Sudden Onset Disability

Next Steps

Talk to Your Employer

Having a disability doesn’t mean you have to quit working. It is important to know your options before making a decision about leaving your job. Talk to your employer's Human Resources department about reasonable accommodations. With the right supports, you may be able to keep working. You can learn more about reasonable accommodations at the Job Accommodation Network, at your local Missouri Job Center (phone: 1-888-728-JOBS), or at a local Independent Living Center. You can learn more about assistive technology at the Missouri Assistive Technology Advisory Council.

If you are thinking about leaving your job, talk to the Human Resources department about benefits you may be able to get, such as Short-Term Disability (STD) Insurance, Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance, and Family Medical Leave.

Apply for Benefits

You can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):

You can also apply for SSDI online. If you have an appointment with Social Security, it's a good idea to review the Disability Starter Kit to prepare.

The MO HealthNet website has instructions on how to apply for health coverage online, by phone, or by mail.

Find a Job

Vocational Rehabilitation can help you apply, prepare for, and find a job.

Missouri Job Centers can help you find a job and plan for your career. To find a Missouri Job Center near you, call 1-888-728-5627 (1-888-728-JOBS) or click here for a list of all Job Centers in Missouri.

Missouri Job Source is an online service where you can look for jobs.

Learn more