People with aphasia in Kansas can access federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and resources for support.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. Aphasia, if severe enough, can meet this requirement. You generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your medical records and work history to decide if you qualify. You must also meet income and resource limits for SSI. For SSDI, your work credits are the main factor. [^1]
If you are approved, you may receive monthly payments and access to Medicaid or Medicare. These benefits can help cover living expenses, healthcare, and assistive technology needs. [^1]
In Kansas, people with aphasia may qualify for state-specific programs if they meet federal eligibility for SSI or SSDI. Kansas partners with federal agencies to provide Medicaid coverage, employment support, and assistive technology resources. You may also qualify for Medicaid waivers if you need long-term care at home or in the community. These waivers can help pay for services like speech therapy, personal care, and assistive devices. [^2]
Kansas also offers the ABLE Savings Program, which lets people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. To qualify, your disability must have started before age 26. [^3]
If you work for a public university or college in Kansas, you may be eligible for long-term disability benefits through the KBOR Mandatory Retirement Plan after 180 days of disability. [^4]
The Kansas ABLE Savings Program allows people with disabilities to save money for qualified expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. To qualify, your disability must have started before age 26. You can open an account at savewithable.com/ks/home.html. Kansas offers a $100 empowerment grant for new accounts opened in 2025. [^3]
For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. Kansas does not have a separate state supplement. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not be able to do substantial gainful activity (SGA), which is $1,550 per month in 2025. [^1]
If your income or resources change, you must report it to the Social Security Administration to avoid overpayments. This includes changes in work, living situation, or other benefits. Reporting changes helps ensure you get the right amount of benefits and avoid repayment. [^1]
Contact your local Social Security office or KanCare for help with applications. Many agencies offer free support for people with disabilities.
Yes, if aphasia severely limits your ability to work for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must provide medical evidence showing how aphasia affects your daily life and work. [^1]
Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. You will need medical records showing your aphasia diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work. [^1]
The Kansas ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. You must have a disability that started before age 26. [^3]
Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits. KanCare's Working Healthy program lets you keep Medicaid coverage while working. There are also work incentives for SSI and SSDI. [^2][^5]
Kansas offers Medicaid waivers for long-term care services, including speech therapy and assistive technology. These waivers help people with disabilities live at home or in the community. [^2]
Assistive Technology for Kansas (ATK) connects people with disabilities to assistive technology. K-LOAN offers low-interest loans and savings for assistive devices. [^5]
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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The KBOR plan provides long-term disability benefits for public university and college employees in Kansas who are disabled for more than 180 days. [^4]
Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to the Social Security Administration to avoid overpayments and ensure you get the right benefits. [^1]
Yes, programs like Ticket to Work and KANSASWORKS help people with disabilities find jobs and training. [^5]
The federal income limit for SSI is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. Kansas does not have a separate state supplement. [^1]
