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Kansas • Neurodegenerative
People with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in Kansas can access federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, state programs such as Medicaid waivers, and financial tools like ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources for Kansans living with ALS.
People with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are automatically considered disabled by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) purposes. This means you do not need to meet the usual 24-month waiting period for Medicare or the typical disability review process. To qualify, you must have a confirmed diagnosis of ALS and meet the income and resource limits for SSI or have enough work credits for SSDI. Benefits can start as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed, and Medicare coverage begins the same month as SSDI approval[5].
In Kansas, people with ALS may qualify for Medicaid through KanCare, especially if they meet income and disability requirements. Kansas also offers Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, which provide support for people with disabilities to live independently. State employees with ALS may be eligible for long-term disability benefits through the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) plan if they are disabled for more than 180 days and participate in the KBOR Mandatory Retirement Plan. Additionally, Kansas residents can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits[3][1].
The Kansas ABLE Savings Plan allows people with ALS to save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. You can open an account at savewithable.com/ks/home.html. Kansas offers a $100 empowerment grant for new accounts opened in 2025. ABLE accounts can be used for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, transportation, and personal support services[3].
For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not have substantial earnings (more than $1,620 per month in 2025, or $2,700 if blind). Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size, but people with ALS may qualify for Medicaid regardless of income if they meet disability requirements[5][4].
If you receive SSI or SSDI, you must report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or benefit reductions. Report changes online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at your local SSA office. For Medicaid, report changes to KanCare at kancare.ks.gov or by calling 1-800-792-4884[5][4].
ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so your Social Security disability application will be processed quickly. You do not need to meet the usual 24-month waiting period for Medicare or the typical disability review process.
State employees with ALS may be eligible for long-term disability benefits through the KBOR plan if they are disabled for more than 180 days and participate in the KBOR Mandatory Retirement Plan.
Yes, ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so your Social Security disability application will be processed quickly. You do not need to meet the usual 24-month waiting period for Medicare or the typical disability review process[5].
Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits for ALS. Social Security offers work incentives to help you keep your benefits and health coverage while you try to work. KanCare also has work incentives to help you keep Medicaid coverage while working[5][4].
You can apply for Medicaid through KanCare online at kancare.ks.gov or by calling 1-800-792-4884. Mention your ALS diagnosis for expedited review. Medicaid covers a wide range of health services for people with ALS[4].
The KBOR Long-Term Disability plan provides 60% of monthly pay (minimum $100, maximum $5,000) for state employees with ALS who are disabled for more than 180 days and participate in the KBOR Mandatory Retirement Plan. It also includes a 14% KU contribution to retirement[1].
Yes, you can save money in a Kansas ABLE account if you have ALS. ABLE accounts allow you to save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. Kansas offers a $100 empowerment grant for new accounts opened in 2025[3].
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about disability benefits for people with ALS in Kansas. For specific advice, contact the agencies listed above or consult a benefits counselor.
Yes, Assistive Technology for Kansas (ATK) and K-LOAN provide access to assistive technology and financial planning for people with ALS. ATK offers low-interest loans and credit counseling, and K-LOAN offers directed savings and borrowing for assistive technology[2].
Yes, you must report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or benefit reductions. Report changes online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at your local SSA office[5][4].
Children with ALS may receive benefits as a dependent on a parent's Social Security record. If the child is disabled before age 22, they may be eligible for benefits as an adult on a parent's record if the parent is deceased or starts receiving retirement or disability benefits[5].
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for people who have worked and have enough work credits. Both programs provide monthly payments and health coverage for people with ALS. SSI is means-tested, while SSDI is based on work history[5].
The Ticket to Work program helps people with ALS progress toward financial independence. KANSASWORKS is an approved Employment Network to accept your 'Ticket to Work.' Contact them to get connected with an Employment Service Provider near you[2].
