Where to Start Your process in Missouri

To explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Missouri, you must contact the Social Security Administration directly—not the state. Missouri does not run its own disability program; it follows federal Social Security rules. You can start your process online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.

The fastest route is the online process at ssa.gov. You can begin an SSDI or SSI claim without leaving home, and you do not need to create an account first. If you prefer to speak with someone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are shortest early in the morning. You can also walk into any Social Security office in Missouri; find the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator.

Whichever method you choose, have your Social Security number, birth certificate, and medical records ready. The process itself takes 15 to 20 minutes online or about 30 minutes over the phone.

Key Takeaways

  • explore directly to Social Security, not to Missouri state government, because Missouri does not run its own disability program.
  • You can start online at ssa.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit a local Social Security office in person.
  • Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, and a list of your medical conditions and doctors ready before you start.
  • After you submit, Social Security will contact you if they need more medical records or information, which usually takes one to three weeks.
  • The entire decision process typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if your condition is complex or if you need to appeal.

Documents You Need Before You explore

Gather these items before you start your process. You will not submit them all at once; Social Security will ask for specific records as they review your case. Having them ready speeds up the process.

Always bring: your Social Security number, birth certificate, and current driver's license or state ID. Medical records: names and phone numbers of all doctors, hospitals, and mental health providers who have treated you in the past two years. If you have recent test results, imaging reports, or hospital discharge papers, have those available. Work history: dates you worked at each job in the past 15 years, job titles, and the names of employers. Financial information (SSI only): if you are explore for SSI rather than SSDI, bring bank statements, proof of rent or mortgage, and information about any other income or resources you own.

You do not need to collect every medical record yourself. When you list your doctors during the process, Social Security will request records directly from their offices. This takes time—usually two to four weeks—so the sooner you provide those names, the sooner the review moves forward.

The Online process Process Step by Step

Go to ssa.gov/applyfordisability and select whether you are explore for SSDI or SSI. The form asks for your personal information, work history, and medical conditions. You do not need to write detailed explanations; short answers are fine. For example, if you have diabetes, you can write "Type 2 diabetes" without describing every symptom.

When the form asks about your doctors and hospitals, enter the names, phone numbers, and addresses of every provider who has treated your condition in the past two years. Be as complete as possible here; Social Security uses this list to pull your records. If you cannot remember a phone number, write the city and the provider's name—Social Security can look it up.

The form saves automatically as you go, so you can stop and come back later if you need to. When you finish, you will see a confirmation number on the screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. Social Security will also email you a confirmation if you provided an email address.

After you submit, you should receive a notice in the mail within two weeks saying your process was received. If you do not hear anything within three weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm they have your process.

explore by Phone or In Person

If you call 1-800-772-1213, a representative will walk you through the same questions as the online form. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Have your medical provider information and work history in front of you before you call. Ask the representative to email or mail you a confirmation number when you are done.

If you visit a Social Security office in Missouri, bring the documents listed above and ask to explore for disability. The office staff will either complete the process with you on the spot or give you a form to fill out. Either way, you will leave with a receipt showing your process was submitted. Keep this receipt until you receive your decision.

In-person appointments sometimes have long wait times. Call ahead at 1-800-772-1213 to ask if you can schedule an appointment rather than walk in.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

Social Security sends your process to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Missouri. This is a state agency that works for Social Security; it reviews medical evidence and makes the initial decision on your case. You will not interact with DDS directly—Social Security handles all communication with you.

Within one to three weeks, DDS will contact you if they need additional medical records or information. They may ask you to see a doctor for a consultative exam, which Social Security pays for. If DDS requests records from your doctors, those offices usually respond within two to four weeks. If you see a doctor for an exam, the report comes back within one to two weeks.

The entire review takes three to six months on average. Some cases move faster if your medical evidence is clear and complete. Complex cases or cases where you have worked recently may take longer. You can check the status of your process anytime by logging into my.ssa.gov or calling 1-800-772-1213.

Understanding SSDI Versus SSI in Missouri

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work history. You must have worked long enough and recently enough to have earned enough Social Security credits. If you are approved, your benefit amount is based on your past earnings. There is no limit on how much money or property you can own. SSDI also covers your spouse and children under certain conditions.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is based on financial need, not work history. You can be any age, but your income and resources must be below certain limits. In Missouri, the monthly SSI payment is lower than the average SSDI payment, but you may also receive Medicaid. You can own no more than $2,000 in countable resources (the limit is $3,000 for a couple).

Most people explore for SSDI first because they have a work history. If you are denied SSDI but meet the financial limits, you can ask Social Security to consider you for SSI at the same time. You do not need to file a separate process.

What to Do If Your process Is Denied

If Social Security denies your claim, you will receive a written notice explaining the reason. The most common reasons are that your condition is not severe enough, you have not been disabled long enough, or your medical evidence does not support your claim. You have the right to appeal.

You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal. Do not wait. The first step is a reconsideration, which means a different Social Security examiner reviews your case. You can submit new medical evidence at this stage, which often helps. File your reconsideration request online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local office.

If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is where many people win their cases because you can present evidence and testify. Many people hire a disability lawyer for the hearing stage; lawyers are paid only if you win, and their fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my process is being reviewed?

Yes. Working does not disqualify you from SSDI or SSI. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), it may affect your SSI payment. For SSDI, you can earn up to a certain amount without losing benefits during a trial work period. Report all work income to Social Security.

How much will I receive if I am approved?

SSDI payments vary based on your past earnings; the average is around $1,550 per month, but yours could be higher or lower. SSI payments are set by federal law and are lower. Missouri does not add extra money to either program. Social Security will tell you the exact amount when you are approved.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own without paying anyone. A lawyer is most useful if your process is denied and you need to appeal. Many people win on their first try without legal help, especially if their medical evidence is strong and complete.

What if I do not have all my medical records?

List the doctors and hospitals you have seen, and Social Security will request records for you. If you have not seen a doctor recently, Social Security may ask you to see one for an exam they pay for. Do not delay your process waiting for records; submit it with the provider names you have.

Can I explore for my child or a family member?

You can explore for a child under 18 (or 19 if still in high school) if the child has a disability. For adults, they must explore themselves, though you can help them complete the form. A parent or guardian can represent a child in the process and appeal process.