Disability Benefits 101: Working with a disability in Missouri

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Next Steps

Learn More About SSDI

Get more information about SSDI:

On the Social Security Administration website
In Social Security’s Red Book
Using Social Security’s Electronic Booklet on Disability Benefits

Use Social Security's online statements to see information about your earnings record and benefits eligibility.

Apply for SSDI

You can apply for SSDI:

Online
By calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) to make an appointment to apply either:
- Over the phone, or
- In person at your local Social Security office.

For help with an appeal, contact Missouri Protection & Advocacy Services.

Note: Due to COVID-19, there may be limits on in-person services. Contact your agency by phone to ask about this.

Talk to an SSDI Expert

If you have questions about SSDI and need to talk with somebody, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) or visit your local Social Security office.

If you want to ask about how work might affect your SSDI benefits, try contacting:

A Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) counselor. Call to see which WIPA agency covers the area where you live:
- Missouri Protection and Advocacy Services (MO P&A) at 1-800-392-8667
- Paraquad's Show Me Employment Project at 1-314-289-4200
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) if you are a VR client, at 1-877-222-8963, or
The Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY).

Ticket to Work

Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program helps people with disabilities who get Social Security benefits re-enter the workforce and become more independent. The Ticket to Work Program offers free access to employment-related services, such as training, transportation, and vocational rehabilitation.

Benefits Planning Services

If you're currently on SSI, SSDI, or CDB benefits, and you're looking for a job, a trained Benefits Specialist can help you avoid complications when you are working on a job plan for your future. For questions or guidance specific to your situation, you can speak to someone at the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 (1-866-833-2967 TTY/TDD) Monday through Friday from 8:00AM - 8:00PM EST.

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Glossary

Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE)

Documented expenses for services or items that are related to a serious medical condition or impairment and needed in order to work. Wheelchairs, physician visits, copayments for prescriptions, and other medical expenses are some examples of IRWEs. The expenses must be verified by original receipts and canceled checks and approved by Social Security.

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

The amount of monthly earned income that shows a person is doing significant work according to Social Security. People who cannot earn more than SGA due to their disabilities may be considered disabled by Social Security and other agencies that use Social Security’s definition of disability.

In 2022, SGA is $1,350 per month ($2,260 for people who are blind).

SGA levels for previous years:

Year	Disabled, Non-blind	Blind
2021	$1,310	$2,190
2020	$1,260	$2,110
2019	$1,220	$2,040
2018	$1,180	$1,970
2017	$1,170	$1,950
2016	$1,130	$1,820
2015	$1,090	$1,820
2014	$1,070	$1,800
2013	$1,040	$1,740
2012	$1,010	$1,690
2011	$1,000	$1,640
2010	$1,000	$1,640

Social Security lists the SGA levels for earlier years.

Trial Work Month (SSDI)

Any month when gross monthly earnings are above $970 (for 2022). Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWEs) cannot be deducted when figuring out Trial Work month earnings.

Trial Work month income levels are indexed annually for increases or decreases in the average wage. Previous Trial Work month gross income levels were:

$940 in 2021
$910 in 2020
$880 in 2019
$850 in 2018
$840 in 2017
$810 in 2016
$780 in 2015
$770 in 2014
$750 in 2013
$720 in 2012
$720 in 2011
$720 in 2010
$700 in 2009
$670 in 2008
$640 in 2007
$620 in 2006
$590 in 2005
$580 in 2004
$570 in 2003
$560 in 2002
$530 in 2001
$200 from 1990 to 2000, and
$75 before 1990.

Trial Work Period (TWP)

The Trial Work Period is the nine Trial Work months occurring within a five-year window when you can work and continue to get your full SSDI benefit. These work months can occur one right after the other or be spread out over time.

Work Credits (SSDI)

One of the eligibility requirements for SSDI is to have worked and paid FICA taxes for specified periods of time. If you work and earn at least $1,510 for one quarter (three months), and pay FICA taxes, you earn one SSDI "work credit." You can earn up to four credits within a 12-month period.

The number of work credits needed to qualify for SSDI depends upon how old you were when Social Security determined that you are disabled.

If you were determined disabled before age 24, you need six credits within the past three years to be eligible for SSDI.

If you were determined disabled between the ages of 24 and 31, you need 12 credits within the past six years to be eligible for SSDI.

If you were determined disabled after you turned 31, you need the number of work credits shown in the table below. And unless you are blind, you need to have earned at least 20 of those credits in the 10 years prior to becoming disabled.

Work Credits Required for SSDI Eligibility for those Born After 1929
Became Disabled At Age:	Number of Credits Needed
31 through 42	20
44	22
46	24
48	26
50	28
52	30
54	32
56	34
58	36
60	38
62 or older	40

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