If you live in Missouri and are unable to work, you can apply through the Social Security Administration (SSA) to receive Social Security disability benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You apply through the SSA because the benefits are provided by the federal government, but once you apply, there are differences other services associated with disability benefits in Missouri. Below is an overview of the disability process in Missouri.

Disability Determination Process in Missouri

After the initial step of the application process (handing in your application to your local SSA office), your application will be checked for technical qualifications, such as income limits or work requirements, and then passed on to Missouri Disability Determination Services (DDS), a state agency. A claims examiner at DDS will make a medical decision as to whether or not you are disabled based on your medical records.

Appeals Process in Missouri

If DDS denies you benefits, you'll need to appeal. There is a four-step appeals process, which includes:

• a reconsideration review at DDS
• a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
• an Appeals Council review, and
• a lawsuit in federal court (in the Eastern District or Western District of Missouri).

(The reconsideration step was suspended in Missouri for a number of years, but it returned in early 2020.) Now, those appealing an initial decision in Missouri can immediately request a hearing with an ALJ at Social Security's Office of Hearings Operations (OHO). After you request a hearing, your case will be sent to your local OHO office (find contact information below).

Application and Appeal Outcomes in Missouri

In Missouri, you have a slightly better chance of being awarded benefits than the national average at the initial disability application stage and after a hearing. And the wait for a hearing is less in Missouri than on the national level.

Below is a chart that shows the success rates in Missouri compared to the success rate nationally. (Note: The success rate on appeal includes partially favorable decisions.)

Missouri Supplement to SSI Program for Nursing Care Residents

The monthly payment for SSI is paid mainly by the federal government at a set monthly rate that is adjusted if you have additional income. The State of Missouri also offers additional monthly income (a "state supplement") to individuals who live in some types of residential care or nursing facilities. Below is a breakdown of the maximum monthly amounts that you can receive from Missouri and the federal government. (Note that the state supplement is rarely increased for inflation, unlike the federal payment.)

In Missouri, the State Department of Social Services, Family Support Division (FSD) administers the state supplement. It's called supplemental nursing care; read more about it at the FSD website or contact your local Family Support Division office. To find your local office, you can call the main Family Support Division office at (573) 751-3221 or (800) 735-2466.

Vocational Rehabilitation

When individuals with disabilities who want to try to return to work need assistance with job-related issues, the Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) under the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education can help. The agency can help prepare you for a job, find a job, and provide training for a job. To apply for services, you should contact or visit your local VR office. The office will assess you and make a decision regarding whether or not you are eligible for services and what services you will receive. To help with the assessment, you should bring a copy of your SSI or SSDI award letter to prove you are currently receiving disability benefits.

To contact a local VR office, call the central office in Jefferson City at (877) 222-8963.

DDS Contact Information

Below is the contact information for all of the DDS offices in Missouri.

Missouri OHO Contact Information

Below is the contact information for the local OHO offices in Missouri.

Disability Lawyers in Missouri

If you are denied disability benefits, you should contact a lawyer for a free initial consultation about your case, to see if your case is strong enough to base an appeal on and find out what you need to do to strengthen your case. Your chances of winning an appeal are much higher if you're represented by a lawyer with experience in Social Security disability.

_{Updated August 6, 2020}