025, the SSA issued a 2.5% COLA increase for SSDI and SSI.
When the SSA issues a COLA increase, it will notify you by mail or message to your my Social Security account if you have signed up online.
The Role of a Disability Lawyer in Missouri
A disability lawyer in Missouri can be crucial, especially for applicants with complicated cases or who have already received denials.
A disability lawyer can help with the complicated and time-consuming aspects of your case, such as:
- Ensure all necessary documents are prepared accurately and submitted on time to prevent unnecessary denials.
- Gather medical records and other documentation to build the strongest claims possibl
- Represent you at hearings, prepare you to testify before an administrative law judge, question witnesses, and argue on your
- Help you file any necessary appeals by gathering additional information, meeting required deadlines, and completing paperwork.
With the help of a disability attorney, you will have a better chance of preparing a successful application or appeal. You’ll meet necessary deadlines and have someone on your side to represent you at hearings, which is vital if you’re potentially unable to make it into court.
Keep in mind that the SSA denies the majority of initial SSDI applications. However, there are several levels of appeal available. Disability lawyers can help improve your chances of approval, whether by gathering more supporting evidence or helping you with flaws in your application.
Get the Benefits You Deserve
Missouri disability pay can help you cover your basic needs when you can no longer work because of your condition. While many people wait months or even years to get SSDI benefits, the wait can be worth it. You could receive hundreds or thousands of dollars a month if you qualify. Taking the time to check your eligibility, gather solid supporting documentation, and get professional help can boost your chances of approval.
You can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance if you have worked but can no longer do so because of a disability. While this process can seem confusing or overwhelming, working with an SSDI attorney can ensure you have the support you need throughout the application or appeals process.
At Disability Advice, we help people understand the SSDI process, apply for disability in Missouri, and appeal denials. Contact us today to set up a consultation with our team.
- Free case evaluation
- Assist with denied claims
- Ensure you have all documents
- Make the process easy for you
