Understanding SSDI Eligibility

To qualify for SSDI in Missouri, you must meet both medical and work history requirements:

• You must have a severe condition that prevents you from working.
• Your disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• You must have worked long enough to earn sufficient work credits under Social Security.

Medical Conditions That Qualify

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a guide called the Blue Book, which lists impairments that may qualify for SSDI. In Missouri, these conditions generally fall into several categories:

• Musculoskeletal Disorders – Back injuries, arthritis, joint dysfunction, chronic pain, and spinal conditions.
• Cardiovascular Conditions – Heart failure, coronary artery disease, or recurrent arrhythmias.
• Neurological Disorders – Epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke complications, or ALS.
• Respiratory Disorders – COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, or other chronic lung diseases.
• Mental Health Disorders – Depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, or severe anxiety disorders.
• Immune System Disorders – Lupus, HIV/AIDS, or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Cancer – Certain types of aggressive or advanced-stage cancers.

Conditions Not Listed in the Blue Book

Even if your condition is not explicitly listed, you may still qualify if:

• It severely limits your ability to work.
• Medical evidence shows your condition is equal in severity to one listed in the Blue Book.

For Missouri applicants, strong documentation from doctors, specialists, and medical tests is critical to proving eligibility.